Wilbur was used to going to his college formals alone. He thought the Halloween Ball would be no different. He’s amazed when a beautiful girl in a Victorian costume displays an interest in him and even more amazed to find himself alone with her on one of the campus nature trails.
What Wilbur doesn’t realize is that another woman has her eye on him too. The White Lady returns every Halloween to take revenge on the men of the campus for her brutal murder. She has chosen Wilbur as her next victim.
Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her four children and multiple cats. Her works include romantic thrillers, paranormal fiction, contemporary romance, and young adult. Visit her website at www.authorlauradeluca.blogspot.com for more information.
This novella was provided to me by Promotional Book Tours for an honest review as a part of their blog tour. I'm not usually one for horror, but this was a really great novella. It was long enough to provide enough detail, but short enough that I could read it on my break at work. And oh my gosh, it was terrifying! Poor Wilbur, he totally didn't deserve to be the next possible victim. I feel bad for the quirky nerd. I can see this story being the beginning of a longer book, or even the beginning of a episode in a show like Ghost Whisperer. This was such an awesome read.
I was given a copy of the short story Jessica by Laura DeLuca in exchange for an honest review. First off I loved the cover, all of Laura's books have beautiful and creative covers. Laura is the author of Destiny, Destiny Unveiled, Phantom, and soon to be released Morrigan. I have fallen in love with the way she develops her characters although she has her main ones in the story she brings the supporting characters to the front burner giving them a vital part in the story. This is a very intriguing story about a boy who is a wallflower not really fitting in with the IN CROWD. Wilbur meets Jessica at a school dance and he falls head over heels for this girl she asks him to go for a walk and tells him about a folk lore about the school and about the White Lady. Even though it is a short story Laura captivates you from beginning to end not allowing you to put it down because you have to know more of Jessica's story. Definitely a book to get you read for the Halloween season. I highly recommend this book along with getting her other ones yo sit down for a tremendous good night reading. Look out for her book Morrigan coming approximately 10/31/2012 along with the second book to Phantom. Again thank you Laura for feeding my imagination.
Wilbur’s going to the Halloween ball but he doesn’t expect to dance. Instead he’ll watch, shy and lonely from a corner of the room. But the beautiful Jessica offers him a chance to shine in this haunting short story by Laura DeLuca.
There’s a nice blending of present and past in the telling of this tale. A shy modern guy stutters through the first pale motions of love, while a confident woman slips into the character of a memory from times gone by. When the crowded room becomes too much for them, Jessica leads Wilbur to her favorite studying spot. But what follows isn’t at all what the young man expects.
If you’re looking for a scary Halloween story, I’d really recommend this. But don’t dress up as a vampire—you might attract the wrong attention.
Disclosure: This short story was offered free so I jumped at the chance to read it.
This is my second book I have read by the awesome Laura DeLuca and I am even more in love with her stories. This was a short story and it had so much that I didn't really notice the length.
The story starts out with this guy who is basically invisible and sounds pretty below average. Then at the Halloween party this HOT girl notices him and gets kinda surprised that she wants to spend time with him and dance. I mean, that doesn't sound too unrealistic. That's were it ends though, then things get creepy.
NEVER go to the woods on Halloween, you're just begging for trouble! Jessica tells this story of the girl she is "pretending" to be dressed as. WOW, i had tears. I really felt the pain, the anguish, the anger. When she finished her story i was kinda nervous..."what is she going to do?" @_@
That ending was like, "AHA! I thought so!" But it was still sad and leaves me with chills every time I think about it! GREAT HALLOWEEN read! I can't get enough of Laura's great stories!! =D
Overall, short but not so sweet ;) It has that creep factor with a hint of emotion that really brings this story to life! I DEVOURED IT!5/5 STARS!
Now it is the time of night That the graves, all gaping wide, Every one lets forth his sprite In the church-way paths to glide. - William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream
while at the Halloween Ball, Wilbur Kincade sees a vision of loveliness from across the room. to his surprise, she glides over to him, introduces herself as Jessica and invites him to dance with her. later, Jessica asks him to go for a walk on one of Stockman College's nature trails. Wilbur could not believe his good fortune. he accepts and realizes too late that he has sealed his fate. author Lauren DeLuca's short story deals with a White Lady bent on revenge. it was pretty straightforward and as i got deeper into the story, i had this feeling that some parts of it were predictable and hardly surprising. unfortunately, that is where i made a mistake. Ms. DeLuca had a few tricks up her sleeve that i did not expect at all especially with regard to poor Wilbur. he had my sympathy from the get-go but i changed my mind later because of what he exhibited by the lake. aside from telling a creepy campus urban legend, Ms. DeLuca also brings home the point that appearances can be deceiving and for every action, there are consequences to pay. overall, this is one of those stories that is perfect to read and talk about, i think, not only during Halloween but also when having sleepovers and around the campfire.
I received this book in exchange for a honest review Jessica by Laura DeLuca This is a Spooky story let me tell you, lol. I stayed up late and read it since it was a short read. I had a hard time falling asleep afterward. The author done an amazing job spinning the tale with only a short amount of pages. I was thoroughly engrossed in the story. I could not put it down. This is a great Halloween type of story to read. The author done an amazing job on the descriptions of the character and the amazing mysteriousness of Jessica. LOVE IT!
The story starts with a young college guy named Wilbur getting ready for the Halloween dance at the school. He is a nerdy guy hoping to change the invisible status that he has going for him. During the dance, a young beautiful woman spots him and immediately wants to dance. Wilbur is befuddled by this turn of events, but nonetheless goes along with it. Wilbur freaks out during the dance and the beautiful woman asks to take a walk. They sit on a park bench near the lake and the girl weaves the tale of an urban legend that happened at Lake Fred. Wilbur is a little freaked out at the story and that's when he should have ran. He finds out what Jessica is all about. I give the book a 5 star review!! Especially for freaking me out!
Wilbur took his time getting ready for the annual college Halloween Ball.
He was standing in a corner by the punch bowl when he saw her. Her Victorian costume looked very authentic, right down to her hair.
She approached him and said, "My name's Jessica".
He never thought someone so lovely would notice him, let alone dance with him.
"Hey, have you ever heard the legend of the White Lady?"
4 STARS - Would Highly Recommend To Others
A short story that will keep you entertained from beginning to end.
The cover has an ethereal feel to me, intriguing me, drawing me into the book wanting to find out what she is looking at, or looking for.
I knew from the first page where the book was going, but I enjoyed the journey through the pages. A ghost story filled with the need for revenge and Jessica wanted hers.
The writing is fluid, making reading as easy as diving off the side of the pool. So come on in, the water is fine.
I picked this up on a free Amazon day. Thank you Laura DeLuca for sharing the love of reading.
The blurb promised me a mysterious lady in white come back to exact revenge on the male race...or just one man? Hm... I had to read and find out more. Poor Wilbur. :(
Wilbur is dateless and in college, on his way to a dance. He's shocked when a beautiful girl pays attention to him, dances with him, then asks him to walk with her... As they look over the lake, arms around each other, she begins to tell him a story.
In the 1890s, the college finally accepted women...but the male students weren't pleased to be outshone by females. After all, a woman's place was in the home. Out of three women, two ran away. They couldn't take it, but one woman could. She faced them, did better than them, studied hard, avoided trouble. She was going to be a doctor!
A short, original and spooky paranormal read that is very fitting for a quick Halloween tale or just something to pass some time and get a nice spook on. Anyone looking for a different, to the point read that will give you chills and touch your heart will enjoy reading Jessica.
Wilbur is a plain, shy geeky kind of guy, the one that NEVER gets the girl. While he is doing his usual wallflower thing at a Halloween dance he spots a beautiful girl that he knows he’ll never have a chance with, ever. But he gets a big surprise when she notices him and only him from all of the jocks and great looking guys in the place. Is this a blessing in disguise or a curse?
You’re going to have to read to find out! Bwahahahaha :)
This was an awesome quick short read. I have never read this author before and I really enjoyed the style of writing and the way she can drag suspense throughout the story without making you feel like its taking to long to get to the point. :) I'm also really happy I read it at night! Nothing like a spooky story when you're tucked under the blankets and the wind is blowing outside! Fantastic job to the author! I find sometimes telling a scary story is hardest and getting a reader really into it to the point you read faster because you HAVE to know what happens!! I give this short story my thumbs up!
This is a short story that fits well with Halloween. It's about a young man who is nerdy, without prospects and ends up at a party dressed as a vampire. He attracts the attention of a young, beautiful female. As the night progresses, she tells him an urban tale about a young girl who was killed. Wilbur should have ducked. While the story isn't unique, it's the writing style of Laura DeLuca that holds your interest. She is a writer who I believe will go far in the publishing industry as her ability to say a lot with few words is envy worthy.
I have to be honest, when I picked this book up... I didn't expect much. It's a short story, and I just wanted something for a "quick" read. However, let me tell you... this book packs a punch! The writing is fluid, so much so that you (the reader) are able to get completely lost in the story, and for me... it scared the Bejesus out of me! Characters are well-developed, and the plot will have you thinking long after you put this book down. Personally, I slept with the lights on for a few nights :) Awesome job Laura!!
Apparently people can be very deceiving, Jessica I loved right off she has that spunk to her, and she was funny, "yes dance," Jessica said her smile never faltering. "You know, cut the rug? Do the twist? cha-cha-cha? So, what do you say? Would you like to dance with me?" UGH that Philip is a total PIG! "I am goinhg to show you a woman's true place. And it is not behind a desk or in a doctor's coat." This novella/short story made me cry and had my emotions every which way, it's also a kind of intense story.
Jessica is another GREAT short book by Laura, perfect for Halloween!!!
Since it's a short story I won't give anything away, but if you like spooky tales of things that could really happen, this book if for you!
Laura, has done a great job in a short amount of pages introducing characters, giving you JUST enough to hook you, and leaves you wanting so much more.
I couldn't be a bigger fan of Laura's work! I promise you won't be disappointed
I have been following this author since her debut. I bought this story within minutes of her posting about it and read it immediately. Its a short story, so it didn't take long, but I totally loved it! It painted a detailed picture from the crowded dance floor to the woodsy campus. The ending was a real shocker. Definitely a great treat for Halloween. Also loved the sneak peek at her new book, Morrigan.
Jessica was a very short story, it was only 19 pages long so if you find yourself with a spare fifteen minutes this is the perfect book to read. It was pretty creepy, I kind of gathered the plot early in but it still was a fantastic read.
All I have to say is …Poor Wilbur!
Very well written although I think it could have been slightly longer but that did not take away the fact that is was a fantastic short story.
In Deluca’s short story, Wilbur is a wallflower until he meets Jessica at a dance and falls head-over-heels for her. Jessica asks him to walk with her and she tells him the folklore surrounding the school regarding the White Lady.
Initially, I expected this story to be predictable but I soon learned that the author had a few tricks for me to discover in this hauntingly captivating story.
Have always enjoyed creepy, scary stories and "Jessica" fills the bill! Love Laura's character descriptions; could clearly see Wilbur, in all his awkwardness, in my minds eye. A great story to tell with the lights out. Wonder on Wilbur's fate if he hadn't been "just like all the others." Kudos to Laura for the spine chill!
The legend of The White Lady lives on! At a respectable college there has been a legend of a woman who can be seen at Halloween, taking her revenge out on young men, because of the vicious cruelties done to her many years ago.
In very few pages, this story had my hair raising! This quick read is dark and intense, great for a lunchtime read, although I recommend staying away from the water!
Laura pens"Jessica", a great novella in a plot that is definitely a scary read. A fantastic story for those nights by the campfire! I thought it was just long enough for detail and not to long that it drags out. It was an awesome read and highly recommended for those who love the haunted!
This review is based on a complimentary copy which was provided for an honest review.
What a cool spooky short read! I don't normally read short-stories, but I'm glad I picked this one up. It was a very satisfying read. Great characterization and word-painting. I loved the tricks and twists that definitely leave you feeling that appearances can be deceiving! Great short-story all around.
A classic chilling short story that should be told around a camp fire. An excellent choice for Halloween or for any of those readers who love ghost stories.
A very short creepy, halloween theme, ghost story. The storyline was intriguing but very predictable. But I did enjoyed the story of "The Lady In White" and her getting her revenge..
I don’t know about you, but I love a well written short story. One that isn’t rushed, and pulls you along as much as it immerses you in a different world. Well, in Jessica, by Laura DeLuca, you get just that. Here’s the blurb to give you a little taste: ************* Wilbur was used to attending his college formals alone. The Halloween Ball would be no different. He’s amazed when a beautiful girl in a Victorian gown shows an interest in him. What he doesn’t realize is that another woman has her eye on him as well. The White Lady returns every Halloween to take revenge on the men of the campus for her brutal murder. This year, she's chosen Wilbur as her next victim. ************* You see? The blurb acts as a spoiler in itself, making you think you know what’s coming. A clever strategy, as it still doesn’t lessen the enjoyment of a deftly constructed narrative. Why? Because it’s the story within a story, and it’s that ‘mirror’ aspect that makes this tale so appealing. Wilbur Kincade is no woman’s guy. Nor is he a man’s man. Yes, he’s 21, but acne scars, crooked yellow teeth, bottle-cap glasses and a tall, gangly frame have left him under no illusions that, when it comes to the opposite sex, he might as well live on Mars. So, when the college Halloween Ball comes round, he steels himself for the inevitable torture of trial by peers, and goes as Count Dracula. There he is, minding his own business, standing alone on the edge of the dance floor, when a strikingly beautiful young lady catches his eye. More than that, she actually speaks with him and seems to enjoy his company. As the night passes, they decide to spend some time alone, and. . . . What follows is a cautionary tale of actions and consequence. Yes, you might think you know what’s coming, but the story within a story element adds that vital depth and quality that ensures Jessica will chill your soul. A superb example of how construct and deliver a short story.
This short story fell a bit short of the mark for me. Although a paranormal/horror story in plot, the tone was devoid of any suspense or impending doom, which removes a lot of the creepiness factor. Instead, I found it incredibly sad- sad that Jessica went through the horror she did (and sad that I'm not surprised, given the era and the fact that it's a college campus) and sad that Wilbur, who is a nice guy loner, is as marked for death as any of the jerky guys she ought to be taking her vengeance upon. As a reader, you know the ending as soon as Jessica begins her tale, so there was no suspense to keep me engaged. Maybe this is because of how ubiquitous White Lady ghost stories are, and not a reflection on the skills of the writer, but I was still left underwhelmed.