Murderous Love: An Anthology

by Piper C.J., Nenia Campbell, Kristen Coar

8 authors
8 short, stabby love stories
1 bloody anthology

Coming Feb 13, 2026—Just in time for Valentine’s Day, from these amazing authors:

PIPER CJ
NENIA CAMPBELL
KRISTEN COAR
MAGGIE HOOPIS
LAUREN CATE LEAKE
RACHEL PENDLEY
E.V. SAUVAGE
AVA SMIDDY

432 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 12, 2026

About the author

Fantasy author with an M.A. in Folklore, who loves to take pictures, eat french fries, and live my life as an all-around creative forest nymph! I'm so excited to bring you with me on my journey as I step out of our everyday lives and into the new fantasy world within The Night and Its Moon fantasy series!

I wrote these books for an audience of one, and that audience was me. I wanted to see bi representation, love, mental health struggles, religious trauma, and overcoming the of obstacles that I needed to be modeled in my own life. At the end of the day I'm so proud of myself for creating the series that I'd always hoped I could read, and I hope someone is able to connect with them in a way that I have.

Reviews

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This anthology was such a masterpiece. It was the perfect mix of different authors stories and styles of writing and I found so much enjoyment reading through them. The stories were long enough to be able to enjoy one or more in a sitting.

I feel blessed I was given an ARC to read and be able to indulge in 8 authors beautiful stabby stories. A bunch of the stories had me going omggg and many of them left me wanting more. If any of these short stories turn into their own longer format reads I won't hesitate to pick them up. I'm also thrilled to have been exposed to a number of new to me authors.

This anthology could not have found me at a better time. I can't wait to recommend this one to my friends.

[Mattie Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This entire anthology was absolutely to die for. It was sexy, brutal, and something about several short stories really gets me catapulting into reading. Every story had me hooked in its own way. I only knew of two of the authors featured, but now I will be looking into everyone else's work!! So so good!!!

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOOOVED this and especially loved Pig by Rachel!

[Kasey Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murderous Love is such a powerful and compelling collection. As a duology centered around feminine rage, it doesn’t hold back. Each story feels sharp, intentional, and emotionally charged in its own unique way. There’s a rawness woven through the pages that makes the themes hit even harder, but it’s balanced beautifully with nuance and depth.
One of my favorite parts of reading this was getting to experience so many distinct writing styles in one place. Each sample felt like stepping into a different creative voice, and I loved seeing how every author interpreted the theme in their own way. Some stories were haunting and quiet, others bold and explosive, but all of them were memorable.

It also introduced me to new writers I genuinely can’t wait to read more from. That’s one of the best things an anthology (or collaborative duology) can do: expand your TBR in the best possible way. Overall, Murderous Love is intense, empowering, and incredibly well executed. A must-read if you’re drawn to stories that explore rage, resilience, and the many facets of womanhood.

[Adriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing book! It hooks you right with the first story. I knew there was gonna be a twist but I didn't expect that honestly. He deserved it anyway.
I finished it in three days and I would've read it in one go if I could sit concentrated for so long.
Each story is more intense than the last and it's keeping you with your breath held. I can't even tell you which one is my favorite because all of them have something so twisted and wrong you just can't not love it.
The way it is written is so well that you feel captivated in the world of the story and simply wish it never ends.
Everyone should read it!

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story 1-4 stars, good plot twist, well written.

Story 2-4 stars, could be expanded into a great full length novel

Story 3-2 stars, just wasn't my vibe, needed more

Story 4-1 stars, very not my vibe, kind of all over the place

Story 5-3 stars, liked, didn’t love, felt a little disjointed but still a good read

Story 6-1 star, writing stye was not for me, made it hard to enjoy, put me in a slump

Story 7-3 stars. It needed a little work flow wise but has the makings of a great full length story!

Story 8-3 stars. Needed a little work flow wise but the story was solid.

Overall: solid anthology, enjoyed the shabby love theme

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s VERY rare for me to love every single story in an anthology, but these stories are ALL incredible! There wasn’t a single page that I DIDN’T enjoy. These authors are talented & ferocious, and their stories will definitely scratch any “just desserts” itches you may currently have because, well… *gestures vaguely to the world at large*

I have a feeling this one will be seeing a LOT of reread time—I can’t recommend it highly enough! Be sure to check the trigger warnings 🖤

Oh, & don’t ask me which one is my favorite—I can’t choose! 400+ pages of spicy spicy, stabby stabby fun!

[Teahlyn Seeger · Rating 5 out of 5]

From magic and deception, to vampires and revenge, and alternate dimensions with a vigilante, this anthology is PACKED with incredible stories. There’s spice, unexpected bonds, and loads of female rage. What else could you ask for?

Each of these authors weave their tales into a seamless anthology. They all have their own styles but each story has similar themes. I’ll be honest, I picked this up for one author and now I have discovered seven more to add to my never ending TBR.

I’m not sure how to review this without giving spoilers or breaking down each story individually. All I know is the vibes were vibing and I had a fantastic time!

[Bekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so absolutely fantastic. It was amazing story after amazing story. I’m obsessed with them all and would read whole novellas of every single one of them. I was left saying “you go girl” and “he deserved it”. I had only known of 1 of the authors but I will now be adding works from the other authors to my TBR asap! All the stories were written so well and will live rent free in my mind for all eternity.
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Please make sure you read all the trigger warnings before reading! Your mental health matters 💚

[Andrea Brado · Rating 4 out of 5]

A spicy murder anthology dedicated to women’s rights. What an amazing collection of authors! I found some new favorite authors and loved the journey with my already established favs - E.V. Sauvage and Piper CJ.

Stories full of bad ass women. A witch. A goddess. Vampires. An investigator. A crazy lady. Magic. Princes. Boyfriend experiences. Portals. Crafted across all types of realms and eras.

It’s an intense ride.

I was privileged to receive an ARC of this book and have been honest in my review of it. I did not receive anything in exchange for my review.

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

ladies y'all ate and left no crumbs with this anthology each story was wicked, spicy,and twisted just the way I like it 😈🫀I don't have a favorite because I loved them all this was a 10 outta 10

[Rachel (rache1reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love a story that celebrates women's rights AND their wrongs. I really enjoyed the variety of the stories throughout the anthology. From vampires to witches, aliens and alternate dimensions, each story was a wild ride.

My favorites were Pig, Gemini, and Let Them Burn.

Thanks to the authors for an ARC to review.

[Kimberly Pollock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was amazing! I gave it four out to five stars because there were some stories that I enjoyed more than others. This book is a great embodiment of female rage.
My favorite by far was Gemini by Piper CJ. I really wanted to read more about Rook and Morgan.
If you need a fast paced attention, grabbing book this is it!

[Stacey Leann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you looking for a book with a variety of themes? Look no further! This anthology features stories from 8 different authors. Each of them - a different style -all dark- that is sure to immerse you into the stories. Starting off with karmic revenge, the stories span out to murderous and spicy. Grab some water because you will be here for a while!

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the title suggests, this is a collection of 8 short stories themed around women righting men’s wrongs. Each story is wholly unique by a different author so I figured I’d give a rating for each individually.

3/5 ⭐️Pig - by Rachel Pendley

Staring off not too bad. I loved the way this author wrote, it held so much suspense and felt like an episode of Black Mirror. I was reluctant and expecting gruesome details, but it holds back on the gore thankfully. Though the implication of what happens is most definitely there. End lesson: don’t fuck with a witch.

3/5 ⭐️Divine - by Ava Smiddy

A vastly different story than the first. This one tells a fairy-like tale of an imprisoned Goddess and the Scholars who are meant to discover her secrets. The writing is lovely, but I was confused why they were down there if the King himself knows why she is there. What is the point of sending them to their deaths if they already know or to keep her powered enough?

2/5⭐️ Anemia - by Maggie Hoopis

A weird vampire dark comedy? Didn’t really get this one. Felt like satire.

4/5⭐️Let Them Burn - by E.V. Sauvage

Oooh an intergalactic assassin with alien friends to lovers!? So fun!

2/5 ⭐️The Book Boyfriend Experience - by Kristen Coar

Another bizarre one that almost was like 3 stories? Didn’t love it.

3/5⭐️ Teeth Like Swords - by Nenia Campbell

This started really good and I was invested - but I wanted more than how it ended.

5/5⭐️Marry Kiss Kill - by Lauren Cate Leake

The reason I picked this book up is because I read Lauren’s ‘Dread Descendent’ trilogy and absolutely loved it. This short story she wrote was EXCELLENT.

5/5⭐️ Gemini - by Piper C.J.

I think they saved the best for last because this one was my favorite of all the stories. Wow I loved the concept and the chemistry. So good!

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

8 different stories of varying lengths so there's something for everyone.
1) Pig by Rachel Pendley begins with a lustful lech and takes a most deserving turn. Loved it!
2) Divine by Ava Smiddy I will describe as girl dinner. "Greatness could not be built on abuse."
3) Anemia by Maggie Hoopis is a vampire battle with girl power.
4) Let Them Burn by E.V. Sauvage is when an intergalactic mercenary falls for their childhood friend. This story makes me want to read more by this author.
5) The Book Boyfriend Experience by Kristen Coar - What would you do for good D? Obsession goes a bit too far here.
6) Teeth Like Swords by Nenia Campbell - Lesbian vampire makes a new vigilante friend. Nenia Campbell is one of my favorite authors and I wanted this story to go on and on.
7) Marry, Kiss, Kill by Lauren Cate Leake. A historical romance with enemies to lovers? Violently romantic. "Together we are worshipful violence." Check the TW on this one.
8) Gemini by Piper CJ is not Alice in Wonderland but there is a mirror, a woman who can read your astrological chart, and a doppelganger. "There was sex. There was love. And then there was whatever the fuck this was." I wanted more of this.

[Jade. · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
𝐌𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞: 𝐀𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲
𝐁𝐲 𝐏𝐢𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐉, 𝐍𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥, 𝐊𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐫, 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐠𝐢𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐬, 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞, 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐲, 𝐄.𝐕. 𝐒𝐚𝐮𝐯𝐚𝐠𝐞, 𝐀𝐯𝐚 𝐒𝐦𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐲
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏𝟐𝐭𝐡

- - -

8 authors
8 short, steamy, bloody stories
One anthology

I devoured this book. The stories are short and dark, with steamy moments. Every single story was incredible, some might be disturbing, but nonetheless, I loved it.

The only author I know is Lauren Cate Leake. I love her stories so much! And, this is a great way to discover other authors. Every single author write so beautifully and you instantly get pulled in the story.

Highly recommend this if you like dark, bloody stories, with explicit sexual content. Also, be sure to read the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book!

Thank you Sunbeams & Rainbows Designs for the ARC!

[Rachaelsrisquereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I was not expecting to love all eight stories in this anthology! I started reading because I adore LC Leake, but every one of these authors delivered top-notch stories.

They’re all unique and captivating. I genuinely couldn’t put the book down. This was so much more than just stabby love stories; each one had real depth. They’re dark, with some broody characters, and feature intelligent FMCs who are mostly reclaiming their power. There’s a little bit of magic, vampires, aliens, gods, and blood. While not all of them had it, the twisted desire, obsession, and emotional intensity in some of the stories… whew 😮‍💨🥵

I couldn’t pick a favorite! Every story was fascinating in its own way! 🖤

[Micca B aka gigglybookgeek · Rating 5 out of 5]

8 amazing authors coming together for a steamy, stabby, karma-filled, out-of-this-world, twisty anthology where each of these dark stories will surprise you. I loved every single one of these stories. Definitely check the trigger warnings.

I have read books from a few of the authors already, so now I cannot wait to go and add books by the others to my TBR! If you like dark romance, books with vampires, witchy, and paranormal themes, can handle bl00d, love turning the heat all the way up, then you will want to check this out. I want to share about each of the stories, but I do not want to give too much away.

One of my favorite quotes (there are so many, but I’ll pick one): “I’m a traditional girl. I prefer to save slaughter for the third date.” I mean, we all have our standards. ;)

[Cattikira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightfully murderous romance anthology. From the first line of the first story, I knew this was going to be an anthology I would be rereading. I enjoyed each author’s exploration of the theme and each story’s use of genre to tell a story of murderous love. I loved that several of the stories came with a playlist to set the tone. If you like a little violence or horror mixed in with your romance, then this anthology definitely has several stories for you. Check the content warning for each story before venturing in. I was left wanting to read more from these each of authors and check out their back catalog.

[Mandy-kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of these short stories are perfectly lovely and murderous in their own way.

I loved the breadth of types of stories we got in this book.

Yes, all are stabby and touch on an element of love in their own way, but this anthology takes us from vampires to magical worlds to masked men to humanoids.

I really enjoyed how each author's personal writing style was immediately recognizable, but the stories absolutely belonged together, even if the settings were not even in the same universe.

A note for readers: check the trigger warnings. Some of these stories are quite dark. Read intentionally.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a 4.5 for me!

This anthology was unhinged in the best way!

Before reading, please mind the content warnings. Each story has their own content warning, as some of these are very dark. That being said, if you love a good dark romance, this anthology is absolutely for you.

I was previously only familiar with one of the authors, but I am definitely going to be checking out the rest now. I greatly enjoyed the writing in these stories! Each story was different, but I felt like all of the stories fit very well together.

[JordsReadingTales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg! This is was sooooo good!! I loved every single one of these stories - they were all just so unique and had me hooked from the first page. I honestly couldn’t pick a favourite, they all had so much depth for a short story.

I absolutely loved how every single FMC was a badass🔥 they were all so well written!

It was my first Anthology and boy, it did not disappoint! A spicy fun time was had🙌

The way I devoured this book, I couldn’t put it down. I’m off to read more books by each of these authors🖤

[Macy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An overall 4 but I did like more stories than others. Some just didn't appeal to me, I'm not really a dark romance girl, so without the fantasy aspect I didn't enjoy them. I also didn't really enjoy the stories that had us in the minds of terrible men for more than a page. I listed out my star ratings per short story below:
Pig- 2⭐️
Divine-5⭐️
Anemia-3⭐️
Let Them Burn-4⭐️
The Book Boyfriend Experience-2⭐️
Teeth Like Swords-3.5⭐️
Marry, Kiss, Kill-5⭐️
Gemini-5⭐️

[Meghan Thorson · Rating 4 out of 5]

These were all REALLY good! Perfect stabby vibe Valentine reads. I enjoyed every single one of them. There was a perfect blend of revenge endings and HEA endings that I didn't finish the anthology completely hating love! These authors all really did a great job writing full stories in a short story format. While I prefer full length novels because I want all the juicy details, these were good quick little reads that didn't require days of commitment to a plot.

[Narrator.sarab · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh this is so good! Each story was unique and captivating. The stories were placed to flow one to the next so perfectly. Each author’s style shines through. And it’s such a satisfying read. The intensity is top tier. And now I need to go read more by these authors (some who are new to me). I would love more from these worlds. So good.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! Each story was absolutely fascinating I love how all 8 authors came together and shared their story in this anthology. Each story will have you gripping for more. I cannot even say which is my favorite because I loved them all! Each story has their own twist you don't expect coming, and it comes in a nice seductive way. I couldn't put this book down for the life of me. It's definitely worth reading.