Speed Date

by Sara Lea

Welcome to the LOVE YOU TO DEATH multi author short story collection! Love and Valentines related stories to make your heart race and your spine tingle! There’s a fine line between love and hate. Come read as these main characters struggle to find love, keep love, or survive love.
Madison thought her night at a LBTQ Speed Dating event for singles would be a fun Valentines. But there’s something weird about her matches. She tried to leave the event, but keeps getting side stepped and forced back into her next date. Torn between not wanting to be rude and wanting to escape, Madi gets caught up in something dark and sinister that she could never have imagined.
Make sure you check out all of the LOVE YOU TO DEATH dark thriller stories!

30 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2026

Reviews

[April]

Well, that went real left real fast! I was wondering where this story was heading and it still left me shocked. What started out as a fun quick read, turned into something very dark in the blink of an eye. This is one speed date I would not have wanted to attend. If you like short stories that gives the movie “Get Out” vibes, pick this one up!

[Celeste Velocci (bookrecs_by_celeste) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not exactly sure what I just read lol

[Sarah Scaife · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 star.

I wanted a short book that was different from the long one I’m in the middle of and well…this was sure different.

I realize it’s a short story and only so much can be explained and developed in a 30 min read, but this book went from mundane to WILD in about 5%

The first 40% I was trying to figure out how this was a this was a thriller/suspense book. Nothing really happened, sure there was a weird mix of singles, and the push for heavy consumption of alcohol by the waiters was odd. But not much happened.

Then the book takes a SUDDEN turn and we’re smacked into a cult?? And a weird one at that. The jump was a little too big for me.

My biggest gripe is that in this day and age what 27 year old woman is going to a back road motel at night BY HERSELF not knowing a single person there and having to rely on uber or a shuttle bus owned by the sketchy motel people to get home. And the other girls were even younger!!! Maybe that’s just me, idk I don’t buy that…

Glad it counts towards my book goal but would not recommend…

[Jeremy Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speed Date is a shocking and terrifying romp through - Speed Dating! If you’ve ever been curious about attending a quick meet type of dating event, then maybe Speed Date is the short story for you! This starts innocently enough, but then as the story progresses and our main character enters into each date, things seem…. Strange. The dates get older, and the dinner following the event looms ever closer.

DON’T miss this short story! The end had me shocked and I’m begging for more of the mysteries contained within these pages!

[Terri Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so glad I’m married and don’t need to go a speed dating event! Speed Date by Sara Lea may be exactly how I feel these events actually go. I enjoyed this 30 page read, just as I have enjoyed every book I’ve read so far by this author.

[Stacey Persin · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Speed Dating" by Sara Lea delivers exactly what we all need ... a bit of romantic hope and a lot of horror and gore all packed into a quick easy read. The author really delivers on the blood and intensity, so prepare yourself for some creepy fast-paced fun, plenty of twists and turns, and more than a few shocking moments. Highly recommend.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The anxiety I felt while reading this was intense! I felt like I was right there next to Madi.
Really good read overall. Might stay away from speed dating lol

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an intriguing premise, but I guessed the twist very early on. The story was fast, weird and not very interesting. It was a miss for me.

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Speed Date” by Sara Lea is a dark, thrilling twist on an LGBTQ speed dating event that takes a terrifying turn. Part of the Love You To Death short story collection, this story quickly goes from fun to sinister, delivering suspense, secrets, and a chilling edge that keeps you hooked until the end.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this dark little valentines short story, obsessed!!

[Ashley Aceves · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I wish the floor would open up & swallow me whole. I hate this event. Why did I sign up?“ - Madi ❤️
Speed Date By Sara Leah is a heck of a speedy, face paced thrilling, dark & wild ride in the best ways!! I was instantly hooked from the start and throughout these pages!! Madison Winters A.K.A. Madi runs across an all Womens’ Speed Dating Event online, which quickly catches her attention and interest! With the hopes of having a little fun as well as potentially meeting the perfect love match for Valentine’s Day she signs up! And later gets in Exclusive Invitation! Upon her reading over the details and instructions for the even she starts to get a little skeptical and immediately starts questioning why she even signed up. But still goes and as she arrives she even notices the location is iffy but decides to continue on with the event. As the event starts she notices sketchy people and even her matches are a bit eerie, and older. However each time she decides she’s had enough and will find her out something or someone’s always stops her so she stays. In the background of her mind she’s worried of being rude and possibly hurting others feelings. And as quickly as she signed up for this event it all shifts to dark, sinister, creepy & a total horrific speed dating experience. Will Madi survive this event?? Run on over to the ‘Zon and grab your copy to find out! You will definitely be begging for more!! So slip on your pajamas and grab your blanket to Dig in you definitely don’t want to miss this 5 Star read!! Link in the comments!! 🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️
Happy Reading!! 🤓📖

[Madame Strange · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Speed Date” - Reminding me to stay home, wrapped in a blanket and not go out to meet new people.

★★★★★

Thank you Sara Lea for the ARC, I leave this review voluntarily.

In just 30 pages this short story had me hooked and wishing it was longer! Sara Lea has the ability to write such engaging and intriguing stories and she manages to impress me every time. This story is the perfect Valentine’s Day thrill you need to know you don’t ever want to go speed dating.

[Country · Rating 5 out of 5]

What was thought to be a new exciting experience for Madi to hopefully find that special someone takes a unexpected strange turn of events leaves her with suspicion then romance.. I loved the storyline and the twist though I was not expecting that outcome at all. I liked how the author's writing was still detailed even though it was a very fast pace book. It's a very engaging read and you will not want to put it down till you've read it all!

[Jill Paschal · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bad doesn’t begin to describe this “book”. Dissertations are longer and quite frankly, better written! At only 30 pages, there was absolutely zero character development, making it impossible to care what happened to Madison, the main character. The plot felt incredibly rushed, and the ending was so abrupt it left me confused rather than shocked. For a story that’s supposed to be a thriller, it lacked any real tension or a satisfying 'wow' moment.

[Susan Blissett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short horror story about Madi who goes on a speed dating evening and as the evening progresses, Madi feels more and more like things are a little strange. What occurs becomes horrifying! Loved the ending and the story kept me engaged throughout.
Thank you to the author for this ARC.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Realistic nightmare fuel. Being alone on Valentines Day does not have to be a bad thing. But peer pressure to try something or get back in the game can disheartening. What does one do? Speed dating at luxury event can peeks one's interest. Does Madison survive the night? Will she meet miss right? Find out in Speed Date. Another great story by Sara Lea.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast, twisted, and deliciously uncomfortable, Speed Date turns an innocent night of romance into pure psychological dread. Sara Lea wastes zero time cranking up the tension, delivering sharp unease and a creeping something’s-wrong vibe that hits hard and lingers. A bite-sized thriller that proves love can be lethal—and politeness can be dangerous.

[Danielle Lundquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speed date was a short story about Madi who signed up for speed dating. She finds weird things are happening, like older woman being the choices. She sees things and no one believes her, even the police. Did she imagine these things? Read it and let me know what you think.

[Heather Flaherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am such a fan of Sara Lea and her short stories that are insane. Madison has decided to go to a Valentines LBTQ speed dating event. Things seem a bit off, so she tries to leave but can’t seem to make it out. Is this all in her head or is this as messed up as she thinks?

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick thrilling ride. Poor Madi was just looking for love and had no idea what she was going to discover. I really wish this could have been longer because I was hooked like a fish the whole time.

I received this as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

[Angeline Shipley · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️💫/5
This book was ok to me. It’s a cute short story, but I kept waiting for it to get better. It did have good parts. Didn’t care to much for the ending. I’m sure many will love this, but it just wasn’t for me.

[Laura Welsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was NOT expecting that plot twist! I don't know how a full creepy storyline was able to be completed in 30 pages, but it did.

[Shellyann Paape · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speed Dating

I’ve always wanted to go on a speed date, now idk if I do. Fun, cute quick Novella. Parts had me a laughing. Age gap.

[Tanya Kolb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wild ride! It was really similar to another short story that I read recently. It really makes you want to stay away from the whole does dating scene!

[SKP · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed by this one, but it probably just wasn’t for me. I thought the premise sounded interesting, but it kinda went downhill. Maybe just not for me.

[Billi · Rating 3 out of 5]

𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 3/5 ⭐️

Speed Date by Sara Lea
Love You to Death Collection

Speed dating gone horribly wrong. Super short and creepy. Definitely a lot packed in a short amount of pages.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speed date

A wonderfully horrifying short read! The only thing I disliked was when it was talking about a single person but it was written like it was more than one person.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great, 30-page read for Valentine’s Day with a uniquely eerie premise. I loved the tension and didn't see the twist coming, which kept me hooked. While the conclusion felt a bit abrupt - leaving me wishing for one final "wow" moment to seal the deal - the storytelling is sharp and fast-paced. If you’re looking for a quick, original thrill that breaks away from traditional holiday tropes, this is a fantastic choice.

Want to see spoilers or trigger warnings? Check out: https://www.spoiltheplot.com/books/sp...

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me intrigued from the beginning. It took me on a wild ride! Everytime I thought I figured something out, I discovered that I was on the wrong path! You needed an invitation to this event or else you are turned away. Who wouldn’t want to find someone through speed dating? Once you make your match, you can go to the ballroom to continue your date. That is when things escalate! There were many heart stopping moments and an ending that made this story linger in mind.