I received the women in horror anthology “Tainted Love” for free from Azzurra Nox. Thank you! This women-only anthology was edited by two women, Azzurra Nox and Erica Ruhe, and features 14 short stories that explore different types of love. I enjoyed most of the stories tremendously, so I give this anthology 4⭐️! Now, an emoji review!
”When The Mask Drops”- Hillary Lyon
A mysterious woman at a masquerade ball is hungry for more than just the hors d’ orves.
🧑🏻”Vanitas”- Azzurra Nox and Erica Rhue
Ruby acquires a husband and several fun new hobbies.
🪦”The Wait”- Kathleen Halecki
Wronged women of a feather have to flock together!
🤷🏽♂️”They Want to Talk”- Rachel Bolton
Rob, the two-timing guy with a heart of dung, has a fun little chat with his ladies.
”Chronic Chills”- Hudson Wilding
Orchid finds out the whole ‘cold hands, warm heart’ sentiment can be grievously flawed.
🦇”Make A (Death) Wish”- Melissa Burkley
The only Batman story that has ever held my interest!
🪐- Phoebe Jane Johnson
Social commentary, science fiction, just desserts… this story has everything.
”The Flagship””Of Guys and Dolls”- Stella B. James
How to feather your love nest with the corpses of your frenemies.
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♀️”Unfinished Business”- Joni Chng
Ghosts give tough love, but it gets the job done.
”Sleep”- Marie Anderson
Sometimes being a Dad means doing the right thing, even if it is hard.
🪟”Hunter’s Moon”- Marnie Azzarelli
Sufficient reason to be antisocial at work (and also at home)!
”Unborn”- Alexandra Bay
We all know opera houses are creepy places, but is it the opera house or an unreliable narrator?
🦰🫀”Prey”- Erin Lee
Tendra’s first word was ‘die’ and she’s only gotten more charming from there.
”My Lady Báthory”- Mandy Burkhead
After my initial disappointment in discovering ‘gynaeceum’ does not mean vagina gym, I discovered Lady Báthory is no lady!
♀️My personal favorite from this anthology was the last story, “My Lady Báthory”. This story is set in the 1600’s Europe and it is probably the most hardcore of the anthology. It also deals with young women being cast away due to their struggles coming to terms with their sexuality and gender identity. I think these LGBTQ+ aspects of the story were as well done as the historical elements and the splatter/gore portions. The story was entertaining and brutal, on many levels. Extremely well done!
Beth Griffith lives in Maryland with her husband, three children and a pathetically small herd of cats. She enjoys reading smut and gardening. You can watch saucy smut reviews, read salty book reviews and keep tabs on her questionable life choices on Instagram @mrsbeverlygibbs
