Do you remember my song House of Ghosts? Well, today is Halloween - and honestly, it’s one of those days I’ve never liked. Nothing about it is my cup of tea. I don’t get the concept, and I certainly don’t see the point, except that it’s yet another money-making event machine imported from the United States.
Maybe in America, the whole walking around the neighborhood and asking for sweets thing makes sense. But here in Switzerland? Not really. Here, neighbors spend all year avoiding eye contact, pretending not to see each other in the hallway, and treating a simple “hello” as an intrusion.
We’ve lived in this house for eighteen years now. The neighbors’ kids don’t even have the decency to say hello - let alone their unfriendly parents. And yet, every year, they have the audacity to ring our doorbell until 9 p.m., expecting treats. Seriously? The irony is almost poetic.
Copying another country’s traditions while living in social isolation makes no sense. But I’ve long since given up trying to understand my neighbors.
The last truly unpleasant Halloween experience actually inspired my song House of Ghosts, from my album Cocktails of Society. We probably have the worst neighbors in the history of awful neighbors - coldhearted, ignorant, selfish, unkind, and yes, shady.
Unfortunately, we share a laundry room with six other families. Over the years, I’ve witnessed and endured everything from petty theft to outright sabotage. It’s a dark comedy of human behavior - or maybe just a tragedy.
Wherever you are, I hope you’re blessed with kind, helpful, and honest neighbors. If you are, treasure them - because having good neighbors is like winning the lottery. They’re worth every treat in the world.
I’m already bracing myself for another long, annoying night - the neighbors’ kids ringing the doorbell like there’s no tomorrow. Oh dear…
Life is so strange. Often, the people we never meet in person accompany us through life and influence us more deeply than our own family members, friends, colleagues, or neighbors ever do.
As a young girl, my childhood hero was actor and singer David Hasselhoff. He became the father figure I never had. His music, his voice, and his TV shows like Knight Rider and Baywatch gave me joy like no one else could.
To this day, one specific song remains my David song - “Looking for Freedom.”
Even as a child, I understood what it meant to long for freedom. When I arrived in Switzerland as a war refugee, I felt that desire in every bone and every vein.
I was lucky enough to meet David in person a few times in my life and to tell him how much his work meant to me.
David & Ex-wife Pamela Bach
This year, however, has been a difficult one for David. In March, his ex-wife Pamela, the mother of his two beautiful daughters, Taylor-Ann and Hayley, tragically took her own life at only 61.
The news was absolutely devastating. As a kid, I used to collect pictures of David and his family - I had their photos hanging on my bedroom door. Hearing about Pamela’s death broke my heart. Life and destiny can be so brutally unfair. They once seemed like the perfect couple living the dream life in California - and yet, behind that picture, pain was hiding.
David & German Producer Jack White
As if that wasn’t already heartbreaking enough, this October brought more shocking news: Jack White, the legendary German music producer who made David a household name in the German-speaking world - and the man who produced my David song, “Looking for Freedom” - also took his own life.
Two people connected to the same story that shaped part of my childhood are gone. They had it all - the looks, the fame, the success, the money - and yet, they chose to leave. I can’t get them out of my mind.
Why am I sharing this?
Because I want to honor them both - Pamela and Jack White - with love and respect. I never met either of them, but their passing deeply saddens me. I hope they’ve found peace wherever they are now.
I also share this to raise awareness about loneliness, isolation, and hopelessness - emotions that are spreading like a quiet pandemic in our shallow, selfish, and disconnected world.
If even people with wealth and fame lack what we all truly need to survive - hope - then something in our society is deeply broken.
Please, take care of the people around you. Check in on your friends. Be kind. If Pamela and Jack White could lose their fight for light, then truly, anyone could. They had it all - and still, they chose to leave this cold, narrow-minded, unkind world, perhaps hoping to find love and peace elsewhere.
The older I get, the prouder I become of my culture and traditions. It’s ironic how so many in the so-called “Western world” - especially in America and parts of Europe - look down on Asian cultures with thousands of years of history, while they themselves often lack true traditions of humanity, hospitality, generosity, and kindness.
The other day, my mum and I were watching The Graham Norton Show, where American actress Jennifer Lawrence was promoting her latest movie. I turned to my mum and said, “Wow, she’s gorgeous - what a beautiful and talented woman.”
That was my impression untilshe began to share a story about her hospitality.
Honestly, I still can’t understand why anyone would behave like that - let alone tell the whole world about it on international television. To treat someone in such a way, and then proudly share it as if it’s funny, is beyond me.
It took only a few seconds for her beauty to turn into ugliness in my eyes. Why?
Because where I come from - in my country, my culture, my faith, and my mentality - a guest is sacred. You treat your guest like a king or queen, no matter what you have or don’t have.
One would think that one of the best-paid actresses in Hollywood could easily make a phone call and order food for a guest. Instead, she told the world she served her guest - actor Robert Pattinson - leftovers from the trash.
I repeat: from the trash.
Who on earth thinks that’s okay?
And worse - who thinks it’s okay to use that story as a form of “entertainment” to promote a movie?
I always say: Treat people the way you want to be treated.
How can anyone now trust this woman who clearly doesn’t care about another human being’s dignity?
At first, I thought I’d let this go - that my anger would fade - but it didn’t. The more I thought about it, the more I felt I needed to write this post and make a clear statement.
People idolize celebrities. They look up to Hollywood. They think fame equals value.
But this story proves once again that neither money, nor fame, nor beauty can buy inner decency.
You either have a kind, respectful, generous heart - or you don’t.
No one with a true sense of humanity would ever treat another person that way. In my country, we would never humiliate a guest - whether friend or stranger - the way she did.
So yes, in our home, we’ve made a decision: we won’t be watching any more movies starring someone who treats others with such arrogance. I can only hope she’s a better mother to her child than she is a friend to her colleagues.
And thank God - many of the comments under that YouTube video show I’m not alone in feeling this way. Disgusting - simply disgusting. If she didn’t have a better story to promote her film, she should have stayed home… or, better yet, just zip it. 🎤
As I mentioned in my previous blog post, Vito and Ellie’s performance on Strictly Come Dancing to the song “Golden” inspired me deeply. It led me to write and release a song in English - and for the very first time - in Italian, for everyone out there who needs a Vito in their life.
Their performance touched me not only because of their dancing, but because of the genuine connection between them. Vito, with his golden heart, was literally uplifting and guiding his student Ellie - not just on stage, but also behind the scenes. Their posts on Instagram and TikTok show how much love, time, energy, and thought Vito puts into making his student shine like gold.
My mum and I have been watching Strictly Come Dancing (and the German version Let’s Dance) for years. What fascinates us most isn’t just the music and the choreography - it’s the transformation. It’s watching these celebrities bloom week after week, thanks to the passion and patience of their brilliant teachers.
Professional male dancers like Aljaž Škorjanec, Nikita Kuzmin, Kai Widdrington, Carlos Gu, Johannes Radebe, Gorka Márquez, Neil Jones, and of course the Italian sunshine with the golden heart, Vito Coppola, make us believe in the goodness of people again.
Seeing the breathtaking female professionals - Dianne Buswell, Nancy Xu, Jowita Przystał, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Lauren Oakley, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas, Katya Jones - show such kindness and patience doesn’t surprise me at all. Why? Because that’s who we are. Women are the reason this world is still turning while a bunch of toddlers are busy destroying it day by day.
But as someone who never had a supportive, kind male figure in her life, I get emotional whenever I see these professional male dancers. I realize that I’ve always longed for someone like Vito - a father, a brother, a partner, or even just a best friend who brings joy, laughter, positivity, and hope. Someone who uplifts, encourages, and believes in me.
But here’s the thing - Vito’s golden heart isn’t just something we see on TV. In real life, he supports Dynamo Camp in Italy, a therapeutic recreation charity for children with serious illnesses.
And Ellie Goldstein, with her beautiful light and authenticity, is not only a model but also an ambassador for Mencap, using her platform to break stereotypes and spread inclusion and self-love.
Together, they remind us what true humanity looks like: compassion, connection, and courage.
So, my dear readers - Who is your Golden Heart?
Don’t take that person for granted. Let them know how precious their support and love truly are. 💫
🎵 Cuore d’Oro (Golden Heart) - Out Now
Cuore d’Oro is more than just a song. It’s a message of gratitude to those who lift us up, believe in us, and make life shine brighter. It’s for every teacher, friend, parent, partner, and soul who carries light within them - the ones who remind us that goodness still exists in this chaotic world.
Listen to Cuore d’Oro (Golden Heart) and think of your Vito - that special person who has touched your life with kindness. 💛
And because Cuore d’Oro and Birdy & Fishy were inspired by real acts of inclusion and empathy, I decided to extend my circle of giving by supporting two more organizations that represent those same values:
🌿 Dynamo Camp (Italy) A non-profit organization offering therapeutic recreation programs for children with serious or chronic illnesses, giving them the chance to have fun, build confidence, and simply be kids again-all free of charge.(You can donate directly to Dynamo Camp here: www.dynamocamp.org)
💜 Mencap (UK) A leading UK charity that works to create an inclusive world for people with learning disabilities, promoting understanding, respect, and equal opportunities for all. (You can donate directly to Mencap here: Donate to Mencap)
🎵 Proceeds from my songs “Cuore d’Oro (Golden Heart)” and “Birdy & Fishy (Friends Can Fly and Swim) - The Bonus Track” will go toward supporting these causes.
These songs are my way of saying thank you to every golden heart out there-to those who lift, heal, and believe in others.
👉 WHO is your GOLDEN HEART? Share or gift the song with your own golden heart.✨
Come ho già menzionato nel mio post precedente, la performance di Vito Coppola ed Ellie Goldstein a Strictly Come Dancing sulla canzone “Golden” mi ha profondamente ispirata.
Mi ha spinta a scrivere e pubblicare una canzone in inglese - e per la primissima volta - anche in italiano, per tutte le persone che là fuori hanno bisogno di un Vito nella loro vita.
La loro esibizione mi ha toccata non solo per la danza in sé, ma per la connessione autentica tra loro.
Vito, con il suo cuore d’oro, sollevava e guidava la sua allieva Ellie - non solo sul palcoscenico, ma anche dietro le quinte.
I loro post su Instagram e TikTok mostrano quanta dedizione, amore, energia e attenzione Vito mette ogni settimana per far brillare la sua studentessa come l’oro.
Io e mia mamma guardiamo Strictly Come Dancing (e la versione tedesca Let’s Dance) da anni.
Ciò che ci affascina di più non è solo la musica o la coreografia - ma la trasformazione.
È vedere queste celebrità sbocciare settimana dopo settimana, grazie alla passione e alla pazienza dei loro straordinari insegnanti.
I ballerini professionisti come Aljaž Škorjanec, Nikita Kuzmin, Kai Widdrington, Carlos Gu, Johannes Radebe, Gorka Márquez, Neil Jones, e naturalmente il sole italiano dal cuore d’oro, Vito Coppola, ci fanno credere di nuovo nella bontà delle persone.
Vedere queste meravigliose ballerine professioniste - Dianne Buswell, Nancy Xu, Jowita Przystał, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Lauren Oakley, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas, Katya Jones - mostrare così tanta gentilezza e pazienza con i loro studenti, non mi sorprende affatto.
Perché? Perché è nella nostra natura.
Le donne sono la ragione per cui il mondo continua a girare, mentre un gruppo di “bambinoni” lo rovina giorno dopo giorno distruggendo la nostra umanità e la nostra pace.
Ma, come persona che non ha mai avuto una figura maschile gentile e di supporto nella propria vita, mi emoziono ogni volta che vedo questi ballerini professionisti.
Mi rendo conto che ho sempre desiderato avere un padre, un fratello, un cugino, uno zio, un partner o semplicemente un migliore amico come Vito.
Qualcuno che porti gioia, risate, positività e speranza, incoraggiando, sollevando e credendo in me.
E così, non sorprende che sia nata la canzone “Cuore d’Oro (Golden Heart)”.
Non dare mai per scontata una persona con un cuore d’oro nella tua vita.
Assicurati di fargli sapere quanto è prezioso il suo amore e il suo sostegno. 💛
Ma ecco la cosa più bella: il cuore d’oro di Vito non brilla solo in TV. Nella vita reale, sostiene Dynamo Camp in Italia - un’associazione che offre programmi di terapia ricreativa per bambini con malattie gravi.
E Ellie Goldstein, con la sua luce e autenticità, non è solo una modella ma anche ambasciatrice di Mencap, un’associazione che promuove l’inclusione e la rappresentazione delle persone con disabilità intellettive.
Insieme ci ricordano che la vera umanità è fatta di compassione, connessione e coraggio.
💫 Chi è il tuo Cuore d’Oro?
Non dare mai per scontato chi ti sostiene e ti ama.
Fagli sapere quanto è prezioso il suo cuore. 💛
🎵 Cuore d’Oro (Golden Heart) - Disponibile Ora
Cuore d’Oro è molto più di una canzone.
È un messaggio di gratitudine per tutte le persone che ci sollevano, credono in noi e rendono la vita più luminosa.
È dedicata a ogni insegnante, amico, genitore, partner o anima che porta luce nel mondo - a chi ci ricorda che la bontà esiste ancora in mezzo al caos.
Ascolta Cuore d’Oro (Golden Heart) e pensa al tuo Vito - quella persona speciale che ha toccato la tua vita con gentilezza. 💛
🌟 Golden Hearts on the Dance Floor - My Tribute to Vito Coppola
Sometimes inspiration doesn’t come quietly. Sometimes it bursts into your heart in the form of music, light, and human connection. That’s exactly what happened the first time I watched Vito Coppola and Ellie Goldstein dance together on Strictly Come Dancing.
Their Couple’s Choice routine to “Golden” by HUNTR/X wasn’t just another performance - it was a moment of pure emotion.
The joy, trust, and respect between them radiated through every step.
And somewhere in that golden light, a spark was born in me - the very first idea for my new song, “Cuore d’Oro (Golden Heart).”
💃 A Performance That Inspired a Song
As I watched Vito and Ellie glide across the floor, I couldn’t stop smiling… and crying. There was something magical about the way Vito choreographed the routine - his focus wasn’t on outshining his partner, but on illuminating her.
Fans online felt it too:
“Vito always makes his partners be the star.” 💛
“Ellie’s inspirational & Vito’s a Labrador puppy in human form!”
“Their joy was contagious - I was crying before they even started dancing.”
Those words summed up exactly what I felt.
This was more than a dance.
It was an act of empathy, confidence, and kindness in motion.
✨ How “Cuore d’Oro” Came to Life
That night, the phrase “cuore d’oro” (Italian for “golden heart”) kept echoing in my mind. I knew I had to capture what I’d just witnessed - not with my eyes, but with my soul.
Vito’s spirit, humility, and warmth reminded me that real greatness comes from lifting others up, not from seeking the spotlight. Ellie’s energy - brave, authentic, and full of life - mirrored that same message.
So, Cuore d’Oro became my way of saying thank you to both of them — and to everyone in this world who leads with kindness.
💫 A Song Dedicated to Vito Coppola
When I finished the song, I knew exactly who it belonged to. Cuore d’Oro is dedicated to Vito Coppola - a dancer and teacher whose heart beats with love, loyalty, and joy.
The Italian version carries a personal secret: a soft-spoken line at the very end -
“Vito… ognuno dovrebbe avere un amico con un cuore d’oro come il tuo.”
(Vito, everyone should have a friend with a golden heart like yours.) 💛
That single sentence holds all the gratitude I felt watching that performance.
🎵 The Golden Trilogy
This moment of inspiration has since grown into four versions of one message:
🇮🇹 Cuore d’Oro – Italian pop elegance
🇮🇹 Cuore d’Oro – Italian emotional ballad
🇬🇧 Golden Heart – English pop Dance Version
🇬🇧 Golden Heart – English pop Dance (Alternative)
🇬🇧 Birdy & Fishy - Bonus Track
Each version beats with the same truth:
Kindness never fades. Real hearts never stop shining. ✨
🌈 Final Thoughts
Vito and Ellie’s performance wasn’t just a dance - it was a reminder that the world still holds beauty, compassion, and people who lead with love.
Thank you, Vito - for the inspiration, the kindness, and the reminder that hearts like yours are the true rhythm of life.
💛 A Personal Message to Vito Coppola
Dear Vito,
I don’t know you personally, but your golden heart makes me believe in humanity - in kindness, loyalty, unconditional support, and the beauty of a truly good soul.
Your parents must be so proud of you. God bless you for your loving personality, for your laughter, your positive energy, and the way you make people feel seen, valued, and loved. We all need a friend like you in our lives.
Your hugs, your kisses, your joy, your love - they’re golden.
Thank you for being the light this world so desperately needs. 💛✨
🇮🇹 Cuori d’Oro sulla Pista da Ballo - Il Mio Tributo a Vito Coppola
A volte l’ispirazione non arriva in silenzio.
A volte esplode nel cuore sotto forma di musica, luce e connessione umana.
È esattamente ciò che mi è successo la prima volta che ho visto Vito Coppola ed Ellie Goldstein danzare insieme a Strictly Come Dancing.
La loro Couple’s Choice sulla canzone “Golden” di HUNTR/X non è stata solo un’altra esibizione - è stato un momento di pura emozione.
La gioia, la fiducia e il rispetto tra loro brillavano in ogni passo.
E in quella luce dorata è nata una scintilla dentro di me - la primissima idea per la mia nuova canzone, “Cuore d’Oro (Golden Heart).”
💃 Una Performance che ha Ispirato una Canzone
Mentre guardavo Vito ed Ellie scivolare sulla pista, non riuscivo a smettere di sorridere… e di piangere.
C’era qualcosa di magico nel modo in cui Vito ha coreografato quella routine - il suo obiettivo non era mettersi in mostra, ma illuminare la sua partner.
Anche i fan online lo hanno percepito:
“Vito fa sempre in modo che le sue partner siano le vere stelle.” 💛
“Ellie è ispiratrice e Vito è un cucciolo di Labrador in forma umana!”
“La loro gioia era contagiosa - stavo già piangendo prima ancora che iniziassero a ballare.”
Quelle parole riassumevano perfettamente ciò che ho provato.
Questa non era solo una danza.
Era un atto di empatia, fiducia e gentilezza in movimento.
✨ Come è Nata “Cuore d’Oro”
Quella notte la frase “cuore d’oro” continuava a risuonarmi nella mente.
Sapevo che dovevo catturare ciò che avevo appena vissuto - non con gli occhi, ma con l’anima.
Lo spirito, l’umiltà e la gioia di Vito mi hanno ricordato che la vera grandezza nasce dal sollevare gli altri, non dal cercare i riflettori.
L’energia di Ellie - coraggiosa, autentica e piena di vita - rispecchiava lo stesso messaggio.
Così, Cuore d’Oro è diventata il mio modo per dire grazie a entrambi - e a tutte le persone in questo mondo che guidano con la gentilezza.
💫 Una Canzone Dedicata a Vito Coppola
Quando ho terminato la canzone, sapevo esattamente a chi apparteneva.
Cuore d’Oro è dedicata a Vito Coppola - un ballerino e insegnante il cui cuore batte d’amore, lealtà e gioia.
La versione italiana nasconde un piccolo segreto personale: una frase sussurrata alla fine -
“Vito… ognuno dovrebbe avere un amico con un cuore d’oro come il tuo.” 💛
(Vito, ognuno dovrebbe avere un amico con un cuore d’oro come il tuo.)
Quella frase racchiude tutta la gratitudine che ho provato guardando quell’esibizione.
🎵 La Trilogia Dorata
Questo momento di ispirazione si è trasformato in quattro versioni di un unico messaggio:
🇮🇹 Cuore d’Oro – eleganza pop italiana
🇮🇹 Cuore d’Oro – ballata pop italiana piena di emozione
🇬🇧 Golden Heart – versione pop dance inglese
🇬🇧 Golden Heart – versione dance alternativa
🇬🇧 Birdy & Fishy – Bonus Track
Ogni versione batte con la stessa verità:
La gentilezza non svanisce mai. I veri cuori non smettono mai di brillare. ✨
🌈 Pensieri Finali
La performance di Vito ed Ellie non è stata solo una danza - è stato un promemoria che il mondo conserva ancora bellezza, compassione e persone che vivono guidate dall’amore.
Grazie, Vito - per l’ispirazione, la gentilezza e per avermi ricordato che cuori come il tuo sono il vero ritmo della vita. 💛
💛 Un Messaggio Personale a Vito Coppola
Caro Vito,
Non ti conosco personalmente, ma il tuo cuore d’oro mi fa credere nell’umanità - nella gentilezza, nella lealtà, nel sostegno incondizionato e nella bellezza di un’anima buona.
I tuoi genitori devono essere immensamente orgogliosi di te.
Dio ti benedica per la tua personalità amorevole, per la tua risata, la tua energia e per il modo in cui fai sentire le persone viste, apprezzate e amate.
Abbiamo tutti bisogno di un amico come te nella nostra vita.
I tuoi abbracci, i tuoi sorrisi, la tua gioia e il tuo amore - sono davvero dorati.
Grazie per essere la luce di cui questo mondo ha così tanto bisogno. 💛✨
I'm so excited to share my very first DUET TRACK WITH YOU!
Not every Christmas is spent holding hands under the same twinkling tree. Sometimes love is a world away - divided by oceans, borders, or simply the chaos of life. And yet, even across the miles, two hearts can still burn bright - like candlelights on ice.
That’s the story behind my new romantic duet “Candlelights on Ice”, featured on my album XMAS LIGHTS.
It’s a song for everyone who’s missing someone special this Christmas - a love that’s real, even when it can’t be near.
💞 Two voices. Two hearts. One melody.
There are two versions of this song - because sometimes one perspective isn’t enough to capture the beauty of longing. Each version brings its own emotional color, like reflections in a frozen lake - fragile, pure, and full of feeling.
Whether your loved one is far away, gone too soon, or just living in another time zone - this song is for you.
It’s for all who light a candle and whisper, “Merry Christmas, my love - wherever you are.”
🎥 Watch the short video on YouTube - a little film of love, distance, and hope shining through winter’s chill.
So tonight, wherever you are, pour a cup of something warm, press play, and let this duet remind you that love - true love - doesn’t melt, even on ice.
With warmth, light, and endless melodies,
Lily Amis 💖
(because every heart deserves a Christmas song - even the lonely ones)
Let’s be honest - 2025 hasn’t exactly been a walk through a winter wonderland. Between endless bad news, conflicts, and politicians behaving like toddlers, the world can feel heavy. And yet… here we are, heading toward Christmas - a time that still dares to whisper: Love wins. Light returns. Music heals.
That’s why I decided not to release just one, but three Christmas albums this year - because sometimes one snowflake of hope simply isn’t enough.
For the dreamers, the believers, and everyone who needs a warm melody when the nights feel too long. These songs are about love, family, and finding your sparkle even in the dark.
A cozy collection of musical tales - full of friendship, kindness, and the kind of magic that doesn’t come wrapped in shiny paper. Perfect for those who love storytelling and heartfelt lyrics by the fireside.
This one’s for the little (and not-so-little) ones - a reminder that miracles still happen, that diversity makes us stronger, and that the biggest gifts can come in the smallest gestures.
Each album has its own personality, but they all share one message: don’t give up on the beauty of this world. Even when the headlines scream chaos, music can still bring peace - at least for a few precious minutes.
So if you’re building your holiday playlist or looking for something meaningful to gift your loved ones this year, I’d be honored if my songs could be part of your celebration.
May these melodies bring a little warmth, a little wonder, and a little light into your home - wherever you are and whatever you’re facing.
With love,
Lily Amis 💖
(a.k.a. your friendly Xmas song elf with a rebel heart)
🐾 Turning the Gun: How a Scam Email Became My Best Book Promo (Harvey Specter Would Approve)
A few days ago, I received an email that almost made me spit out my coffee ☕.
The subject line?
🐶 “A dog survives 12 days of terror… but only 9 reviews? Sky deserves justice, Lily!”
If you know me, you already guessed what followed: paragraphs of emotional flattery, a sprinkle of fake urgency, and a bold promise to make my book Sky: 12 Days of Terror “soar through Amazon’s algorithm.”
As Harvey Specter from Suits would say:
“When you’re backed against the wall, break the damn thing down.”
So instead of ignoring it, I decided to turn the gun. 😎
🕵️♀️ Exhibit A: The Email (abridged for dramatic effect)
“Lily, you didn’t just write a story. You created a moral mirror… that should be carved into readers’ hearts.”
“How is a story this powerful not climbing the top of Amazon charts?”
“That’s where I come in. I work with a private circle of 3000+ genuine readers (real humans, not bots 😏)… steady, authentic reviews… boosted visibility… organic engagement that Amazon actually loves!”
Let’s pause right there, shall we? 😅
⚖️ The Verdict
Here’s the deal: Amazon doesn’t reward “engineered” reviews - it rewards honest ones.
And the moment someone promises “organic engagement” with a winky face, it’s not organic anymore.
Scam emails like this prey on authors’ vulnerabilities - our desire to be seen, appreciated, and heard.
They weaponize flattery. They sound supportive, even poetic.
But behind all that sugar is the same old bitter truth: they want your money, not your art.
💡 My Light-Bulb Moment
Instead of deleting the email, I realized… it’s actually a perfect compliment.
Because to scam me, they had to read my book description.
They had to acknowledge the heart of Sky – 12 Days of Terror: love, loyalty, displacement, and hope through the eyes of a dog. 🐕
They called Sky “a philosopher in fur.”
And honestly? That line is good - I might even steal it for my next press release. 😅
✨ Turning the Gun
Here’s how you turn the gun, Specter-style 💼:
Expose the tactic.
Shine a light on what these “review specialists” promise versus what they actually do.
Educate your peers.
Many indie authors fall for this kind of “real reader” pitch - but “real” shouldn’t come with quotation marks.
Use their own words to promote yourself.
I didn’t have to invent a single compliment. Reid W. (let’s keep him anonymous) did the work for me.
Redirect the narrative.
Instead of paying for fake validation, I’m inviting real readers to share their genuine experiences with Sky.
📣 The Real Call to Action
If you’ve read Sky: 12 Days of Terror or SKY – 12 Tage des Terrors, I’d truly love to hear from you. 💛
Leave a short, honest review on by using this link: for the English Version. Keep in mind that Skys story is also available in German and French. Italian, Spanish and Farsi will be available soon.
Even two sentences about what touched you makes a difference - and helps other readers find the story too.
Because in the end, authenticity is the best marketing strategy. ✨
🎯 Final Thoughts
So, Reid W., wherever you are - thanks for the flattery.
You inspired a blog post, a laugh, and maybe even a few real reviews. 😉
And to my fellow authors: Stay sharp. Stay classy.
And when someone tries to sell you shortcuts, just remember Harvey’s words:
“I don’t play the odds, I play the man.”
Only in this case, I played the scammer- and turned the whole thing into promo gold. 💅🐾
💬 Your Turn
Have you ever received a similar “review offer”?
Share your story in the comments below!
Let’s expose these schemes and lift each other up with truth, humor, and integrity.
☕ Post-Credits Scene
Sky is out there, wagging his tail and waiting to be discovered - one honest review at a time.
Now that’s how you win like Harvey Specter - with coffee in hand and integrity intact. 😎
AND ENCASE YOU HAVENT SEEN IT YET, SKY'S STORY INSPIRED ME TO RELEASE THE MINI ALBUM TOOFAN (STORM) WHICH ALSO INCLUDES THE TRACK
