The Phantom was a musical phenomenon that Rebecca had always found enchanting. She had no idea that her life was about to mirror the play that was her obsession. When her high school drama club chooses "Phantom" as their annual production, Rebecca finds herself in the middle of an unlikely love triangle and the target of a sadistic stalker who uses the lines from the play as their calling card. Rebecca lands the lead role of Christine, the opera diva, and like her character, she is torn between her two co-stars-Tom the surfer and basketball star who plays the lovable hero, and Justyn, the strangely appealing Goth who is more than realistic in the role of the tortured artist. Almost immediately after casting, strange things start to happen both on and off the stage. Curtains fall. Mirrors are shattered. People are hurt in true phantom style. They all seem like accidents until Rebecca receives notes and phone calls that hint at something more sinister. Is Justyn bringing to life the twisted character of the phantom? Or in real life are the roles of the hero and the villain reversed? Rebecca doesn't know who to trust, but she knows she's running out of time as she gets closer and closer to opening night. Only when the mask is stripped away, will the twenty-first century phantom finally be revealed.
Get your free copy of Phantom on Amazon. Find the audiobook on Amazon or Audible.
This story has been with me for a long time. I first wrote Player in 1994 when I was a senior in high school. Back then, Player started as a story inspired by real life, specifically, my friend George. At the time, he was my boyfriend and he’s still one of my best friends. Some things never change though. He’s also still a little bit of a player, though these days be prefers juggling men. 😄 Check out our prom pic from 1993.
Like most of my writing, Player pulled from the world around me. A lot of the characters were inspired by classmates and memories from those years. I created the detective character the same day I had my senior portraits taken, and ended up giving him the last name of the guy standing in line in front of me.
📚 The Publishing Journey
Player almost hit bookshelves much earlier than it did. In 1997, I had an agent. Contracts were signed. The book was about a month away from going to print, and then the publisher went bankrupt. The book got tangled up in legal issues for years, and it was discouraging. I did keep writing, but my biggest struggle back then was finishing anything. I had so many ideas, probably 20 different books started, but none of them made it all the way to the end. Thankfully, that’s something I’ve learned to change. These days, I don’t start a book unless I know the beginning and the ending.
✍️ Bringing Player Into the Modern World
Fast forward a bit, Destiny became my first published book. Then, while I was pregnant with my youngest son Nicky, I hit a bit of a creative wall thanks to pregnancy brain fog. Instead of forcing new ideas, I decided to go back to Player and give it new life. That meant pulling it out of the ‘90s and giving it a serious update. I swapped out corded phones for cell phones, changed some lingo, and added in computers and digital cameras. I also had to retype everything since it was original written on a Brother Word Processor. But at its core, the story didn’t change. It’s still about a guy juggling four girlfriends. He gets caught, and when one of them ends up dead, everything spirals.
📖 From Traditional Publishing to Indie to Audio
When Player was finally published in 2012, it was through Free Focus Publishing, my cousin Andrew DiPalma was the cover model. Later, when that publisher went out of business, I made the decision to go independent. The current cover was created by my incredibly talented editor, Anne Hoelz, and it gave the book a fresh new look. Which brings us to today! Player’s newest chapter is audiobook form. The best part is that the narrator Jeremy, sounds so much like George. Out of all the twists this story has taken over the years, that might be my favorite.
This book has had a long, winding journey, from a high school idea to a near-miss publication, to a revival, to self-publishing, and now to audio. I couldn’t be more excited to share it with you in this new way.
🎧 You can listen now on Amazon and Audible: If you check it out, I’d love to hear what you think, especially now that it’s come full circle.
Joshua Hanover had it all. He was handsome, rich, athletic, and had always been popular with the ladies. Yet, until he gets paired up with his beautiful but shy lab partner, Rosa, he never allowed himself to fall in love. As the chemistry between them grows, Josh realizes that his player days have come to end. But it seems his change of heart has come too late. Not only is Rosa leery of his bad boy reputation, he has four vindictive ex-girlfriends who are on a rampage. At first he doesn't take their threats seriously, but then his tires are slashed, someone tries to poison him, and one of the girls turns up dead. Josh doesn't know who to trust, but one thing is certain. It definitely isn't worth the price he's paying to be a player. Available exclusively on Amazon.
Joshua Hanover had it all. He was handsome, rich, athletic, and had always been popular with the ladies. Yet, until he gets paired up with his beautiful but shy lab partner, Rosa, he never allowed himself to fall in love. As the chemistry between them grows, Josh realizes that his player days have come to end. But it seems his change of heart has come too late. Not only is Rosa leery of his bad boy reputation, he has four vindictive ex-girlfriends who are on a rampage. At first he doesn't take their threats seriously, but then his tires are slashed, someone tries to poison him, and one of the girls turns up dead. Josh doesn't know who to trust, but one thing is certain. It definitely isn't worth the price he's paying to be a player.
Gabriella is a witch. The problem is, she doesn't remember. She repressed the memories of her powers years ago when her mother was murdered. Now, the warlock who was responsible for her mother's death has set his sights on Gabriella. He is determined to use her fear to turn her to the dark side of magick…even if it kills her. Her mother's spirit is reaching out to warn her, but even that she pushes away. Desperate to save her daughter, the spirit finds a male witch–one that just happens to be in love with Gabriella. Darron is more than willing to help but the two young witches will have way more to battle than just an evil warlock. There are overbearing jocks and petty rich girls who get tempers flaring and often set Gabrielle and Darron at odds.
There is more to the story than Gabrielle and Darron could even imagine. There are terrible secrets to be revealed, battles to be waged, and lives will be lost. Only after Gabrielle and Darron both come to terms with who they really are and open themselves up to the true meaning of magick, can they have any hope of fulfilling their destiny.
Gabriella and Darron thought their magickal battle was over when they defeated the evil warlock, Richard. When her Aunt Donna seeks Gabriella's help in rescuing her catatonic daughter from the Dark Coven, Gabriella discovers that her cousin holds a power within her that would be catastrophic in the hands of the evil witches. Her coven sets out on a journey that may be their last. Along the way, they meet new allies, face devastating treachery, and battle not only the Dark Coven, but the darkness within themselves. When Gabriella finally comes face to face with the cousin she never knew existed, her true destiny is unveiled and the fate of the mortal world is in her hands.
Gabriella is a witch. The problem is, she doesn't remember. She repressed the memories of her powers years ago when her mother was murdered. Now, the warlock who was responsible for her mother's death has set his sights on Gabriella. He is determined to use her fear to turn her to the dark side of magick…even if it kills her. Her mother's spirit is reaching out to warn her, but even that she pushes away. Desperate to save her daughter, the spirit finds a male witch–one that just happens to be in love with Gabriella. Darron is more than willing to help but the two young witches will have way more to battle than just an evil warlock. There are overbearing jocks and petty rich girls who get tempers flaring and often set Gabrielle and Darron at odds.
There is more to the story than Gabrielle and Darron could even imagine. There are terrible secrets to be revealed, battles to be waged, and lives will be lost. Only after Gabrielle and Darron both come to terms with who they really are and open themselves up to the true meaning of magick, can they have any hope of fulfilling their destiny.
Gabriella and Darron thought their magickal battle was over when they defeated the evil warlock, Richard. When her Aunt Donna seeks Gabriella's help in rescuing her catatonic daughter from the Dark Coven, Gabriella discovers that her cousin holds a power within her that would be catastrophic in the hands of the evil witches. Her coven sets out on a journey that may be their last. Along the way, they meet new allies, face devastating treachery, and battle not only the Dark Coven, but the darkness within themselves. When Gabriella finally comes face to face with the cousin she never knew existed, her true destiny is unveiled and the fate of the mortal world is in her hands.
Joshua Hanover had it all. He was handsome, rich, athletic, and had always been popular with the ladies. Yet, until he gets paired up with his beautiful but shy lab partner, Rosa, he never allowed himself to fall in love. As the chemistry between them grows, Josh realizes that his player days have come to end. But it seems his change of heart has come too late. Not only is Rosa leery of his bad boy reputation, he has four vindictive ex-girlfriends who are on a rampage. At first he doesn't take their threats seriously, but then his tires are slashed, someone tries to poison him, and one of the girls turns up dead. Josh doesn't know who to trust, but one thing is certain. It definitely isn't worth the price he's paying to be a player.
When Justyn and Rebecca set off for the New York School of Performing Arts, they think their dreams are about to come true. To their dismay, they aren't in high school anymore, and the competition is steep. Rebecca must compete against accomplished singers for a role in the production of Demon Barber, including a stunning Gothic diva with her sights set on Justyn. It doesn't help that things keep disappearing from their apartment or that Rebecca's father refuses to accept that Justyn is an essential part of her life. Yet, all this seems minimal in comparison to the serial rapist terrorizing the campus. Consumed by fear and obsessed with revenge, Rebecca and Justyn start living the story of Sweeney Todd-both on and off the stage.
Be sure to read the other books in the Dark Musical series because the next one is released on October!
Rebecca Hope-Patko and her husband, Lord Justyn, are living their dream. After a successful stint on Broadway, the super couple are heading down under for a special showing of Phantom Returns, where their son Erik will join them for his professional debut.
As soon as their plane touches down, they discover that a serial killer is stalking Melbourne. At the theater, a strange series of accidents leaves Rebecca fearing for the safety of her family. Rebecca struggles to unravel the mystery while coping with insecurities about her career which cause tension between her and Justyn.
It’s clear a very real Phantom is lurking among them, but Rebecca is no kid anymore. She’s tired of the villain getting the upper hand. This time, Rebecca is setting the trap. This opera diva will put her life and her marriage on the line to shatter the illusions surrounding Queen’s Theater, and stop the serial killer before they can strike again.
Shuffled from place to place in the foster system, Morrigan doesn't know the meaning of home. Plus, she's different. She has power over fire, the ability to move objects with her mind, and can glimpse into the future. Just when she believes her life can't get any stranger, she discovers her true identity.
Filtiarn, a knight with a dark past and a surprising secret, has been tasked with guiding the heir of TÃr na NÓg through countless perils to be returned to her family. Once Morrigan has been reunited with her mother and grandmother, their triad can save the forgotten land of magic from being devoured by an ancient evil.
Gabriella is a witch. The problem is, she doesn't remember. She repressed the memories of her powers years ago when her mother was murdered. Now, the warlock who was responsible for her mother's death has set his sights on Gabriella. He is determined to use her fear to turn her to the dark side of magick…even if it kills her. Her mother's spirit is reaching out to warn her, but even that she pushes away. Desperate to save her daughter, the spirit finds a male witch–one that just happens to be in love with Gabriella. Darron is more than willing to help but the two young witches will have way more to battle than just an evil warlock. There are overbearing jocks and petty rich girls who get tempers flaring and often set Gabrielle and Darron at odds.
There is more to the story than Gabrielle and Darron could even imagine. There are terrible secrets to be revealed, battles to be waged, and lives will be lost. Only after Gabrielle and Darron both come to terms with who they really are and open themselves up to the true meaning of magick, can they have any hope of fulfilling their destiny.
Also make sure to check out the second book int he series, which is always free to read on Kindle Unlimited.
Gabriella and Darron thought their magickal battle was over when they defeated the evil warlock, Richard. When her Aunt Donna seeks Gabriella's help in rescuing her catatonic daughter from the Dark Coven, Gabriella discovers that her cousin holds a power within her that would be catastrophic in the hands of the evil witches. Her coven sets out on a journey that may be their last. Along the way, they meet new allies, face devastating treachery, and battle not only the Dark Coven, but the darkness within themselves. When Gabriella finally comes face to face with the cousin she never knew existed, her true destiny is unveiled and the fate of the mortal world is in her hands.
Over four thousand years ago, the great Pharaoh Djedefre was cursed for murdering his brother. Centuries later, a team of archaeologists sets out to prove his innocence. Julie Gerber isn't thrilled to be pulled out of school her senior year to follow her parents halfway around the world, but the cute Brit and the sexy young patron of the project make things more exciting ... maybe too exciting.
As the team digs deeper into the mystery, they unearth something they never expected. Animals and people are drained of blood and some simply vanish. Julie knows there's something sinister going on at the excavation site, but with a documentary on the line that could make or break her parents' career, they refuse to walk away. Now the team must find both the ancient murderer and the monster that's hunting them down. With the bodies piling up, only one thing is certain—some secrets are meant to stay buried.
Joshua Hanover had it all. He was handsome, rich, athletic, and had always been popular with the ladies. Yet, until he gets paired up with his beautiful but shy lab partner, Rosa, he never allowed himself to fall in love. As the chemistry between them grows, Josh realizes that his player days have come to end. But it seems his change of heart has come too late. Not only is Rosa leery of his bad boy reputation, he has four vindictive ex-girlfriends who are on a rampage. At first he doesn't take their threats seriously, but then his tires are slashed, someone tries to poison him, and one of the girls turns up dead. Josh doesn't know who to trust, but one thing is certain. It definitely isn't worth the price he's paying to be a player.
Phantom, Dark Musicals Book 1 is currently FREE on Amazon for a limited time. See how Rebecca and Justyn's story began, and catch up on the whole series before the newest book hits virtual shelves in October.
The "Phantom" was a musical phenomenon that Rebecca had always found enchanting. She had no idea that her life was about to mirror the play that was her obsession. When her high school drama club chooses "Phantom" as their annual production, Rebecca finds herself in the middle of an unlikely love triangle and the target of a sadistic stalker who uses the lines from the play as their calling card. Rebecca lands the lead role of Christine, the opera diva, and like her character, she is torn between her two co-stars-Tom the surfer and basketball star who plays the lovable hero, and Justyn, the strangely appealing Goth who is more than realistic in the role of the tortured artist. Almost immediately after casting, strange things start to happen both on and off the stage. Curtains fall. Mirrors are shattered. People are hurt in true phantom style. They all seem like accidents until Rebecca receives notes and phone calls that hint at something more sinister. Is Justyn bringing to life the twisted character of the phantom? Or in real life are the roles of the hero and the villain reversed? Rebecca doesn't know who to trust, but she knows she's running out of time as she gets closer and closer to opening night. Only when the mask is stripped away, will the twenty-first century phantom finally be revealed.
Make sure to check out the whole series, especially the newest additions to the stage:
Rebecca Hope-Patko and her husband, Lord Justyn, are living their dream. After a successful stint on Broadway, the super couple are heading down under for a special showing of Phantom Returns, where their son Erik will join them for his professional debut.
As soon as their plane touches down, they discover that a serial killer is stalking Melbourne. At the theater, a strange series of accidents leaves Rebecca fearing for the safety of her family. Rebecca struggles to unravel the mystery while coping with insecurities about her career which cause tension between her and Justyn.
It’s clear a very real Phantom is lurking among them, but Rebecca is no kid anymore. She’s tired of the villain getting the upper hand. This time, Rebecca is setting the trap. This opera diva will put her life and her marriage on the line to shatter the illusions surrounding Queen’s Theater, and stop the serial killer before they can strike again.
After the birth of their daughter, Rebecca Hope-Patko and her husband Lord Justyn return to their home state of New Jersey to open their dinner theater. For their first season, Justyn tries his hand at directing while Rebecca stars in their small stage adaption of Ghost Bride. Rebecca has also embraced a second role—taking a stand against domestic violence by joining the Underground Railroad, a covert organization that shuttles battered women to safety.
At first, both operations run smoothly, but before long it’s clear the secret agents’ identities have been compromised. Rebecca is stalked and terrorized, and even the theater is under attack. Faced with deception at every turn, Rebecca is afraid to trust anyone and has reason to fear this battle may leave her a widow instead of a bride. Can this diva unravel the mystery of the Ange du Palais Theater before someone she loves winds up in their grave?
Tom Rittenhouse is in over his head. After only one season, his best friend Lord Justyn is leaving him to run their dinner theater alone. With seven days to perfect their production of Franken-freak, Tom braves a Nor’easter on his birthday to lead their first dress rehearsal. To add to his stress, the set is plagued by strange accidents and mysterious messages. When an employee vanishes, Tom fears one of his feuding castmates may be out for blood. With danger, ghosts, and nylon stockings around every corner, this is certain to be a birthday Tom will never forget.
Gabriella and Darron thought their magickal battle was over when they defeated the evil warlock, Richard. When her Aunt Donna seeks Gabriella's help in rescuing her catatonic daughter from the Dark Coven, Gabriella discovers that her cousin holds a power within her that would be catastrophic in the hands of the evil witches. Her coven sets out on a journey that may be their last. Along the way, they meet new allies, face devastating treachery, and battle not only the Dark Coven, but the darkness within themselves. When Gabriella finally comes face to face with the cousin she never knew existed, her true destiny is unveiled and the fate of the mortal world is in her hands. Also make sure to check out the first book int he series, which is always free to read on Kindle Unlimited.
Gabriella is a witch. The problem is, she doesn't remember. She repressed the memories of her powers years ago when her mother was murdered. Now, the warlock who was responsible for her mother's death has set his sights on Gabriella. He is determined to use her fear to turn her to the dark side of magick…even if it kills her. Her mother's spirit is reaching out to warn her, but even that she pushes away. Desperate to save her daughter, the spirit finds a male witch–one that just happens to be in love with Gabriella. Darron is more than willing to help but the two young witches will have way more to battle than just an evil warlock. There are overbearing jocks and petty rich girls who get tempers flaring and often set Gabrielle and Darron at odds.
There is more to the story than Gabrielle and Darron could even imagine. There are terrible secrets to be revealed, battles to be waged, and lives will be lost. Only after Gabrielle and Darron both come to terms with who they really are and open themselves up to the true meaning of magick, can they have any hope of fulfilling their destiny.
Phantom, Dark Musicals Book 1 is currently FREE on Amazon for a limited time. See how Rebecca and Justyn's story began, and catch up on the whole series before the new book hits virtual shelves.
The "Phantom" was a musical phenomenon that Rebecca had always found enchanting. She had no idea that her life was about to mirror the play that was her obsession. When her high school drama club chooses "Phantom" as their annual production, Rebecca finds herself in the middle of an unlikely love triangle and the target of a sadistic stalker who uses the lines from the play as their calling card. Rebecca lands the lead role of Christine, the opera diva, and like her character, she is torn between her two co-stars-Tom the surfer and basketball star who plays the lovable hero, and Justyn, the strangely appealing Goth who is more than realistic in the role of the tortured artist. Almost immediately after casting, strange things start to happen both on and off the stage. Curtains fall. Mirrors are shattered. People are hurt in true phantom style. They all seem like accidents until Rebecca receives notes and phone calls that hint at something more sinister. Is Justyn bringing to life the twisted character of the phantom? Or in real life are the roles of the hero and the villain reversed? Rebecca doesn't know who to trust, but she knows she's running out of time as she gets closer and closer to opening night. Only when the mask is stripped away, will the twenty-first century phantom finally be revealed.
Make sure to check out the whole series, especially the newest additions to the stage:
Rebecca Hope-Patko and her husband, Lord Justyn, are living their dream. After a successful stint on Broadway, the super couple are heading down under for a special showing of Phantom Returns, where their son Erik will join them for his professional debut.
As soon as their plane touches down, they discover that a serial killer is stalking Melbourne. At the theater, a strange series of accidents leaves Rebecca fearing for the safety of her family. Rebecca struggles to unravel the mystery while coping with insecurities about her career which cause tension between her and Justyn.
It’s clear a very real Phantom is lurking among them, but Rebecca is no kid anymore. She’s tired of the villain getting the upper hand. This time, Rebecca is setting the trap. This opera diva will put her life and her marriage on the line to shatter the illusions surrounding Queen’s Theater, and stop the serial killer before they can strike again.
After the birth of their daughter, Rebecca Hope-Patko and her husband Lord Justyn return to their home state of New Jersey to open their dinner theater. For their first season, Justyn tries his hand at directing while Rebecca stars in their small stage adaption of Ghost Bride. Rebecca has also embraced a second role—taking a stand against domestic violence by joining the Underground Railroad, a covert organization that shuttles battered women to safety.
At first, both operations run smoothly, but before long it’s clear the secret agents’ identities have been compromised. Rebecca is stalked and terrorized, and even the theater is under attack. Faced with deception at every turn, Rebecca is afraid to trust anyone and has reason to fear this battle may leave her a widow instead of a bride. Can this diva unravel the mystery of the Ange du Palais Theater before someone she loves winds up in their grave?
Tom Rittenhouse is in over his head. After only one season, his best friend Lord Justyn is leaving him to run their dinner theater alone. With seven days to perfect their production of Franken-freak, Tom braves a Nor’easter on his birthday to lead their first dress rehearsal. To add to his stress, the set is plagued by strange accidents and mysterious messages. When an employee vanishes, Tom fears one of his feuding castmates may be out for blood. With danger, ghosts, and nylon stockings around every corner, this is certain to be a birthday Tom will never forget.
Shuffled from place to place in the foster system, Morrigan doesn't know the meaning of home. Plus, she's different. She has power over fire, the ability to move objects with her mind, and can glimpse into the future. Just when she believes her life can't get any stranger, she discovers her true identity.
Filtiarn, a knight with a dark past and a surprising secret, has been tasked with guiding the heir of TÃr na NÓg through countless perils to be returned to her family. Once Morrigan has been reunited with her mother and grandmother, their triad can save the forgotten land of magic from being devoured by an ancient evil.
Gabriella is a witch. The problem is, she doesn't remember. She repressed the memories of her powers years ago when her mother was murdered. Now, the warlock who was responsible for her mother's death has set his sights on Gabriella. He is determined to use her fear to turn her to the dark side of magick…even if it kills her. Her mother's spirit is reaching out to warn her, but even that she pushes away. Desperate to save her daughter, the spirit finds a male witch–one that just happens to be in love with Gabriella. Darron is more than willing to help but the two young witches will have way more to battle than just an evil warlock. There are overbearing jocks and petty rich girls who get tempers flaring and often set Gabrielle and Darron at odds.
There is more to the story than Gabrielle and Darron could even imagine. There are terrible secrets to be revealed, battles to be waged, and lives will be lost. Only after Gabrielle and Darron both come to terms with who they really are and open themselves up to the true meaning of magick, can they have any hope of fulfilling their destiny.
Also make sure to check out the second book int he series, which is always free to read on Kindle Unlimited.
Gabriella and Darron thought their magickal battle was over when they defeated the evil warlock, Richard. When her Aunt Donna seeks Gabriella's help in rescuing her catatonic daughter from the Dark Coven, Gabriella discovers that her cousin holds a power within her that would be catastrophic in the hands of the evil witches. Her coven sets out on a journey that may be their last. Along the way, they meet new allies, face devastating treachery, and battle not only the Dark Coven, but the darkness within themselves. When Gabriella finally comes face to face with the cousin she never knew existed, her true destiny is unveiled and the fate of the mortal world is in her hands.
Joshua Hanover had it all. He was handsome, rich, athletic, and had always been popular with the ladies. Yet, until he gets paired up with his beautiful but shy lab partner, Rosa, he never allowed himself to fall in love. As the chemistry between them grows, Josh realizes that his player days have come to end. But it seems his change of heart has come too late. Not only is Rosa leery of his bad boy reputation, he has four vindictive ex-girlfriends who are on a rampage. At first he doesn't take their threats seriously, but then his tires are slashed, someone tries to poison him, and one of the girls turns up dead. Josh doesn't know who to trust, but one thing is certain. It definitely isn't worth the price he's paying to be a player.
Gabriella is a witch. The problem is, she doesn't remember. She repressed the memories of her powers years ago when her mother was murdered. Now, the warlock who was responsible for her mother's death has set his sights on Gabriella. He is determined to use her fear to turn her to the dark side of magick…even if it kills her. Her mother's spirit is reaching out to warn her, but even that she pushes away. Desperate to save her daughter, the spirit finds a male witch–one that just happens to be in love with Gabriella. Darron is more than willing to help but the two young witches will have way more to battle than just an evil warlock. There are overbearing jocks and petty rich girls who get tempers flaring and often set Gabrielle and Darron at odds.
There is more to the story than Gabrielle and Darron could even imagine. There are terrible secrets to be revealed, battles to be waged, and lives will be lost. Only after Gabrielle and Darron both come to terms with who they really are and open themselves up to the true meaning of magick, can they have any hope of fulfilling their destiny.
Also make sure to check out the second book int he series, which is always free to read on Kindle Unlimited.
Gabriella and Darron thought their magickal battle was over when they defeated the evil warlock, Richard. When her Aunt Donna seeks Gabriella's help in rescuing her catatonic daughter from the Dark Coven, Gabriella discovers that her cousin holds a power within her that would be catastrophic in the hands of the evil witches. Her coven sets out on a journey that may be their last. Along the way, they meet new allies, face devastating treachery, and battle not only the Dark Coven, but the darkness within themselves. When Gabriella finally comes face to face with the cousin she never knew existed, her true destiny is unveiled and the fate of the mortal world is in her hands.
Phantom, Dark Musicals Book 1 is currently FREE on Amazon for a limited time. See how Rebecca and Justyn's story began, and catch up on the whole series before the new book hits virtual shelves.
The "Phantom" was a musical phenomenon that Rebecca had always found enchanting. She had no idea that her life was about to mirror the play that was her obsession. When her high school drama club chooses "Phantom" as their annual production, Rebecca finds herself in the middle of an unlikely love triangle and the target of a sadistic stalker who uses the lines from the play as their calling card. Rebecca lands the lead role of Christine, the opera diva, and like her character, she is torn between her two co-stars-Tom the surfer and basketball star who plays the lovable hero, and Justyn, the strangely appealing Goth who is more than realistic in the role of the tortured artist. Almost immediately after casting, strange things start to happen both on and off the stage. Curtains fall. Mirrors are shattered. People are hurt in true phantom style. They all seem like accidents until Rebecca receives notes and phone calls that hint at something more sinister. Is Justyn bringing to life the twisted character of the phantom? Or in real life are the roles of the hero and the villain reversed? Rebecca doesn't know who to trust, but she knows she's running out of time as she gets closer and closer to opening night. Only when the mask is stripped away, will the twenty-first century phantom finally be revealed.
Make sure to check out the whole series, especially the newest additions to the stage:
Rebecca Hope-Patko and her husband, Lord Justyn, are living their dream. After a successful stint on Broadway, the super couple are heading down under for a special showing of Phantom Returns, where their son Erik will join them for his professional debut.
As soon as their plane touches down, they discover that a serial killer is stalking Melbourne. At the theater, a strange series of accidents leaves Rebecca fearing for the safety of her family. Rebecca struggles to unravel the mystery while coping with insecurities about her career which cause tension between her and Justyn.
It’s clear a very real Phantom is lurking among them, but Rebecca is no kid anymore. She’s tired of the villain getting the upper hand. This time, Rebecca is setting the trap. This opera diva will put her life and her marriage on the line to shatter the illusions surrounding Queen’s Theater, and stop the serial killer before they can strike again.
After the birth of their daughter, Rebecca Hope-Patko and her husband Lord Justyn return to their home state of New Jersey to open their dinner theater. For their first season, Justyn tries his hand at directing while Rebecca stars in their small stage adaption of Ghost Bride. Rebecca has also embraced a second role—taking a stand against domestic violence by joining the Underground Railroad, a covert organization that shuttles battered women to safety.
At first, both operations run smoothly, but before long it’s clear the secret agents’ identities have been compromised. Rebecca is stalked and terrorized, and even the theater is under attack. Faced with deception at every turn, Rebecca is afraid to trust anyone and has reason to fear this battle may leave her a widow instead of a bride. Can this diva unravel the mystery of the Ange du Palais Theater before someone she loves winds up in their grave?