Tuesday, July 14, 2026

 


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.


👉 Listen now on Amazon & Audible.

Surprise Chest Unclaimed Mail — Tiffany Necklace!!!

Today’s batch from Surprise Chest was only two items, but the first one threw us straight into detective mode. My mom opened the box and pulled out what appears to be a sterling silver Tiffany necklace, complete with the Tiffany bag and box. It’s stamped 925, and according to their website, a similar piece runs around $1300.


Now listen, I am highly skeptical. Return mail has given us everything from robot dogs to 5XL bras, so a luxury necklace feels a little too Cinderella‑at‑midnight. At some point I’m going to take it to a jewelry store or pawn shop just to see what they think. If it turns out to be real, I may actually pass out.

The second item was much more on‑brand: a pair of rose‑tinted sunglasses that gave me Rocky Horror vibes. Rose tints my world! My mom put them on and looked like she was ready to break into a musical number. Stay tuned for more goodies from our Surprise Chest treasure box!

Monday, July 13, 2026

Mystery Comic Bags From Ollie’s

 

While we were at the dentist today, Spencer and I made a little detour to a store called Ollie’s in Mays Landing, NJ. It’s mostly an overstock treasure hunt, but their book section is always worth a peek. That’s where we spotted mystery bags of comic books for $5.99, and since Spencer loves comics, we grabbed a few.


We took them home and filmed an unboxing, and the selection was way better than I expected. Each bag had a mix of DC and Marvel, with some newer issues and a few gems dating all the way back to the early 1990s. For six bucks, it felt like a total score.

Check out the unboxing video to see the full lineup, and if you’re into this kind of thing, check out Ollie's.

@authorlauradeluca Comic Book Mystery Bags from Ollie's #UnboxingVideo #comics #marvelcomics #dccomics #fyb ♬ original sound - Laura Deluca

Friday, July 10, 2026

Chat with Phantom Narrator Micaela


With Phantom, Book 1 of the Dark Musicals Series, officially released on audio, I thought it was the perfect time to sit down with our narrator, Micaela, for a fun chat about the series, her theatre background, and what it was like bringing these characters to life.

Before the audiobook came out, we hopped on a video call to talk about everything from musical theatre to the challenges of narrating a story filled with dramatic scenes, emotional moments, and songs. I was so excited when I found Micaela. She has a gorgeous voice and was able to sing the musical scenes, which adds a whole new dimension to the audiobook experience. Hearing those moments performed instead of simply read is truly magical.

Sit down with us and enjoy this behind‑the‑scenes chat. Phantom is only Book 1 of 16 in the Dark Musicals world, and I’m excited to continue working with Micaela for many years, and many books, to come.

Watch the video below, and if you want to explore more, check out Phantom on audio or dive into the full Dark Musicals Series. Grab a copy on Amazon or Audible

DARIUS ROSS – THE ROLL UP KINGPIN SHARES EXIT STRATEGIES FOR SMALL COMPANIES

 


In a world where adversity can either break or build, Darius Ross stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. Known as "The Roll Up Kingpin" for his expertise in smaller acquisitions, Darius Ross is a renowned motivational speaker, author, and life coach. He motivates business professionals, investors, young men, divorcees and many readers to overcome obstacles and create lasting financial legacies.

Darius Ross’s journey began amid hardship in Auburn Park, Chicago. Following a devastating fire that left him unhoused, as well as the loss of countless friends due to rampant gang violence, Darius refused to surrender to adversity. Instead, he channeled his struggles into motivation, relentlessly pursuing education and personal growth. His unyielding tenacity led him to achieving entrepreneurial success and inspiring others with his books and motivational speeches. His resilience transformed his life and established a foundation for national impact, proving that anyone can rise above their circumstances.

Drawing from his extensive experience in business acquisitions and entrepreneurship, Darius Ross offers the following five key suggestions for small companies looking to develop a successful exit strategy:

·      Start Planning Early - Develop your exit plan well in advance. Early preparation allows you to maximize company value, address potential pitfalls, and position your business for a smooth transition.

·      Understand Your Value -Conduct a realistic assessment of your company’s strengths, market position, and unique assets. Knowing your true value helps you negotiate effectively and attract the right buyers.

·      Build a Strong Team -Ensure your company operates efficiently without you at the helm. A strong management team adds value and reassures buyers that the business will thrive post-acquisition.

·      Maintain Clean Financials: Keep accurate and transparent financial records. Buyers are attracted to companies with clear, well-documented financial histories, which facilitate easier due diligence and valuation. Avoid aggressive tax avoidance or overly creative tax strategies, as these can deter buyers and complicate the sales process.

·      Creative Financing Options and Strategies: Explore innovative financing structures that benefit both you and the buyer, ensuring a smooth exit with maximum profit and future potential. Consider options such as seller financing, earn-outs, deferred payments, or equity rollovers to make the deal more attractive and flexible for all parties involved.

·      Seek Professional Guidance - Engage with advisors experienced in mergers and acquisitions. Legal, financial, and business experts can help you navigate the complexities of exiting, ensuring you secure the best possible outcome




Darius Ross’s legacy is built on his dedication to helping others create lasting financial legacies. His suggestions reflect a deep understanding of both the challenges and opportunities facing small business owners. By following these strategies, entrepreneurs can position themselves for successful exits, unlocking new possibilities for growth and prosperity.

Today, Darius, who resides in New York City and Maine, is celebrated for his unwavering commitment to empowering others and his tireless focus on creating financial legacies for regular folks that will transform their lives. Ross has authored six books, including Mastering The TPS BluePrint: Transforming Trauma into Triumph and Leadership DNA: Building a Thriving Business Culture. His latest venture, Dating at 50, which chronicles his experiences with love and romance as an older man, is expected to be released soon. He has successfully launched ventures across various industries and advises high-net-worth clients, specializing in finding opportunities in challenges. Through coaching, mentoring, and his writing—including his Forbes blog and podcasts—Ross shares insights on transformation, wealth creation, and resilience. He focuses on multifamily real estate, supports innovative startups as an angel investor, and inspires audiences worldwide to confront challenges and strive for greatness.

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Learn more about Darius Ross in his interview here or look for all his books on Amazon.

Surprise Chest Unclaimed Mail - Camera & MORE BRAS

 Today’s unclaimed mail haul came from a new company called Surprise Chest, and it showed up just in time for my mom Maryann’s birthday. Naturally, she insisted on opening the first three packages herself because at this point she’s basically the queen of return‑mail content.

The first box kicked things off with a knock‑off GoPro. Next, she got a sign that read, "Please Keep Pets off Landscaping.

And then came the grand finale: even more bras, this time in 5XL. Both of us combined wouldn’t fit into those things! Stay tuned for our next batch of treasure from Surprise Chest!


Thursday, July 9, 2026

Rocky Horror Picture Show Mystery Box — Stylin Boxes Unboxing

If you’re a fan of cult classics, the Rocky Horror Picture Show Mystery Box from Stylin Boxes is a total treat. Stylin Boxes is known for curating fandom‑themed mystery boxes packed with officially licensed merch, artwork, collectibles, and fun surprises you never see coming. They specialize in pop‑culture deep cuts including movies, TV, comics, gaming .

I filmed a full unboxing, so definitely check out the Rocky Horror video to see my reactions in real time, but here’s a closer look at everything inside this gloriously theatrical box.


What Was Inside the Rocky Horror Mystery Box

The box was packed with bold, colorful, over‑the‑top goodies, exactly what you’d expect from anything Rocky Horror themed. In the photo, you’ll spot:

  • A large Rocky Horror Show poster with that iconic shocked face and dripping yellow lettering

  • A sheet of character stickers featuring Frank‑N‑Furter, Janet, Rocky, and the rest of the cast

  • A DVD/Blu‑ray case notebook with classic Rocky Horror artwork

  • A bright red Rocky Horror mug

  • A circular print featuring The Criminologist

  • A framed “Don’t Dream It, Be It!” art print

  • A handful of pins and keychains perfect for collectors



 Horrified, Dark Musicals Book 7

If you love Rocky Horror as much as I do, you might also enjoy my book Horrified, Dark Musicals Book 7, which was directly inspired by the wild, irreverent energy of Rocky Horror. It’s packed with the same blend of camp, chaos, and dark theatrical fun — just with my own twist. You can explore more about it here: Horrified, Dark Musicals Book 7.


Watch the Unboxing 

To see the full breakdown and all the goodies up close, watch my Rocky Horror unboxing, complete with me dressed as Columbia. And if you missed it, make sure to check out my previous video on the Labyrinth mystery box, another fantastic Stylin Boxes adventure.



@authorlauradeluca Rocky Horror Mystery Box 📦 from StylinBoxes #mysteryboxes #unboxing #unboxingvideo #rockyhorrorpictureshow #fyp ♬ original sound - Laura Deluca