Bodyshare: A Novella

by Leandra Inglis

Luke Milton made a deal with the devil. Now, he's getting everything he ever musical opportunities, charting albums, world tours, and a thriving fanbase. The only cost? His body, which he now shares with the devil itself as it goes about its mysterious business. All in all, the tradeoff isn't too bad. He's also always wanted an intimate connection.

After both his college diploma and his divorce papers are signed, twenty-two-year-old Luke Milton is approached by the devil—an energetic force that's been present in one way or another for his whole life—who lauds him with praise for his musical skill and insists that it could help him further his career. When initial reviews of his EP are shaky, it doesn't take long before Luke is agreeing, even though the terms of the deal require him making space in his body for the devil the share.

Luke's career develops rapidly, and so does his relationship with the devil. As they work together through album releases and world tours, they become further and further intertwined, and Luke has to wonder if it's worth it.

Explore fame, self-worth, and sacrifice in this queer fantasy thriller.

254 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 8, 2024

About the author

Leandra 'LJ' Inglis was born in western Canada and spent her most formative years living in southern England, meaning she has strong opinions on which words should be spelt with the letter u, which sport should be called football, and how to pronounce the word jaguar. She's also been known to get confused about which words and phrases are used in which country and has been told by people in England that she still sounds Canadian, while people in Canada insist she has a British accent. When she's not writing, she's probably enthusing over some other media or talking to friends around the world on discord.

She writes mainly in the YA/NA category, focusing on the science fiction and fantasy genres, and creating fun and fantastical stories that emphasise friendships and coming of age while following characters who are over the age of eighteen. In her words, 'adults deserve to have adventures too'.

Reviews

[Leandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgive my indulgence in rating my own work five stars. I'd liked to think I'm entitled to this one stroke of arrogance!

I have just sent out the first of the advance reader copies for this book, and it's had me thinking about the equal mixes of joy and apprehension I have with sharing this book with the world. The main character, Luke Milton, has existed in my mind since 2015 and allowing him freedom, so to speak, in the form of sharing his story with the world is both incredibly exciting and nerve-wracking. This book has been a labour of love for almost nine years (over nine years, by the time you're reading it!) and it's a very real pleasure to share it with you.

Bodyshare is an exploration of creativity, self-worth, insecurity, and my favourite fantasy concept. No, not the devil--although people who know me are very aware the the devil is a favourite of mine--but bodysharing. As someone who loves Venom (from Venom, obviously) and GreedLing (from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood) and Arthur and John (from the podcast Malevolent), it's no surprise that I felt compelled to indulge my own take on it.

Luke and the devil are as close as close can be, and I can't wait for you to meet them.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Labor of Love

Bodyshare is something near and dear to me, and I may be immensely biased, but I can find something new in this story upon every read. The way that Luke’s character is developed and lost, the way that the devil is both metaphor and literal, and the way that words have such strong meaning in this story make for a captivating read and re-read. Definitely a gift for any reader; I cannot wait to share this story far and wide.

[Symphony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Girl, wow. I was not expecting the ending but I'm here for it. I would say this is my favorite of all the books Leandra has written. Well worth the wait!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

it's late so rtc but wow