Twisted Trysts: A Spicy Monster Horror Anthology

by Dead Fox Publishing, Kelley York (Editor), Syd Tomac (Editor)

They are the stuff of nightmares, these creatures in the shadows and under our beds, yet we can't look away.

Fear is part of the allure, after all—drawing us into the woods, into the mist, into the dark water, while others run the other way.

We yearn to be craved by what wishes to consume us.

Open yourself to 23 twisted trysts from authors and Hannah Birss, Terry Campbell, Monica Chen, Sam Crain, Astra Crompton, gaast, Arlo Z. Graves, Joachim Heijndermans, LaRita Janae, Tonja K. Johnson, C. Charles Knight, Mandy S Knight, Indigo Larkspur, David O Mahony, Jeannie Marschall, Kelsey McConnell, Dyana McGowan, Evan Noren, David Simon, Jon Stubbington, Nik Sylvan, DC Valentine, Celia Winter

Genres: Horror

321 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 13, 2026

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the editor for sending an ARC of this collection!

I loved this collection of horror erotica! Horror is my favorite genre and I've been trying to read more erotica. I love that this book featured such a variety of stories from many diverse voices. There were plenty of LGBTQIA+ stories in this collection. I loved that it featured cryptids, forest gods, vampires, etc. I'm a huge nature lover, and so many of these stories were set in nature. There was a constant theme of empowerment, as well. All of the stories were well written, but a few that stood out were Fisher of Men, In the Blood, Solomon's Song, Headless, and Prey. I think that the erotic was done exceptionally well. I also loved that in most of the stories (not all), everything was consensual, which is a huge plus for me when it comes to horror erotica.

[Kiera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay a collection of spicy monster stories with lots of horrible men getting their comeuppance? Uh, yes please. Especially relevant in today’s political climate. There is such a good mix in this anthology. Body horror, fantasy, supernatural, feminist rage, sapphic romance, it’s so so good if you are a fan of all those things.

Only a 4 star because some spicy terms didn’t do it for me, but overall very fun to read!

[Amanda Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some truly unsettling stories in this anthology collection.

Shitty men getting what's coming to them (my fave). Absolutely weird and obscure and unique monsters. Spice that made me blink twice. Some didn't land for me, while others certainly did.

Definitely recommend if horror and monster sex is your thing. And heck, even if it's not!

[Mia Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a spicy monster horror anthology. Each writer had a unique voice and made the nightmarish creatures alluring. There were many stories that were imaginative and well written. They made me think about what could be lurking in the shadows or could tempt me to enter a dark forest. 👀

23 Short Stories | Horror | Paranormal | Dark | Spicy | Romance | Sapphic | 📖 321 Pages

[Caralee Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a collection! If you are looking for weird, grotesque, and still somehow beautiful short stories about monstrous desire - look no further.

Twisted Trysts explores tiny worlds of horror and want, wrapped up in very real situations and needs; escapism, revenge, transformation, and companionship. You might feel uncomfortable as the stories and abominations unfold, but you may also feel a sense of kinship with monster and prey. Carnal desire comes in all forms, and these stories explore the vastness of possibility through a bloodied, grimy lens.

This is definitely a collection to read the trigger warnings for first! The scenes can be very graphic, and many of the topics can be upsetting. But, I think that is the beauty of this kind of collection. The authors all handled their ideas and characters with care, and there was ample representation and understanding of different cultures and queer experience.

My favorite stories were of those that re-told folk tales from a different perspective, or had them take on a new life and understanding all together. Overall, these stories were incredible creative and moody, and I can't wait to explore some of these author's works more! Praise to Dead Fox for highlighting such a diverse cast of writers and stories.

Spice: 5/5

[Amber Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not typically a smut reader however, I thoroughly enjoyed this anthology! This collection has everything from fantasy to body horror to vengeance and feminine rage. All unique, and all spicy. The stories are all beautifully written and feature plenty of goddesses, monsters, demons and LGBTQ relationships. There is something for everyone in this collection and it’s a perfect Valentine’s Day read!

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eighteen short stories with five drawings and two bonus stories. One of the things I really enjoyed about this collection was the monsters were monstrous in appearance and actions though they were not the only ones. I also liked that the authors played around with what we think we know about certain monsters and the tropes that come with them. Overall a satisfying way to spend your time.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the perfect mix of modern and historical tales of monstrous love, or lust; depending on which story you read. I loved the uniqueness of each story, and how no monster was the same. The lack of popular monsters was also a blessing; a girl can only read so much about the same monster. I appreciated how there were also a ton of queer stories included in this anthology.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ech0reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 no notes. I love seeing shitty men get eviscerated by monsters.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

25 amazing monster horror romance shorts that will have you hooked and having dreams or nightmares! A great way to meet new authors

[Kala Godin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic and fun read