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Because You're Mine
Bryan’s elderly mother is terminally ill, and that’s the way he likes it. Mom comes from old money, making it easy for Bryan to hire an in-home nurse, but he’s looking for someone to provide a special kind of treatment, something he’s long fantasized about.
Shelby is a nurse with a horrible secret. When she begins caring after Bryan’s mother, the two strike up an unlikely kinship, bonding over their troubled pasts and hidden desires. Together, the older Bryan begins teaching Shelby classic methods of diabolism, and she teaches him about the modern tools of their terrifying trade, making them a duo to die for.
Because You’re Mine is an extreme horror romance from the dark heart of Kristopher Triana, author of Gone to See the River Man and They All Died Screaming.
Shelby is a nurse with a horrible secret. When she begins caring after Bryan’s mother, the two strike up an unlikely kinship, bonding over their troubled pasts and hidden desires. Together, the older Bryan begins teaching Shelby classic methods of diabolism, and she teaches him about the modern tools of their terrifying trade, making them a duo to die for.
Because You’re Mine is an extreme horror romance from the dark heart of Kristopher Triana, author of Gone to See the River Man and They All Died Screaming.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 16, 2024
21 people are currently reading
924 people want to read
About the author
Kristopher Triana
68 books2,172 followersKristopher Triana is the author of Gone to See the River Man, Full Brutal, They All Died Screaming, Shepherd of the Black Sheep, Toxic Love, and more.
His fiction has appeared in countless magazines and anthologies and has been translated into multiple languages, drawing praise from Publisher's Weekly, Cemetery Dance, Rue Morgue, Scream, The Ginger Nuts of Horror and others.
Full Brutal won the Splatterpunk Award for Best Horror Novel of 2019, and Triana won the award again in 2022 for The Night Stockers, which he cowrote with Ryan Harding.
He lives in Connecticut.
His fiction has appeared in countless magazines and anthologies and has been translated into multiple languages, drawing praise from Publisher's Weekly, Cemetery Dance, Rue Morgue, Scream, The Ginger Nuts of Horror and others.
Full Brutal won the Splatterpunk Award for Best Horror Novel of 2019, and Triana won the award again in 2022 for The Night Stockers, which he cowrote with Ryan Harding.
He lives in Connecticut.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
September 30, 2024
BECAUSE YOU’RE MINE [2024] By Kristopher Triana
My Review Five Stars*****
I have been a steadfast Triana fan since “Gone To See The River Man”, and I have read novels of his from vastly different genres, Organized Crime, Occult Horror, and more recently Survival Horror (“The Old Lady” which was bloody fantastic).
So, I will go on the record here and acknowledge that this novel was more than a little bit different than his usual fare, that I have read in any event. Perhaps that is a redundant point since his incredible versatility is one of his attributes that sets him apart. The other is his talent for writing beautiful prose. "Because You're Mine" was original with expert pacing of the story line and just the right amount of suspense and subtle almost unnoticed prompts for the reader to believe it was foreshadowing the end. As Hannibal would say, “Oh, that was clever, Kristopher…”
He did not shortchange his dedicated splatter punk fans with some seriously disturbing torture, blood, and gore. I failed miserably to guess how this love story would end. I hate when that happens. I realized afterwards that Triana really does not “DO” many love stories, excluding the circus fun mirror distortions of love he sometimes writes. The more I thought about how extreme horror dominated the scenes surrounding our two lovesick puppies almost frame by frame I saw more clearly how perfect a tale he weaved. Including those throwaway hints, Triana.
TRIANA STANDS TALL AMONG THE NEWEST AND BEST OF THE NEW VOICED IN EXTREME HORROR
My Review Five Stars*****
I have been a steadfast Triana fan since “Gone To See The River Man”, and I have read novels of his from vastly different genres, Organized Crime, Occult Horror, and more recently Survival Horror (“The Old Lady” which was bloody fantastic).
So, I will go on the record here and acknowledge that this novel was more than a little bit different than his usual fare, that I have read in any event. Perhaps that is a redundant point since his incredible versatility is one of his attributes that sets him apart. The other is his talent for writing beautiful prose. "Because You're Mine" was original with expert pacing of the story line and just the right amount of suspense and subtle almost unnoticed prompts for the reader to believe it was foreshadowing the end. As Hannibal would say, “Oh, that was clever, Kristopher…”
He did not shortchange his dedicated splatter punk fans with some seriously disturbing torture, blood, and gore. I failed miserably to guess how this love story would end. I hate when that happens. I realized afterwards that Triana really does not “DO” many love stories, excluding the circus fun mirror distortions of love he sometimes writes. The more I thought about how extreme horror dominated the scenes surrounding our two lovesick puppies almost frame by frame I saw more clearly how perfect a tale he weaved. Including those throwaway hints, Triana.
TRIANA STANDS TALL AMONG THE NEWEST AND BEST OF THE NEW VOICED IN EXTREME HORROR
December 30, 2025
I am a big fan of Kristopher Triana. His writing is so solid that it makes me envious, at times. That, to me, was the highlight of the story. Beyond that, I really enjoyed the dynamics between Bryan and Shelby. Their budding relationship was riveting. Great backgrounds and character development. Unfortunately, as an avid reader of extreme horror, I didn’t think this qualified as such. So that selling point here was a bit of a false advertisement. And the story sort of never had an actual climax. It was all very subdued throughout. Not that I needed some huge bloodbath or something crazy, but it felt like a ton of build up leading to nothing. This needed some additional plot points and a more suitable conclusion to have the desired effect. Far from Triana’s best, the Riverman books, Full Brutal, and Toxic Love should be priority over this story.
August 7, 2024
100% Match meets Butcher & Blackbird meets There Are No Saints 😍
April 14, 2025
A story of love and destruction. Not much action but the two characters and plot are excellent.
February 19, 2025
3.75 star. Was intruiged by the premise and I enjoyed it quite a bit. A good mix of awful people, murder and romance. Fun little read.
September 7, 2024
This proved to be a fine piece of mild Erotic Horror, given the old tried and trusted Triana treatment.
Simply a case of crazy rogue nurse meets retired serial killer meets torture and killing, meets a warped sense of heartfelt true love...and woe betide anyone that stands in their way. Are you listening, Bryan's mom?
A good storyline including some interesting, unpleasantly colourful figures, with lots of lovely nasty evil wickedness to pour all over the top. A bit too deliberately sickly sweet for me at times, but overall a really good horror story that kept my attention from beginning to end. Especially loved nurse Shelby, which goes to show that sometimes it is possible to find 'reliably efficient' health care workers when you most need them, for whatever reason!
Mr Triana - please bring back Nurse Shelby very soon...Bryan can tag along too, if he's still alive and kicking...which, based upon this read, I would very much doubt. The clock continues to tick.
Highly entertaining and very enjoyable - definitely recommended to any dedicated fan of all things horror.
Rating: 4.3 beautifully bright lovesick stars...of pure insanity.
Simply a case of crazy rogue nurse meets retired serial killer meets torture and killing, meets a warped sense of heartfelt true love...and woe betide anyone that stands in their way. Are you listening, Bryan's mom?
A good storyline including some interesting, unpleasantly colourful figures, with lots of lovely nasty evil wickedness to pour all over the top. A bit too deliberately sickly sweet for me at times, but overall a really good horror story that kept my attention from beginning to end. Especially loved nurse Shelby, which goes to show that sometimes it is possible to find 'reliably efficient' health care workers when you most need them, for whatever reason!
Mr Triana - please bring back Nurse Shelby very soon...Bryan can tag along too, if he's still alive and kicking...which, based upon this read, I would very much doubt. The clock continues to tick.
Highly entertaining and very enjoyable - definitely recommended to any dedicated fan of all things horror.
Rating: 4.3 beautifully bright lovesick stars...of pure insanity.
July 16, 2024
If you're looking for something sexy and lethal, you'll want to get your hands on this. This book follows the murderous journey of Bryan and Shelby as they navigate their own deadly desires alongside their lust for each other.
So good. The horror is gore-ific and the tension is palpable.
Seriously, go pick up your copy ASAP!
So good. The horror is gore-ific and the tension is palpable.
Seriously, go pick up your copy ASAP!
December 23, 2024
A Horror Bookworm Recommendation
Because You’re Mine by Kristopher Triana
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/
Shelby is employed as a nurse at Merrimack Memorial Hospital, she has an unusual passion for the medical profession. Surrounded by potential victims, she loves the thrill of taking lives.
Bryan’s propensity for playing a piano, a gift passed down from generation to generation, takes care of his fragile mother. With one eye on the trust fund and the other on his vulnerable mother, Bryan begins his disturbing downward spiral.
When these two dark souls cross paths, a shared passion of causing illness and fatality becomes the afterglow of their unconventional relationship.
Because You’re Mine by Kristopher Triana is tainted with heavy doses of bleach injections among other toxic chemicals. Let’s just say agonizing sadism assaults are the common thread between Triana’s sinister duo characters. A relationship based on the killing kind is a cruel twist of fate that makes this demented connection thrive. It’s amazing what you can do with a caulking gun and piano wire.
Having read Kristopher Triana for years now, I believe his strong suit is his morbid characters and shock value. He hits on the extreme end of human behavior and allows his readers to confront the boundaries between normalcy and deviance. He is a master at building tension then blindsides you with an unexpected dose of chaotic evil. Triana could write a grocery list and make it feel like a creepy cold case murder book.
For me, sitting down with a Kristopher Triana book is like slapping a Black Sabbath vinyl on a turntable and placing the stylus medical needle gentle into the groove. With a blend of heavy images and elements of catchy storylines, Because You’re Mine is his Sabbath Bloody Sabbath. The high energy, dynamic arrangements and memorable moments constantly evolve within these unique pages.
Favorite quote…”we were given life so we might take it from others.” Monsters come in many shapes and sizes that leave a trail of yellow crime scene tape in their wake. Prepare for Triana’s dry-heaving moments of insatiable bloodlust. With that being said, it’s time for your medication. A five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Horror Bookworm Recommendation.
Because You’re Mine by Kristopher Triana
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/
Shelby is employed as a nurse at Merrimack Memorial Hospital, she has an unusual passion for the medical profession. Surrounded by potential victims, she loves the thrill of taking lives.
Bryan’s propensity for playing a piano, a gift passed down from generation to generation, takes care of his fragile mother. With one eye on the trust fund and the other on his vulnerable mother, Bryan begins his disturbing downward spiral.
When these two dark souls cross paths, a shared passion of causing illness and fatality becomes the afterglow of their unconventional relationship.
Because You’re Mine by Kristopher Triana is tainted with heavy doses of bleach injections among other toxic chemicals. Let’s just say agonizing sadism assaults are the common thread between Triana’s sinister duo characters. A relationship based on the killing kind is a cruel twist of fate that makes this demented connection thrive. It’s amazing what you can do with a caulking gun and piano wire.
Having read Kristopher Triana for years now, I believe his strong suit is his morbid characters and shock value. He hits on the extreme end of human behavior and allows his readers to confront the boundaries between normalcy and deviance. He is a master at building tension then blindsides you with an unexpected dose of chaotic evil. Triana could write a grocery list and make it feel like a creepy cold case murder book.
For me, sitting down with a Kristopher Triana book is like slapping a Black Sabbath vinyl on a turntable and placing the stylus medical needle gentle into the groove. With a blend of heavy images and elements of catchy storylines, Because You’re Mine is his Sabbath Bloody Sabbath. The high energy, dynamic arrangements and memorable moments constantly evolve within these unique pages.
Favorite quote…”we were given life so we might take it from others.” Monsters come in many shapes and sizes that leave a trail of yellow crime scene tape in their wake. Prepare for Triana’s dry-heaving moments of insatiable bloodlust. With that being said, it’s time for your medication. A five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Horror Bookworm Recommendation.
August 27, 2024
I've been so excited to read this book, and unsurprisingly, I wasn't disappointed. My first Triana, Ex-Boogeyman, reignited my love for reading and I've been devouring his books since - this one was no exception. While I'm unfortunately very, VERY picky and particular with the media I enjoy and always find something to complain about, Kristopher Triana has somehow always managed to impress me, and has quickly become my favourite author. When I find myself in a reading slump unmotivated to pick up my Kindle, I purposefully choose a Triana because I know I'll love it and be excited about reading again.
Because You're Mine felt like he took a trip into my brain and wrote the exact book I've always wanted to read. I got to explore the inner workings of two killers, each one unique in their own way and perfect for the other. Instead of superficially nodding at the idea of a devilish duo, Triana explored their connection in a way that allows the reader to really get to know the characters, their motivations and their fears. Rather than giving us smut that does nothing for the plot, he delivers a bond formed by mutual understanding and a shared secret. We learn so much about Bryan and Shelby and their situations without the information feeling overwhelming or irrelevant. Every sentence has its purpose and nothing feels out of place or rushed; it just all comes together and makes sense.
The masterfully crafted characters are part of what makes each of Triana's books so unique and sensational to me: They are so human, even though most of the time they're also twisted and depraved. I love learning about them and seeing the world from their perspective. The other part is that Kristopher Triana is simply a brilliant writer and storyteller who has gripping stories to tell and a knack for highlighting the right aspects of his stories. And again, Because You're Mine was no exception.
I honestly could go on and on about how much I enjoyed the plot, the execution, the writing style and everything else, but alas, I lack the eloquence to properly put my thoughts into words any further.
What I can say to sum up my blubbering praise is: I absolutely LOVED this book (as I did every work of Triana's I've read so far) and it had everything I enjoy! A solid 5/5 ⭐️
Because You're Mine felt like he took a trip into my brain and wrote the exact book I've always wanted to read. I got to explore the inner workings of two killers, each one unique in their own way and perfect for the other. Instead of superficially nodding at the idea of a devilish duo, Triana explored their connection in a way that allows the reader to really get to know the characters, their motivations and their fears. Rather than giving us smut that does nothing for the plot, he delivers a bond formed by mutual understanding and a shared secret. We learn so much about Bryan and Shelby and their situations without the information feeling overwhelming or irrelevant. Every sentence has its purpose and nothing feels out of place or rushed; it just all comes together and makes sense.
The masterfully crafted characters are part of what makes each of Triana's books so unique and sensational to me: They are so human, even though most of the time they're also twisted and depraved. I love learning about them and seeing the world from their perspective. The other part is that Kristopher Triana is simply a brilliant writer and storyteller who has gripping stories to tell and a knack for highlighting the right aspects of his stories. And again, Because You're Mine was no exception.
I honestly could go on and on about how much I enjoyed the plot, the execution, the writing style and everything else, but alas, I lack the eloquence to properly put my thoughts into words any further.
What I can say to sum up my blubbering praise is: I absolutely LOVED this book (as I did every work of Triana's I've read so far) and it had everything I enjoy! A solid 5/5 ⭐️
June 27, 2024
If you know me you know Kristopher Triana is one of my go-to authors. Naturally, I was stoked to be given an ARC of this novella. This is a dark romance extreme horror novella following this woman Shelby. Shelby is a nurse who enjoys killing her patients. Think true crime podcast nurses/doctors who kill….that is this psycho. One day in walks Bryan whose mom is in the hospital and guess who the nurse is? Shelby. Guess what Bryan wants? His mom dead. I love a good healthcare romance.
I wouldn’t say this is the most crazy extreme horror in the world as it does lean into more of the dark romance element. The way KT sets up his stories and writes his characters is so well done. This man knows how to write and how to suck you in as a reader. Highly recommend for people who love the serial killer trope.
I wouldn’t say this is the most crazy extreme horror in the world as it does lean into more of the dark romance element. The way KT sets up his stories and writes his characters is so well done. This man knows how to write and how to suck you in as a reader. Highly recommend for people who love the serial killer trope.
September 22, 2024
First Comes Love then comes death
This was a read for my September book club and I was not disappointed. This book can best described as when two kindred spirits find each other and they decide to wreak havoc. This book is about a lonely nurse and likes to take extreme and creative measures with caring for her patients. Then she meets a man who also likes to take matters into his own hands and let’s say kill by any means necessary. From there the book comes to life. As far as graphic and explicit content definitely a 5 out of 5. This is a fun and quick read. There are a few triggers in the book if you are someone who doesn’t like elderly abuse and misuse of medications then this isn’t the book for you.
This was a read for my September book club and I was not disappointed. This book can best described as when two kindred spirits find each other and they decide to wreak havoc. This book is about a lonely nurse and likes to take extreme and creative measures with caring for her patients. Then she meets a man who also likes to take matters into his own hands and let’s say kill by any means necessary. From there the book comes to life. As far as graphic and explicit content definitely a 5 out of 5. This is a fun and quick read. There are a few triggers in the book if you are someone who doesn’t like elderly abuse and misuse of medications then this isn’t the book for you.
June 19, 2024
First book by this author. Kristopher can WRITE! And if he writes it, I'm going to read it. The writing style, the development in such a short book was incredible. Usually novellas leave me wanting more, or feel under developed. I wasn't disappointed when this ended, and of course the ending made me giggle.
The ONLY reason I didn't give 5 stars was, as a dark romance junkie, I didn't get any smut. 😂😂. With such a quick read, I didn't miss it, but it's always something I look for in a romantic style book. Please don't hate me for saying that.
The main characters seemed like star crossed serial killing lovers. I wanted their love. I wanted their quiet obsession. Also, during the "mother" scene, I felt the needles. I cringed. I shook. Books need to be well written for me to have a physical reaction.
All in all, very well done Kristopher. I can't wait to continue reading your works of art. Keep making love hurt. 🖤
The ONLY reason I didn't give 5 stars was, as a dark romance junkie, I didn't get any smut. 😂😂. With such a quick read, I didn't miss it, but it's always something I look for in a romantic style book. Please don't hate me for saying that.
The main characters seemed like star crossed serial killing lovers. I wanted their love. I wanted their quiet obsession. Also, during the "mother" scene, I felt the needles. I cringed. I shook. Books need to be well written for me to have a physical reaction.
All in all, very well done Kristopher. I can't wait to continue reading your works of art. Keep making love hurt. 🖤
September 8, 2024
I read this for the Sep 2024 Splatterpunk group read. I probably wouldn't have picked this up if weren't voted by the group. It was a very quick read, I finished in one brief session. The plot is your basic "wordly genteel old man 'mentors' the young ingenue", where both the MC are serial killers. There is a whiff of grooming - Bryan is older, wealthy and learns of Shelby's predilection for killing before she knows about him - but the author takes pains to write that out of Bryan and both characters are adults entering into the relationship consenually.
The beam the story hangs on is Bryan's dying mother, a thoroughly unpleasant woman. I'm sure the Freudians and their ilk are frothing at the mouth at the idea of her son and (effectively) daugher-in-law consummating their relationship by . While the rest of the story is forgettable, that's an image that digs down into some deep human psychology no matter what school-of-thought you subscribe to.
I am not very familiar with the romcom genre; so I may be widely off the mark here, but I get the sense this story is at one level a parody of the genre. The insta-love was too insty and the whole thing felt too saccharine. For such supposedly damaged characters, I feel they got together too soon. The first third of the book they're getting setup into each other's orbits, the second third they're dancing around each other trying to figure each other out, and for the final third they're Mickey and Mallory.
The violence was meh and there wasn't enough sex to hold much of my interest. It was a short read, and it was for the group, so I finished it. Kristopher Triana keeps coming up as one of the great new splatterpunk writers, and while the mechanics (grammar, structure, Mise-en-scène, editing, etc) of the book are well above and beyond the self-published swill common in the genre I'm not seeing anything amazing in this book. But I do appreciate the author taking a risk with the plot, and I will not hesitate to read more from him. I'm giving this two stars for finishing, and another star for above-average mechanics and the climax scene.
Bechdel test? NO
Mako Mori test? NO
Vito Russo test? NO
Latif test? NO
Reading Level: easy adult
Romance: insta-love
Smut: barely
Violence: 1 one 1, neglect
TW: elder abuse, child rape, poisoning
The beam the story hangs on is Bryan's dying mother, a thoroughly unpleasant woman. I'm sure the Freudians and their ilk are frothing at the mouth at the idea of her son and (effectively) daugher-in-law consummating their relationship by . While the rest of the story is forgettable, that's an image that digs down into some deep human psychology no matter what school-of-thought you subscribe to.
I am not very familiar with the romcom genre; so I may be widely off the mark here, but I get the sense this story is at one level a parody of the genre. The insta-love was too insty and the whole thing felt too saccharine. For such supposedly damaged characters, I feel they got together too soon. The first third of the book they're getting setup into each other's orbits, the second third they're dancing around each other trying to figure each other out, and for the final third they're Mickey and Mallory.
The violence was meh and there wasn't enough sex to hold much of my interest. It was a short read, and it was for the group, so I finished it. Kristopher Triana keeps coming up as one of the great new splatterpunk writers, and while the mechanics (grammar, structure, Mise-en-scène, editing, etc) of the book are well above and beyond the self-published swill common in the genre I'm not seeing anything amazing in this book. But I do appreciate the author taking a risk with the plot, and I will not hesitate to read more from him. I'm giving this two stars for finishing, and another star for above-average mechanics and the climax scene.
Bechdel test? NO
Mako Mori test? NO
Vito Russo test? NO
Latif test? NO
Reading Level: easy adult
Romance: insta-love
Smut: barely
Violence: 1 one 1, neglect
TW: elder abuse, child rape, poisoning
February 4, 2025
I didn't really know what to expect going into this but I was not disappointed! Definitely different from anything else I've read so far but I was absolutely sucked in. In a fucked up way but also not SO fucked up, I really related to both that main characters. Highly recommend this sick love story!
July 16, 2024
I was a little hesitant to read this because I’m not a huge fan of romance books- but then thought, who am I kidding? It’s Kristopher freakin’ Triana, it’s gonna be great! And OF COURSE he had me rooting for this sick relationship between Bryan and Shelby!
The characters are well written and will grow on you no matter how depraved they are. Both Bryan and Shelby have a lust for murder and their heartbreaking backstories is what helped me understand their dark desires. Of course, this is extreme horror and it can make readers not use to the genre quite uncomfortable. What Shelby does to her patients at work is disturbing and when she starts working for Bryan in caring for his elderly mother, the torture only escalates. I couldn’t help but stay glued to the page in wanting to know how it all unfolded and I thoroughly enjoyed this novella from beginning to end.
Overall, I love how intense and captivating this was and highly recommend it to readers who would enjoy a chilling dark romance about serial killers, love and destruction.
The characters are well written and will grow on you no matter how depraved they are. Both Bryan and Shelby have a lust for murder and their heartbreaking backstories is what helped me understand their dark desires. Of course, this is extreme horror and it can make readers not use to the genre quite uncomfortable. What Shelby does to her patients at work is disturbing and when she starts working for Bryan in caring for his elderly mother, the torture only escalates. I couldn’t help but stay glued to the page in wanting to know how it all unfolded and I thoroughly enjoyed this novella from beginning to end.
Overall, I love how intense and captivating this was and highly recommend it to readers who would enjoy a chilling dark romance about serial killers, love and destruction.
September 18, 2024
This certainly is not one of Triana's best.
A story about a vengeful man and the sadistic woman he befriends.
While visiting his mom in the hospital, Bryan meets a nurse named Shelby who has a favorite past-time of torturing and killing some of her hospice patients. Angry at his mother, Bryan hires Shelby to "care" for her in his home. There they work in tandem to make his mom's final days an absolute horror and, in that time, they get to know each others' motivations.
I didn't enjoy the content of this novella. The torture and killing of the elderly is something I have huge issue with. (In my profession I have experienced the aftermath of such treatment when family are being investigated.) I don't care how terrible of a mother she was, Bryan's mother did not deserve this treatment.
Also, the budding relationship between a young woman (early thirties) and a man in his late fifties, not to mention he is her employer, just felt cringy to me. It's not just the age gap, it's him being in a position of power, him thinking she isn't really attractive (a lot of fat shaming of Shelby in this one), and her constantly thinking about his increasing age. Luckily there wasn't any drawn out, gratuitous sex scenes.
The ending was a bit of a surprise and I think it ended the way it should have.
Most of this novella was a lot of gibber gabber between the two main characters with slight emphasis on a plot.
Take it or leave it. Your choice.
A story about a vengeful man and the sadistic woman he befriends.
While visiting his mom in the hospital, Bryan meets a nurse named Shelby who has a favorite past-time of torturing and killing some of her hospice patients. Angry at his mother, Bryan hires Shelby to "care" for her in his home. There they work in tandem to make his mom's final days an absolute horror and, in that time, they get to know each others' motivations.
I didn't enjoy the content of this novella. The torture and killing of the elderly is something I have huge issue with. (In my profession I have experienced the aftermath of such treatment when family are being investigated.) I don't care how terrible of a mother she was, Bryan's mother did not deserve this treatment.
Also, the budding relationship between a young woman (early thirties) and a man in his late fifties, not to mention he is her employer, just felt cringy to me. It's not just the age gap, it's him being in a position of power, him thinking she isn't really attractive (a lot of fat shaming of Shelby in this one), and her constantly thinking about his increasing age. Luckily there wasn't any drawn out, gratuitous sex scenes.
The ending was a bit of a surprise and I think it ended the way it should have.
Most of this novella was a lot of gibber gabber between the two main characters with slight emphasis on a plot.
Take it or leave it. Your choice.
March 12, 2025
Honestly this one gives off big “early seasons of Criminal Minds” vibes- and I loved that about it. Bryan and Shelby- a match made in hell. He has the frenzy, and she plays the long game. She is younger, he is older and cultured and refined in the way he dresses. Initially he may not seem her type, but when she becomes his mom’s care nurse- well, lots happens. I found this one to be pretty entertaining, but nowhere near the level of brutality Triana’s other books possess. The real macabre bits are more psychological in this one. I took one star off because some bits were truly so unrealistic, but props to nailing the medical terms and research!
September 23, 2024
3.5 stars.
Bryan cares for his physically and mentally unwell mother, who he despises. Shelby is a nurse with a dark secret who may be of more use to Bryan than he initially realises.
I really enjoyed this up until the point that the two main characters started properly talking to eachother. Then it just introduced awfully cringey dialogue to the story. I also would’ve liked more gore but overall it was a quick and enjoyable read.
Bryan cares for his physically and mentally unwell mother, who he despises. Shelby is a nurse with a dark secret who may be of more use to Bryan than he initially realises.
I really enjoyed this up until the point that the two main characters started properly talking to eachother. Then it just introduced awfully cringey dialogue to the story. I also would’ve liked more gore but overall it was a quick and enjoyable read.
August 21, 2024
Well, I finished it in one sitting. The writing is fine. It just fell flat for me. I wouldn't define it as "extreme horror" either. I expected so much more. I'll still read Triana's work but this isn't comparable to Gone to See the River Man; perhaps nothing else will be and I should lower my expectations.
January 27, 2025
Bibliophilia Templum review
https://bibliophiliatemplum.wordpress.com/
The chilling opening line grabs you and shreds any expectations the synopsis kindled in you, but it is a disturbingly apropos beginning to the story. Because You’re Mine by Kristopher Triana is a brutal extreme horror romance that surely defines this unimaginable subgenre of horror.
Because You're Mine by Kristopher TrianaMake no mistake: this is not extreme horror erotica; it’s extreme horror ROMANCE. It surprisingly has classical romance plot structure, but the supporting elements, the lives and backgrounds of the main characters, are definitively extreme horror. It’s absolutely mind-blowing and really quite impressive. And yes, it’s a fantastic story and a fun extreme horror read.
As one expects from Triana, both the story and the characters are well developed and evocative. It’s a driving and unsettlingly captivating tale, and I read it in one day. I admittedly set it aside briefly to regroup after a particularly cringy part, but I couldn’t stay away long.
Readers should take not this is extreme horror and has many profoundly gruesome and dark aspects and sequences. Extreme horror fans should snatch this up and read it as soon as possible.
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The chilling opening line grabs you and shreds any expectations the synopsis kindled in you, but it is a disturbingly apropos beginning to the story. Because You’re Mine by Kristopher Triana is a brutal extreme horror romance that surely defines this unimaginable subgenre of horror.
Because You're Mine by Kristopher TrianaMake no mistake: this is not extreme horror erotica; it’s extreme horror ROMANCE. It surprisingly has classical romance plot structure, but the supporting elements, the lives and backgrounds of the main characters, are definitively extreme horror. It’s absolutely mind-blowing and really quite impressive. And yes, it’s a fantastic story and a fun extreme horror read.
As one expects from Triana, both the story and the characters are well developed and evocative. It’s a driving and unsettlingly captivating tale, and I read it in one day. I admittedly set it aside briefly to regroup after a particularly cringy part, but I couldn’t stay away long.
Readers should take not this is extreme horror and has many profoundly gruesome and dark aspects and sequences. Extreme horror fans should snatch this up and read it as soon as possible.
December 2, 2024
This story was well-written but wasn't my favorite Triana book as he stepped away from his typical genre. The writing was flawless, other than the pace seemed a little slow at times for a novella. He's still one of my favorite authors and one of the most talented indie authors currently writing. The book is the "Two serial killers fall in love" trope, so I can see this book becoming quite popular, especially for fans of dark romance.
July 22, 2024
⭐️ 2.75 rounded to 3
It's not my favorite of Triana; I think it fell flat for me because of all the true crime cases I read about. The unnecessary mention of famous serial killers, lack of genuine chemistry between the characters, and poor storyline make it bland. I was still greatly interested in the premise and finished it in one sitting. If you’re unfamiliar with his writing, this is an excellent place to start, but knowing how detailed and gruesome he can get, I wanted more! Still, my favorite author, I recommend if you’re in a slump; it helped a lot 💉🩸
It's not my favorite of Triana; I think it fell flat for me because of all the true crime cases I read about. The unnecessary mention of famous serial killers, lack of genuine chemistry between the characters, and poor storyline make it bland. I was still greatly interested in the premise and finished it in one sitting. If you’re unfamiliar with his writing, this is an excellent place to start, but knowing how detailed and gruesome he can get, I wanted more! Still, my favorite author, I recommend if you’re in a slump; it helped a lot 💉🩸
October 20, 2024
4.5 rounded down
Shelby is a nurse with very little concern and self control when it comes to subduing her patients in the hospital. Bryan and his ailing mother cross paths with Shelby during their brief stay at the hospital and he offers Shelby a job to be a live in nurse at his mansion. Shelby accepts his offer and this unlikely pair realize they have dark secrets and an even darker urge in common: taking lives.
Love Shelby from the very beginning. She’s cynical, malicious, hateful and obviously evil if she’s going around killing people for the pure joy of it. But she also shows a bit of loneliness and self loathing for her life’s current state of emptiness.
Bryan is scornful and resentful towards his mother. Doesn’t like or love her and it’s not hard to see why, she’s no peach and was a terrible parent. He is also going through a form of mid life crisis, reliving his glory days he knows he will never experience again. He doesnt like how his life has necessarily ended up with having to care for his mother so meeting Shelby was exactly what he needed.
Not your average love story.
They really are such a great match. Retired serial killer who was never caught and killing spree nurse ridding the hospital of the elderly. Loved learning about each of their desires, motivations and pasts while they forged a new future together. They found kinship and a weird salvation and closeness in sharing their love for murdering others. They fell in love with the dark secrets, the depravity, the need and urges they shared. To feel seen and understood is something neither of them expected to find in another person and they felt the spark immediately.
The writing is really good. The atmosphere, the plot, the characters, all great and entrancing. The build up and suspense was even better. Even though they are “bad people”, they are engrossing to read about. And they are both people you could meet in real life and not even know it which I think adds another layer to the appeal. Thoroughly enjoyed this book!
“Inflicting pain was the greatest source of serotonin”
Shelby is a nurse with very little concern and self control when it comes to subduing her patients in the hospital. Bryan and his ailing mother cross paths with Shelby during their brief stay at the hospital and he offers Shelby a job to be a live in nurse at his mansion. Shelby accepts his offer and this unlikely pair realize they have dark secrets and an even darker urge in common: taking lives.
Love Shelby from the very beginning. She’s cynical, malicious, hateful and obviously evil if she’s going around killing people for the pure joy of it. But she also shows a bit of loneliness and self loathing for her life’s current state of emptiness.
Bryan is scornful and resentful towards his mother. Doesn’t like or love her and it’s not hard to see why, she’s no peach and was a terrible parent. He is also going through a form of mid life crisis, reliving his glory days he knows he will never experience again. He doesnt like how his life has necessarily ended up with having to care for his mother so meeting Shelby was exactly what he needed.
Not your average love story.
They really are such a great match. Retired serial killer who was never caught and killing spree nurse ridding the hospital of the elderly. Loved learning about each of their desires, motivations and pasts while they forged a new future together. They found kinship and a weird salvation and closeness in sharing their love for murdering others. They fell in love with the dark secrets, the depravity, the need and urges they shared. To feel seen and understood is something neither of them expected to find in another person and they felt the spark immediately.
The writing is really good. The atmosphere, the plot, the characters, all great and entrancing. The build up and suspense was even better. Even though they are “bad people”, they are engrossing to read about. And they are both people you could meet in real life and not even know it which I think adds another layer to the appeal. Thoroughly enjoyed this book!
“Inflicting pain was the greatest source of serotonin”
August 25, 2024
Man, oh man, yet another home run by the great Kristopher Triana. Now, I'm not just saying that because I am the biggest Trianiac there is! "Because You're Mine" is truly a stupendous novella.
First off, the main characters are, as is typical of Triana, relatable. They have been forged from the same blood, sweat, and tears that many of us are. The difference (other than them being fictional) is that they have come to embrace their darkest desires.
Now that's where the romance comes in! "Because You're Mine" is what "Dead Inside" by Chandler Morrison should have been. Don't know what I'm talking about? Well, here is a poem to express the love and inspiration it inspires:
In the darkness, I abide,
Solemn solitude, I do not hide.
Yet in this darkness, I do see,
Your darkness shining brightly.
Our ebon lights, do us guide,
Finding you, by my side.
Cruelty, madness, love affair,
what were our chances of finding love there?
What can I say? I'm a horror-loving hopeless romantic, and "Because You're Mine" ticked all the boxes. Imagine The Zodiac Killer, in retirement, finally finding true (albeit demented) love. So if you are into tropes such as love conquers all, murder is the best medicine, and/or angel of mercy killings then this is the story for you!
First off, the main characters are, as is typical of Triana, relatable. They have been forged from the same blood, sweat, and tears that many of us are. The difference (other than them being fictional) is that they have come to embrace their darkest desires.
Now that's where the romance comes in! "Because You're Mine" is what "Dead Inside" by Chandler Morrison should have been. Don't know what I'm talking about? Well, here is a poem to express the love and inspiration it inspires:
In the darkness, I abide,
Solemn solitude, I do not hide.
Yet in this darkness, I do see,
Your darkness shining brightly.
Our ebon lights, do us guide,
Finding you, by my side.
Cruelty, madness, love affair,
what were our chances of finding love there?
What can I say? I'm a horror-loving hopeless romantic, and "Because You're Mine" ticked all the boxes. Imagine The Zodiac Killer, in retirement, finally finding true (albeit demented) love. So if you are into tropes such as love conquers all, murder is the best medicine, and/or angel of mercy killings then this is the story for you!
September 23, 2024
REVIEW 🥵💉
Because You're Mine By @kristopher_triana
RATING ~ 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
HOLY CRAP WOW .... WOW ... WOW.... Kristopher Traina does it again with an amazing read !!!! I was able to get this finished in one setting , was only a 2 hr read , was very short considering it's only 136 pages long, but WOW was there ever a lot in that short amount!!!!!!!
Crazy Rouge nurse meets a retired serial killer with a sense of heartfelt true love , twisted & sickly sweet.
Both Shelby and Bryan have a lust for murder and their heartbreaking backstories helped me understand their dark desires a little bit better .
What Shelby does to her patients at work is disturbing, and when she started working for Bryan in caring for his elderly mother, the torture only escalated .
Kristopher is one of my top favorite authors, and his books never disappoint me . They are always amazing in the most disturbing way ! His books always keep me glued to the pages !
This book was so INTENSE, but SOOOOOO GOOOODDD !!!!!
⚠️REMEMBER this is extreme horror, and it can make some readers uncomfortable, so read with caution ⚠️
I recommend this book to all my extreme horror / splatterpunk lovers / Dark Romance lovers !
Because You're Mine By @kristopher_triana
RATING ~ 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
HOLY CRAP WOW .... WOW ... WOW.... Kristopher Traina does it again with an amazing read !!!! I was able to get this finished in one setting , was only a 2 hr read , was very short considering it's only 136 pages long, but WOW was there ever a lot in that short amount!!!!!!!
Crazy Rouge nurse meets a retired serial killer with a sense of heartfelt true love , twisted & sickly sweet.
Both Shelby and Bryan have a lust for murder and their heartbreaking backstories helped me understand their dark desires a little bit better .
What Shelby does to her patients at work is disturbing, and when she started working for Bryan in caring for his elderly mother, the torture only escalated .
Kristopher is one of my top favorite authors, and his books never disappoint me . They are always amazing in the most disturbing way ! His books always keep me glued to the pages !
This book was so INTENSE, but SOOOOOO GOOOODDD !!!!!
⚠️REMEMBER this is extreme horror, and it can make some readers uncomfortable, so read with caution ⚠️
I recommend this book to all my extreme horror / splatterpunk lovers / Dark Romance lovers !
September 13, 2024
This was a bit of a different undertone than I would have expected from Triana, but I definitely enjoyed it! The building romance surrounding both of the characters being serial killers in their own ways created an interesting dichotomy throughout the story, and it made me feel unsettled in a whole new way, having to remind myself often that the sweetness of the love story was happening alongside a brutal murder the lovers were actively participating in. These are the kinds of confusing human reactions I love to explore while reading horror, and the twist at the end of the book was the unexpected cherry on top. This one sits at four stars only because I feel that I wanted just a little more edge for a romantic horror, but all in all, another great read from Kristopher Triana!
December 31, 2024
Everything great about Triana plus the dark romance is what made this story so great. Chilling and dark. It was insane intense and captivating this was. Had everything including that Triana charm.
Wonderful story! Well written, funny, strange (in a good way), and very moving. Triana best quality is hitting on the extreme human behavior side. I do think this is the best intro to Triana, for many reasons including the romance elements. Every thing he writes is so chilling and dark.
Close to a 5 star read for me. Just so much to like about this. Triana never disappoints! Will definitely read a lot more from him in 2025. Because You’re Mine is one of Triana’s best! Due to his creativity, writing, and his ability to make readers disgusted and on the fence all throughout the story.
Wonderful story! Well written, funny, strange (in a good way), and very moving. Triana best quality is hitting on the extreme human behavior side. I do think this is the best intro to Triana, for many reasons including the romance elements. Every thing he writes is so chilling and dark.
Close to a 5 star read for me. Just so much to like about this. Triana never disappoints! Will definitely read a lot more from him in 2025. Because You’re Mine is one of Triana’s best! Due to his creativity, writing, and his ability to make readers disgusted and on the fence all throughout the story.
February 15, 2025
“By killing together, as one, we become both sides of the coin—you are the love, and I am the destruction. As a nurse, you are an angel of death—a killer in the guise of caregiver. Therein lies the love. As The Hooded Devil, I was ferocious brutality. I was chaos. Therein lies the destruction.”
This book was EVERYTHING. Such a damn vibe. I loved every sinister moment of it. I hope to see more of Shelby and Bryan in the future. 🤞
This book was EVERYTHING. Such a damn vibe. I loved every sinister moment of it. I hope to see more of Shelby and Bryan in the future. 🤞
August 2, 2025
Quick read, and a fun one. I wasn't sure how things were going to go and how the story would end, was pleased with how it did.
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