The Horror of Our Love/ The 5 Love Languages as Horror Stories:
Horror lovers have heart too, you know.
This past Valentine’s Day, we were reminded: Valentine's Day should be for all people, not just cute couples clogging up our social media feeds this time of year. “The 5 Love Languages” is a book by Gary Chapman that discusses the general ways a couple shows love to one another. What happens if we take that concept and turn it towards horror stories? What happens when we take that concept and apply it to different types of love, not just romantic love? In this article, you will find story recommendations that are not your typical love story. There is the destructive love only cults can provide. The platonic love of a devoted friend. The love of sexual depravity. The love of finding someone to share your passion. In other words, a little something for everyone!
Words of Affirmation:
“The Vessel” by Matt Harvey (from the “Horrorama” anthology)...
If anyone ever lovingly whispers “Supptu Kekh” into your ear, do yourself a favor and run away while you still can!
“The Wicked” by James Newman…
If you’re down for an orgy of the damned, repeat after me! “In nomine Dei nostri Moloch excelsi!”
Quality Time:
"Exquisite Corpse" by Poppy Z. Brite
… what could be more romantic than spending time with the one you love doing your favorite things? These guys take the whole "I could just eat you up, I love you so" to a whole new level.
Copulation and cannibalism go hand in .. mouth.
"You" by Caroline Kepnes
Quality time is all about giving your partner your complete undivided attention and there's no one that takes that more seriously than Joe Goldberg. You are all he wants and he'll kill anyone who tries to get between you.
Receiving Gifts:
“Sex with Dolphins” by Chad Stroup (from the “Worst Laid Plans” anthology)
Is there a more romantic gift than a Hawaiian honeymoon? Ps- The title of this story is very literal, in case you were wondering.
PSS. If you're into dolphin sex be sure to also check out Made For Love by Alissa Nutting
“Vanitas” by Azzurra Nox and Erica Ruhe (from the “Tainted Love” anthology)...
Ruby learns the hard way money can’t buy you love, but money can buy you a very deadly hobby.
Acts of Service:
"Let The Right One In" by John Ajvide Lindqvist…
This one might be a little more if friend romance, but you can't be a better bff than helping your friend kill, so that they can continue living.
"You Let Me In" by Camilla Bruce…
because truly the ultimate way to show your lover that you care deeply about them is by letting them feast on your blood.
Faeries might give you cool gifts, but they are needy little creeps.
Physical Touch:
“Fucking Flesh Walker” by Jaap Boekestein (in the “Obliquatur Voluptas” anthology)....
Morbidly obese man craves the touch of a steel tipped stiletto.
“The Deer Wife” by Jennifer McMahon (in the “Hex Life” anthology)...
A lonely woman is bewitched by a lovely creature in the forest. Can she find the courage to leave her world behind and pursue true love?
This article written by Beth & Tav
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
Tave @readswithdogs