Veronica’s first date with Sebastian not only stirs up a powerful attraction, but also a series of supernatural events that will tear them apart.
After countless hours of dead end online dating, Veronica meets up with Sebastian at a reportedly haunted restaurant, since he knows she has a fascination with the paranormal. While enjoying their meals and each other’s company, they share a shocking supernatural experience. Their romantic connection is overshadowed by the ghosts of their own pasts that threaten to destroy their budding relationship. Veronica decides she must return to the restaurant to face her past and dig up more answers. Unfortunately, she realizes she must go back, this time with a reluctant Sebastian. In the end, they join forces against the evil that stands between them, but will they make it out alive?
Hmmm. What's this? Looks like Ms. Braun left her computer on and her Goodreads bio open.
This should be fun.
What can we say about Theresa? I mean other than the fact that she's weirdly obsessed with smiley faces :-). Like, seriously obsessed >:-*. It's kinda scary :-O.
I think she thinks she's from Renaissance England or Venice or something. I never could figure out which one it was. (She's really bad at doing accents.)
She likes romance novels and crime TV, which are pretty much the same thing when you think about it. Ha! Am I right?
She has a hell of a singing voice. Seriously. It's, like, seventh circle of hell bad.
She likes editing. A lot. Just wait till she get's aload a this.
Cats. Shoes. Chips and salsa. In that order.
Yeah, that last part didn't make sense to me either.
I did a reread of this since I've been reading a few short stories lately in between books, and it's just so well done for a short story!
This was actually a decent novella for how short it was. I normally don't like most ghost type stuff, but the way everything connected was pretty cool. The ending was unexpected too!
Theresa Braun's DEAD OVER HEELS #Giveaway Blitz A Ghostly Tale of Love, Murder & High Heels ============== Enter to win 1 of 4 eCopies from Theresa Braun - International where allowed Ends April 5, 2017 @ 11:59 PM Click on Banner to enter
Talk about killer heels! Theresa Braun’s DEAD OVER HEELS is a short, but dark and ghostly tale of Fate, Love, Rejection and possibly mistaken identity over a pair of high heel shoes. Veronica was desperate for love, but it was that desperation and maybe the love spell she cast that gave her both the pleasure of love with Sebastian and the horror of seeing into the past.
On her first date with Sebastian, Veronica notices an older couple, deeply in love. There is something about them, something special, almost unearthly. In celebration of their one month anniversary, they return to the restaurant and there, at the same table are that special couple. And that is when both Veronica and Sebastian’s pasts collide and their most painful memories return with a vengeance, a vengeance that becomes a living nightmare for one of them because of a pair of shoes.
Not all authors can write a short story and please readers, but Theresa Braun has done it! Well thought out, good characters, fascinating action and just enough paranormal to leave one wondering, what if…
Perfect when you can sneak in some reading time!
I received this copy from Theresa Braun in exchange for my honest review.
*** Note: I received review copy of this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review. I am glad I got a chance to read this book. ***
The more good the story, the lesser words I have to say for the book. It make me speechless and I just end up saying just read it. That’s what I felt for this story. What an appropriate title and cover! I loved it.
This is emotional ghostly short story. Both characters were developed and nice. The story was narrated by Veronica, protagonist. This short story cover love, vengeance, hate, anger and ghosts. The story exactly picked my interest when Veronica was waiting at meets restaurant to meet Sebastian where she was pointing out why she was finally interested in Sebastian and their meeting later. That part was bit humorous. The twist was totally unexpected and scary as hell. The story of ghost couple was real sad, emotional and horrifying. It tested their love. And in desperation of saving their love Veronica take a decisions that had totally unexpected end. 2 twist in just 38 pages was very remarkable and amazingly written by author.
End– it was unexpected. Though I liked the end, I want to see what happened later from Sebastian’s Point of view too.
Overall, Dead over Heels was quick, dark, tragic paranormal romance that will make you feel why it ended. Those who like to read horror short stories would enjoy it.
This is a great short story. Veronica meets Sebastian after chatting on a dating site. They choose a supposedly haunted restaurant as their first date and lo and behold they see ghosts as they enjoy their meal. A couple lovingly sharing date night long after they’ve left this earth. Quite sweet you think but when V&S go back there for Christmas Eve the ghosts aren’t so friendly
History is repeating itself, trapped in a loop that reveals a shared past they weren’t aware they had.
It’s very well written, beautifully described and works well as a short story. Recommended
Dead Over Heels, is an unusual story with a paranormal twist. Unlucky in love Veronica creates a spell to find her soul mate. Not long after she ends up on a blind date with Sebastian at ‘The River House’ Restaurant.
The two hit it off immediately, but whilst they are enjoying themselves Veronica notices a strange couple on the next table, not eating or drinking, and the woman looks very familiar. Sebastian asks the waiter to take them a round of drinks, but the bemused waiter tells him that no-one has been sitting there all night.
One month later, Veronica and Sebastian are back at the restaurant to celebrate their one month anniversary. Sitting at the exact table they did the first time they dined there, they are shocked when the couple from their first date suddenly appear out of thin air, and sits at the next table again.
They both realise that there is ghostly activity going on, but could the ghosts spell danger for Veronica and Sebastian?
Dead Over Heels is a quick read at only 38 pages long, but there is so much going on in the story that it feels much longer. I love how Theresa has combined a love story, with a paranormal one.
Veronica and Sebastian are very likeable characters, and it would seem that whether Veronica conjured up her soul mate, or whether fate intervened, the two were made for one another.
The ghostly happenings are a fantastic plot twist, but I won’t say anymore, or I’ll give the plot away! Let’s just say that I didn’t predict the ending, even when the book opens with a snippet of it.
Very enjoyable, and full on from beginning to end.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!
We're in love. I'd like to think it's even stronger now. The problem is, I never knew that finding the one would be such a double-edged sword.
Veronica is desperate for a date. After the loss of her mother, and death of her father, her desire for a reliable boyfriend is at the top of her list. Just as she nearly gave up on finding someone who would reciprocate her feelings, she received an online dating request from a man named Sebastian...even though that particular online account had already been canceled.
It is obvious from their first date that something unexplained is at work. Pulled into a realm where the living and deceased are merge, Veronica and Sebastian must face painful truths, emotional turmoil, and aggressive ghosts.
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Well--this was a trippy little tale! Not only was this short story well written, the plot itself serves as an effective short story. There is enough substance and character building to keep the reader interested, and the underlining "blindsiding" qualities completely threw me off guard!
The only thing that I didn't really like was Veronica's spitefulness--which was an understandable character trait due to her bitterness. But, I would have liked to see her grow more out of that.
Vulgarity: Quite a bit. Sexual content: Flirtation only. Violence: Quite a bit.
What would you do if the ghosts of your past were threatening your chance at happiness? Would you stand idly by? Or would you fight to be with the person who is responsible for your happiness….even if it means confronting old demons?
Dead Over Heels, a short story by Theresa Braun, is a pleasant mix of a crime fiction, chick lit and paranormal thriller. I do not usually like short stories, in my experience; they spend too much time building a plot and not enough time spent on resolution. They don’t allow for character development. This story changed my opinion. Braun gave me exactly what I wanted in this story; well-developed characters, a lot of action and a creepy, concise ghost story with a shocking twist.
For such a short story, it packs a serious punch!
From the first paragraph, I was hooked by this one. Initially, we meet Veronica. She is your typical, and relatable, woman taking a crack at online dating (and failing miserably). She cancels her account, but fate intervenes and allows one last message to go through. A message from Sebastian. Veronica and Sebastian meet online and have their first date at a reportedly haunted restaurant; Veronica mentioned in her profile that she has an interest in the paranormal. They have some instant attraction but, while enjoying their meals, they experience a supernatural occurrence. Veronica is haunted by this and decides she must return to figure out what’s happening. To her shock and dismay, she realizes that she has a connection to these occurrences, as does Sebastian. Veronica and Sebastian must work together to keep their own past demons at bay.
There were twists and turns throughout the story that were completely unexpected for me. I wasn’t expecting a whole lot, especially since it is a short story, but shame on me! Braun led me on a journey will plenty of unanticipated moments. The twist at the end was a complete shock for me!
I am not sure what Braun will come up with next, but I know one thing for sure: I’ll be reading it.
I would recommend this story to someone who wants a quick dip into the genre; you will not regret it!!
I voluntarily received an e-copy of this book. Thank you to the author, Theresa Braun.
When it comes to short stories of any form, whether it’s simply that or a novella, I’m always iffy. Usually there’s certain details that can be expounded upon or characters that don’t develop entirely. After all, there’s only so much that can be accomplished without a full length novel. Opening up Theresa Braun’s novellette, Dead Over Heels, I can’t recall what I thought. I definitely didn’t expect something so totally complete.
Dead Over Heels begins setting the scene for a couple of after some sort of incident. Using the “hook and return” concept, Braun then goes backwards to tell readers how the main characters, Veronica and Sebastian, ended up where they are. What unfolds is a hauntingly sweet tale of the joys and frustrations of dating, coupled with a few darker notes. As the story progresses, things take a supernatural turn that not only kept me on the edge of my seat, but blew me away. I did not see the ending coming, and that is a feat. I can’t wait to read more from Braun!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
It's not often you come across horror with this much heart. Theresa Braun's story starts out quirky, charming, a bit humorous and tongue-in-cheek. We meet the protagonist, a terminally single woman who's not above casting a few spells in order to find Mr. Right. She's not a witch, though--just a lonely girl who will try anything once, even online dating.
When she meets her match, he truly is her match. There's some strange similarities between the two of them that create a quick bond. As Braun's tale gets darker and darker, you grow to care for her characters a surprising amount in such a short time.
Watch it, because she just might break your heart.
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
I really enjoyed reading this story. It is a creative, inventive, and truly captivating tale that pulled me in from page one and took me completely by surprise. This is one of those stories that keeps you wanting more—the sort that will make you voraciously tear through it, and really packs a punch.
Despite the fact that it is short in length, the plot and its characters are completely fleshed out and multidimensional. This is a story that will stick with you long after reaching the end. From the mysterious situation that the two main characters find themselves in all the way until the shocking conclusion, Braun hooks her readers and fluidly pulls them into every page.
In this story, we follow our main character, Veronica, as she finds true love under the most peculiar of circumstances. After an unexpectedly deep connection occurs between her and her new beau, Sebastian, they soon learn just how unbelievably deep it actually goes. The two share very many similarities, the main one being their painful pasts—each one has lost a parent at a young age. But just as quickly as their relationship blooms, they are forced to quite literally face the ghosts of their pasts and relive a true nightmare. And when their individual histories play out before them, their love is put to the test as renewed pain threatens to break them apart.
There is so much packed into such a short amount of time, and Braun expertly unfolds a compelling and detailed plot within the length limitations. It is fast-paced and exciting, full of twists and turns, and without a single dull moment. Her writing style flows well and is easy to get swept up in.
This was unlike any story I’ve read before, and I applaud Braun on her originality in creating such an intriguing supernatural mystery. Her characters are relatable and likeable right from the beginning, and the full arc of their relationship ends in a shocking and unexpected conclusion. Filled with romance and humor, darkness and tragedy, this novella will keep readers on the edges of their seats and craving more, even after the final page.
Wow, Dead Over Heels by Theresa Braun turned out to be nothing like I expected! I was pleasantly surprised with this short story.
This story may only be 38 pg's long but it's packed full of magic, tragedy, romance and mystery. I really enjoy Theresa Braun's writing. From her beginning sentence I was sucked in and I didn't lose interest once (which I think is pretty important, especially for a short story). If there was just a little bit more explanation/detail I would have probably given this a solid four stars.
Dead Over Heels is great for any fan of paranormal romance. It's a bit dark, sometimes gory, filled with dark humor and ends with a bang! The ending is seriously great (in a twisted, unfortunate kind of way, haha). I recommend this story to any fan of dark and twisted tales.
*** I received a free PDF copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Booktasters for introducing me to this author and thank you to Theresa Braun for allowing me to review her story. ***
I liked this short story from the start to the end. The storyline is simple and realistic and fantastic at the same time. But let me warn you that there is a huge surprise at the end that has totally swept me off my feet. In actual fact, I want to tell you without misrepresentation: Theresa Braun has sent me on unpredictable romantic journey through the world of spirit with characters that I feel very real and full, multidimensional and are so easy to fall in love with, and to hate. In addition, I’m so glad the author brought modern day issues and showed how to respond effectively to them… if only it were possible. I love the diversity and abruptness. It made the story more real because these are real things in our setting. Overall, this is a very good, gritty novelette with an ending that shocked me. It deserves to be read.
How is this book ONLY 38 PAGES. Theresa you can't tease us like this again!!!
This book turned my little world upside down for a week. Truthfully when I began reading the book I thought I wouldn’t like it because of the supernatural aspects. It was the true definition of a page turner. I should have turned a little slower a lot slower. Veronica stops searching for the love of her life and he literally falls in her lap only to be jerked away. She as well as Sebastian discovers things of the past that they needed to know to fulfill the voids that they had in their lives about their parents. Sebastian seems too good to be true. I love that the point of view came from all that were involved in the story. Once again how is that possible in only 38 pages? This is the best short story that I have read in a while. “Dead Over Heels” is an example of things aren’t always as they seem. I love that the there was some supernatural events but not to the point where it wasn’t believable. Mrs. Theresa, you own us many more of these. I often say that I read all genres but I normally don’t real supernatural books. This book exceeded my expectations and left me wanting more.
A cute short read! This book has a little supernatural and a little ghost or two in it. I enjoyed the quick read and to get my mind on something else. I enjoyed the ghostly part of the book and the love story was fun too. This short story was packed and a good read. * I received this book from the author ---this is my honest review*
Fun, intelligent and creepy blend of genres. Moves through paranormal, mystery and romance, sprawls between flashbacks and flashforwards—a highly skilled and gripping story you should definitely check out!
At just 38 pages, this book proved that good things really do come in small packages! I had no idea where the story was going but I thought the ending was absolutely brilliant! It was a completely unexpected plot twist. I audibly gasped as everything was neatly tied up by the last paragraph. I won't say any more for fear of giving away this extraordinary twist, but it's worth reading for the ending alone. I thought the characters were really well developed, especially considering the shorter length of the story. I would've liked to learn a little more about Sebastian but that's just a personal preference, the story works perfectly well as it is. Overall, I'd give Dead Over Heels 4.5 out of 5. It was short, but really packed a punch and captivated me from the beginning.
This e-book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Dead Over Heels by Theresa Braun tells the story of Veronica and Sebastian’s new and exciting relationship. After meeting on an online dating website and enjoying a first date at a spooky restaurant, they become intertwined for life. How? They are visited by ghosts from their past who bring with them a shocking secret.
This story spooked me out as I was reading it. The storyline was well written using simple language and easy to follow, but there was something about how Braun writes that gave me goosebumps. I can’t put my finger on exactly what it was but I think it was how the setting was provided; it made me feel like I was right there also watching those ghosts.
At just 38 pages long, one would expect there to be very little space for exploration. However, the story wasn’t rushed at all and the novella felt longer than it was. There was even enough time to add a twist in the middle, which I certainly didn’t see coming. In terms of character creation, we pretty much learn everything about Veronica and Sebastian at the start, but they are developed enough that they become attractive to the reader and we begin to have a sense of sympathy toward them.
It is hard to please readers with a short story and, for me, ‘the bigger the better’ is the case when it comes to the length of a book. But, this absolutely won me over. Braun has peaked my interest further in short stories but, even more so, in her work. I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next!
This book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review.
Just when she’d about given up with online dating, Veronica decided to lend fate a helping hand and experiment with a candle spell. A developing online relationship ensued and a couple of weeks later, after messaging back and forth, she agreed to meet Sebastian. Their date was set for The River House, the venue chosen by Sebastian because it was supposedly haunted and he knew Veronica was fascinated by the paranormal.
Veronica and Sebastian were getting on famously, finding they had strangely similar experiences with their parents, when Veronica noticed an older couple at a nearby table.
The woman at the table looked familiar to Veronica, reminding her of her mother. The couple weren’t drinking or eating and Sebastian asked the waiter to send drinks over to their table. The waiter’s answer flabbergasted them both.
Theresa Braun packs a lot into this novelette of just thirty-eight pages; including romance, tragedy and the paranormal. Well written with depth and enough information about the characters to get a good feel for them. The opening few paragraphs are an instant hook.
The story is narrated by Veronica, informally in the first person, which holds the attention as the reader experiences the strange and traumatic events with her as they unfold. An engaging story with a smoothly flowing plot, no unnecessary padding and the pacing is just right. A clever spin on the title which is only revealed at the end. There are twists throughout and the ending is totally unexpected and shocking. A quick, enjoyable read.
I chose to read and review Dead Over Heels for R&R Book Tours based on a copy of the book supplied by the author/publisher.
It takes a pretty good writer to convey an entire story in a short format, and Theresa Braun is one of those writers. Despite the 38-page count in the Kindle version of the book, Braun is able to convey a funny and cute love story that turns into a blood soaked story of ghosts, revenge, and heartbreak. Veronica is a single woman who has turned to witchcraft to help her find “the one”, and is only a little skeptical when Reiki-master Sebastian comes into her life in an instant message. Things become complicated for the couple – who have fallen for each other in a “love at first sight” deal – when they see a ghost couple on their first date.
It is hard not to spoil a story of this length, but I certainly did not see the ending coming. Braun does a good job with the first-person narrative from Veronica’s perspective in that it holds the reader’s attention and makes the twists all the more authentic as we – as readers – are just as surprised as Veronica is. Sebastian is a sweet soul, but I do wish there was a little bit more of his interactions with Veronica included in the story, as I would have liked to see more of how he behaves and what holds the two of them together after they are shaken by the ghosts on their first date. Even a touch more of Veronica’s Wiccan side would have been nice. But, at the end of the story, I still liked the characters, I enjoyed the writing, and the twisty ending was fantastic.
If short stories and novellas are your thing, considering checking out Dead Over Heels. It is certainly a fun supernatural story of thrills and chills.
I seem to be reading crime/horror more and more these days. In truth, I never thought that I would enjoy the crime/horror genre. But whenever I get asked to read a new genre, I like to take a chance. I wonder, will I be surprised and enjoy something outside my comfort zone? Due to taking those chances, I now can say that I do like the crime/horror genre, which was a shock to me. In the end, it’s all about the quality of the story.
I should state that Dead Over Heels is not really horror, it’s more paranormal with a pinch of violence. I had no idea where this story would lead me. It started off innocent and sweet. However, as the story unraveled I was hooked with each page turn. This was a nicely crafted novelette. And yet, it was full bodied in its shortness. Braun is a good writer, I was drawn in for the ride and never saw the twists coming. It was a fulfilling read. I was left feeling I had read an entire novel (in a good way). I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. I highly recommend readers take a chance on this tale. If you don’t mind a little domestic drama, this will pleasantly surprise you.
The book opens in a police station, with both of the characters covered in blood – Great opening! What has happened to them?!
Veronica and Sebastian have met online, and have decided to meet for the first time at a restaurant called The River House. Little did they know that this night would change both of their lives and beliefs forever!
“I never knew that finding the one would be such a double-edged sword”.
Really enjoyed this little read, I would have liked to have read more of their story but the novella actually works being this short.
If you like crime, horror, the paranormal, romance or a good little ghost story, then please purchase this book!
Thank you to Booktasters and Theresa Braun for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. I am very honest with my reviews and if you are looking for a short little read, then this is the book for you! I really enjoyed it :)
I was kindly given an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review.
Dead Over Heels begins like any other love story. Girl meets boy, they hit off and become a "thing" but fate has something far more sinister in store for these new lovers.
Strange things start to happen almost immediately to the ill fated couple, ghostly apparitions appearing and reveal that this ill fated couple are connected in more ways than just their love for each other....
This is a super short novella written by Theresa Braun, a new to me author. I absolutely loved this!! That ending I just did not expect, it was brilliant, albeit it a little heartbreaking but brilliant nonetheless.
It was very creative and well put together. The story flowed nicely and Theresa's words held my attention throughout.
This is not the last book I will be reading by this author.
Wow! This was a big surprise. It is a short story which makes it perfect for lunchtime, commuting or waiting time. Don't underestimate it because it is a short read. I was drawn in from the moment I started reading. I found the characters very relatable, which can be difficult in a short story. The story is romantic and horrifying. My heart was quickly pulled into it and the ending was emotional for me. I don't want to go into the twists and turns the story takes but they were surprising and awesome. In my opinion, it is a perfect ghost story. BookTasters and the author gave me an ecopy for review consideration. Opinions are mine. I would recommend it to older teens, (for mature themes), and up.
This is a short story only 38 pages long. I wish it was longer. I'd love to learn more of the back story and more of the future of Sebastian and Veronica.
Sebastian and Veronica seem to have a lot in common when they start dating and things are going great. That is until they are visited by the supernatural on a date. They seem to be the only ones that see the spirits as well.
I was left surprised and eager to find how how the story ends. I knew going in this was a short story. Like I said in the beginning I wish it was longer. Maybe the author can write a follow up that goes into more details of the past, present, and future for us fans. Hint hint
I received this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions in this review are 100% my own.
This was a wonderful short story that has an ending you wouldn't expect. Veronica is a empath with a Gothic style and horrible past- her father controlled every aspect of her life, and she lost her mother at a young age. Told her mother abandoned her, her father passed away years ago and Veronica has a false memory etched in her brain. However, this changes when she meets Sebastian, where strange events begin on their first date. Veronica discovers how connected Sebastian's family is to her own, and this is where the action begins. Veronica's experiences with her own family are parallel to Sebastian, but the two lovers discover how fatal their attraction is.
A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced by thoughts.
Dead Over Heels opens with our main character, Veronica, and her boyfriend, Sebastian, in trouble. What kind of trouble we don't know, but there's blood... For such a short read - seriously, this is only 38 pages - it sure does pack a punch. The ending, especially, will leave you reeling.
The style of it is chatty and informal but it doesn't come across as immature or poorly written at all. In fact, I think this helps the story along, as it feels like Veronica is replaying and relating the series of events that led her to be sitting in a police station. The descriptions are nicely done and give a good sense of the setting, without being too long and unnecessary. Overall, it's a nice blend of formal prose and a more personal narration.
There's plenty of supernatural and mystical elements throughout - we start off with Wicca, magic, and reiki and end with ghosts and violence - but there's also more normal things, mainly dating. Again, it's a nice blend and feels very natural.
Veronica is hopeful and on the hunt for love, but she isn't stupid. She knows that the candles she's made to help her find the one might not work, and she doesn't accept Sebastian's weak excuses for being late to their first date. As the story is told in first person, we don't get too many details about Sebastian. But from how Veronica sees him we can guess that he's a nice guy - interested in ghosts and more spiritual things and with some trauma in his past, but nice.
It's hard to say much more, as it's far too easy to spoil this little gem. What will say, though, is if you're a fan of paranormal, romance, horror, or any combination of the three you should definitely think about giving this a go.
I was given a copy of this by the author, via Booktasters, in exchange for an honest review. I knew it was a short story, but it packed quite a lot into such a small space. It wasn't what I was expecting in the least, but it was a good story, with lots of twists. A very good read.
It's the story of Veronica, who believes in all things spiritual, but has all but given up on finding her true love. But she lights a candle, says some words and gives it one last try. She gets an email from Sebastian who suggests that they meet. What can it hurt to give him a try?
They meet at The River House Restaurant and hit it off right away. The conversation flows and they feel comfortable with each other. They look over and notice that the couple at the table next to them bear a striking resemblance to long since missing family members. But when they ask the waiter to take a drink to their table, the waiter says that no one has sat there all night.
And so their paranormal feelings and connections begin.
On their one month anniversary, they go back to The River House Restaurant. While sitting there, the two people from before simply materialise at the nearby table. Then another man comes barging into the restaurant, ranting at the couple sitting down. It's then that Veronica and Sebastian realise their connection to these apparitions. They have a bit of a panic and leave, only to bare witness to more disturbing paranormal activity.
Sebastian wants nothing more to do with Veronica, but she convinces him to do one last thing, in the hope that they can put these spirits to rest.
The result is horrific and terribly sad at the same time. I kept hoping that this wasn't how it was going to end, and maybe we can revisit Sebastian some time in the future.
This paranormal thriller is the perfect blend of crime fiction, paranormal thriller and chick lit. I don’t want to elaborate on the description above as with short stories, you always run the risk of saying too much and spoiling the read. But I will say, in my experience, when reading a book, you anticipate an exciting plot twist, however, when reading short stories, I believe it’s harder to ‘wow’ the reader as you have such a short space of time to build the anticipation. Here, Braun delivered and exciting plot twist, that I did not see coming, one that totally altered the ending I anticipated this story having, not only making Dead over Heels memorable but also showing Braun’s talent in creating such a twist that surprised and shocked me.
If you tend to avoid short stories due to fear that the plot will not be fully developed, you needn’t fear with this one. The plot flowed smoothly and the tempo sped up to create the excitement and tension most look for in a thriller; and slowed down in the moments that read like chick lit. Combined this made a quick and enjoyable read.
I enjoyed the way Braun wrote in the paranormal elements as they fit perfectly to the story, they weren’t thrown in randomly, for example, no shadow appears for no reason, everything of this world and the paranormal were related, allowing Braun to deliver a short story with the perfect amount of crime and chick lit to make this a paranormal thriller worth reading!
*My thanks to the author (Theresa Braun) for providing me with a digital copy of this book*
This is a very short book at only 38 pages, but the author packs a lot into those pages with many twists and turns that I never saw coming!
I think this book is something of a mystery and perhaps slightly paranormal (there are ghosts after all!) and maybe some suspense too. The book starts off with someone in trouble and then goes back and fills in the gaps. It is a little funny on how Veronica meets Sebastian - through online dating - when she thinks she has removed herself from all these sites. But she decides to give it a whirl and meets Sebastian - who could be her soulmate.
Now the blurb tells you that they have their own supernatural experience while dining at the haunted restaurant...however, neither expected what they saw to to touch them so personally!
The ending...WOW! Obviously I am not going to tell you what happens but I had to go back and reread the last page or two because I wasn't sure I was reading and understanding it right. Let's just say it was a bit of a shocker to me! And it leaves me wanting to know even more - what happens to them after the story ends? My imagination went many different directions.
This book may only be 38 pages but it was very enjoyable and kept me wondering what would happen next.
I boiled the kettle to make myself a nice cup of tea before I started this story. A nice cup of tea & a hob-nob I thought to myself & a short story, lovely.
I started reading it & alas no tea or biscuits I didn’t move from the couch until I’d finished it. This story follows Veronica, instinctively practising wicca-her friend works in the store & making a candle sprinkled with herbs in hope of finding that special someone. She had done this countless times before but always followed the guidelines of the book, this time she went on gut instinct.
It is not a cliched story-Veronica isn’t struck by cupid & finds the man of her dreams, she does find someone. A young man named Sebastian whom she meets through a dating site. Both their parents disappeared on a Christmas Eve, they felt naturally drawn to each other. A ghostly occurrence happened in the restaurant on their first date. And their last. A man & woman having dinner, apparitions, a jilted lover, a scenario played out in front of them both upon leaving the restaurant. An unhappy ending.
I am a big fan of endings that are not so happy, sometimes life is not like the fairy tale. The quality of the writing had me gripped hence no tea or biscuits & sitting on the couch batting away an excited kitten nibbling my feet.
I would have liked to have seen a more structured ending although the build up & character emotions were phenomenal.