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Valentine's Slay: It's a thin line between love and hate
February 14th and my wife is looking at me with hope in her eyes. She has just given me a card and a bottle of my favourite drink so I presume she is hoping for something similar in return. I have nothing but the shovel I'm hiding behind my back. Valentine's Day is a joke. A day made up, no doubt, by people who sell cards and flowers. A way of conning us out of our money as we feel duty bound to "prove our love" for one another. Well this collection is not about proving love. This collection of stories is all about sour, bloody violent love. They say love hurts. They're not wrong.
64 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2021
37 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Matt Shaw
534 books2,222 followersBiography
MATT SHAW was born, quite by accident (his mother tripped, he shot out) September 30th 1980 in Winchester hospital where he was immediately placed on the baby ward and EBay. Some twelve years later (wandering the corridors of the hospital and playing with road kill when he was on day release), the listing closed and he remained unsold, he was booted out of the hospital to start his life as a writer and hobbit – beginning with writing screenplays and short stories for his own amusement before finally getting published when he was twenty-seven years and forty-five seconds old.
Once Published weekly in a lad's magazine with his photography work, Matt Shaw is also a published author and cartoonist. Has to be said, can be a bit of a flirt and definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, somewhat of a klutz.
Favourite books
"Roald Dahl's Collection of Short Stories"
Tim Burton's Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy
Anything, really, written by himself. Because he is that good.
MATT SHAW was born, quite by accident (his mother tripped, he shot out) September 30th 1980 in Winchester hospital where he was immediately placed on the baby ward and EBay. Some twelve years later (wandering the corridors of the hospital and playing with road kill when he was on day release), the listing closed and he remained unsold, he was booted out of the hospital to start his life as a writer and hobbit – beginning with writing screenplays and short stories for his own amusement before finally getting published when he was twenty-seven years and forty-five seconds old.
Once Published weekly in a lad's magazine with his photography work, Matt Shaw is also a published author and cartoonist. Has to be said, can be a bit of a flirt and definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, somewhat of a klutz.
Favourite books
"Roald Dahl's Collection of Short Stories"
Tim Burton's Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy
Anything, really, written by himself. Because he is that good.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 12, 2023
This really got me in the mood for Valentine’s Day. Gave me the warm and fuzzies. V-Day and horror go together like ‘ham and tuna fish’ (Second one today…someone name that quote!), and this morbid little collection went right to the heart of the matter (Get it!). There were no monsters or over-the-top gory scenes, but just a ton of very troubled people making the most of their romantic escapades. And don’t worry, there is still plenty of violence, just in ways you won’t expect. And Matt Shaw included some author’s background notes after each of the first few stories, which were enjoyable. I laughed very hard when he claimed to have ditched pornography at a young age because he was afraid it would give him AIDS. Eating Out was probably my favorite, but The Gift was a close second. My only critique would be that several of the stories had similar concepts, so I would’ve liked a little more variety. But for those of you, who are like me, and need to craft each holiday around some form of the macabre, give this a look, as Matt Shaw shines bright.
August 21, 2023
Aaaaaand I’m changing my review/ rating here 😅 please don’t dedicate an entire book to me Matt lol 😂
Valentine’s Slay felt like an apt collection of horror stories to read at this time of the year. This is the first piece of Matt Shaw’s work I have read, after being intrigued by his books as they keep popping up as recommended on my Kindle based on my reading habits. (Now after 21/7/23, will be the last!)
Matt’s intro lets the reader know he detests the concept of Valentine’s Day because of a childhood sweetheart breaking up with him on the day. I’m not anti-Valentine’s day per-say, but I am in agreement that you don’t need a special day to show somebody that you love them. That should be everyday. We should all do one small thing each day to show the people in our lives that they are important to us and that they are loved. Not just lavish with gifts for show. Although receiving thoughtful gifts can be nice of course!
My face turned white at the twist in the story One Track Mind. That was fucked up. Utterly horrifying and disturbing, yet well done to throw the reader.
Red Wine was actually heartbreaking, I shed a tear! Gut-punching emotion at the end of that story.
Disturbing Content Warning 💀
Valentine’s Slay felt like an apt collection of horror stories to read at this time of the year. This is the first piece of Matt Shaw’s work I have read, after being intrigued by his books as they keep popping up as recommended on my Kindle based on my reading habits. (Now after 21/7/23, will be the last!)
Matt’s intro lets the reader know he detests the concept of Valentine’s Day because of a childhood sweetheart breaking up with him on the day. I’m not anti-Valentine’s day per-say, but I am in agreement that you don’t need a special day to show somebody that you love them. That should be everyday. We should all do one small thing each day to show the people in our lives that they are important to us and that they are loved. Not just lavish with gifts for show. Although receiving thoughtful gifts can be nice of course!
My face turned white at the twist in the story One Track Mind. That was fucked up. Utterly horrifying and disturbing, yet well done to throw the reader.
Red Wine was actually heartbreaking, I shed a tear! Gut-punching emotion at the end of that story.
Disturbing Content Warning 💀
February 14, 2021
Not what I was expecting, but in a good way. Loved it 🖤
May 7, 2021
What I loved so much about this book was how Shaw added tidbits of his own love life after the first couple of stories. It really made the book feel personal. It was a great touch to the short stories. It kinda explained how or why he came up with a couple of the shorts.
One of these stories touched upon one of my greatest fears... outliving my husband. I don't want to say much about the story, but I almost (ALMOST) teared up. Yep, that's real life horror right there, life after losing a spouse.
A couple of other stories went in a totally different direction than I expected, which is great.
A story about a wife stumbling across a Valentine's days gift from her hubby made me LOL. Like for real laughter which caused my hubs sitting across from me to look at me like I was crazy.
This is a solid five-star book
One of these stories touched upon one of my greatest fears... outliving my husband. I don't want to say much about the story, but I almost (ALMOST) teared up. Yep, that's real life horror right there, life after losing a spouse.
A couple of other stories went in a totally different direction than I expected, which is great.
A story about a wife stumbling across a Valentine's days gift from her hubby made me LOL. Like for real laughter which caused my hubs sitting across from me to look at me like I was crazy.
This is a solid five-star book
February 20, 2021
Really good
A fun little anthology of super short unValentine's day stories with a few unexpected twist I didn't see coming..I absolutely love the cover and now waiting for the paperback to arrive
A fun little anthology of super short unValentine's day stories with a few unexpected twist I didn't see coming..I absolutely love the cover and now waiting for the paperback to arrive
October 17, 2021
Meh, not my favorite of matt Shaw's books but there were a couple of entertaining short stories in this collection!
February 12, 2026
My accurate rating is 3.6 stars.
This collection delves into the darker side of love, exploring themes that go beyond the typical romantic ideals. These narratives capture the essence of sour, bloody, and violent love, highlighting the often-painful reality of relationships. As the saying goes, "love hurts," and this collection proves that assertion through a variety of gripping tales.
**"Love Hurts" (3.8 stars)**: In this unsettling story, a woman grapples with her delusions about a tumultuous relationship. She finds herself reciting a children's rhyme about body parts in a desperate quest to decipher her partner's true feelings. The unsettling climax reveals just how wrong things can go when expectations clash with reality, leaving readers to ponder the fatal consequences of misguided love.
**"Yours, Tom (Watkins)" (3.7 stars)**: This poignant tale centers around a not-so-secret admirer who finally gathers the courage to confess his feelings to the girl he's loved from afar. What begins as a sweet, heartwarming story devolves into a bittersweet exploration of unrequited love, culminating in an ending that leaves readers reflecting on the complexities of affection and attraction.
**"One Track Mind" (3.3 stars)**: Two young men, both inexperienced and yearning for intimacy, finally embark on a journey to lose their virginity. However, their encounter takes a dark turn, revealing disturbing truths about their motivations and the nature of desire. This story challenges the reader to confront the unsettling aspects of human connection and the violence that can lurk beneath the surface.
**"So Happy Together" (2.8 stars)**: Set against the backdrop of a lively night out, this story warns about the perils faced by women who venture out alone. The seemingly perfect connection between a man and a woman takes a dramatic shift when their initial chemistry fades, prompting questions about safety, attraction, and the unpredictability of human relationships.
**"The World's Hate" (3.2 stars)**: Here, we follow Derek, a patrol officer whose life changes forever after a bizarre encounter with what appears to be a large baby in a diaper, brandishing a bow and arrow. When Derek attempts to intervene, he becomes a victim of violence, triggering a chain reaction of hatred that engulfs the world. This chilling narrative critiques the escalation of animosity in society and the loss of innocence that often accompanies it.
**"The Gift" (3.4 stars)**: This story explores the journey of a couple that has grown distant over time. When the wife discovers a mysterious gift, it ignites a flicker of romance, leading them to reconsider their relationship. However, their attempts to rekindle their love are met with obstacles, illustrating how even the simplest gestures can be fraught with complications in a challenging world.
**"Eating Out" (4 stars)**: This narrative cleverly plays with the idea of double entendre, capturing the anticipation surrounding Valentine's Day dining. As a couple prepares for a romantic evening at a trendy new restaurant, they soon realize that their impulsivity in choosing the venue has consequences. The story serves as a humorous yet cautionary tale about the perils of dining out on such a significant occasion.
**"Red Wine" (3.75 stars)**: In a reflective and melancholic narrative, a couple looks back on their love story and contemplates the near-misses that almost derailed their relationship. Sharing memories over a bottle of red wine, the couple reminisces about the moments that made them connect. However, the bittersweet nature of their reflections serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of love and the scars it can leave behind.
**"Noise" (3.9 stars)**: A man plagued by a heightened sensitivity to sound navigates the challenges of dating in a world full of noise. Just when he believes he has found the perfect partner, his idealized vision begins to crumble as the reality of their lives together sets in. This poignant exploration of love and connection reveals how perfection can quickly fade, reminding readers that no relationship is immune to disillusionment.
**"Only the Lonely" (4.5 stars)**: On Valentine’s Day, a man engages in activities that bring him joy before heading to his favorite restaurant. Surrounded by the bustling energy of couples, he reflects on the nature of love while grappling with his own solitude. As the day concludes, he finds comfort in familiar routines, yet the lingering question of what could have been adds depth to his introspection.
While several stories within this collection may delve into disturbing territory, they remain compelling and thought-provoking. The book is brought to life with a heartfelt narration by the author, Matt Shaw, who expertly navigates the complexity of these stories.
It’s important to note that readers sensitive to graphic themes or violent imagery might want to approach this collection with caution, as the narratives explore love's many shades—both beautiful and grotesque.
This collection delves into the darker side of love, exploring themes that go beyond the typical romantic ideals. These narratives capture the essence of sour, bloody, and violent love, highlighting the often-painful reality of relationships. As the saying goes, "love hurts," and this collection proves that assertion through a variety of gripping tales.
**"Love Hurts" (3.8 stars)**: In this unsettling story, a woman grapples with her delusions about a tumultuous relationship. She finds herself reciting a children's rhyme about body parts in a desperate quest to decipher her partner's true feelings. The unsettling climax reveals just how wrong things can go when expectations clash with reality, leaving readers to ponder the fatal consequences of misguided love.
**"Yours, Tom (Watkins)" (3.7 stars)**: This poignant tale centers around a not-so-secret admirer who finally gathers the courage to confess his feelings to the girl he's loved from afar. What begins as a sweet, heartwarming story devolves into a bittersweet exploration of unrequited love, culminating in an ending that leaves readers reflecting on the complexities of affection and attraction.
**"One Track Mind" (3.3 stars)**: Two young men, both inexperienced and yearning for intimacy, finally embark on a journey to lose their virginity. However, their encounter takes a dark turn, revealing disturbing truths about their motivations and the nature of desire. This story challenges the reader to confront the unsettling aspects of human connection and the violence that can lurk beneath the surface.
**"So Happy Together" (2.8 stars)**: Set against the backdrop of a lively night out, this story warns about the perils faced by women who venture out alone. The seemingly perfect connection between a man and a woman takes a dramatic shift when their initial chemistry fades, prompting questions about safety, attraction, and the unpredictability of human relationships.
**"The World's Hate" (3.2 stars)**: Here, we follow Derek, a patrol officer whose life changes forever after a bizarre encounter with what appears to be a large baby in a diaper, brandishing a bow and arrow. When Derek attempts to intervene, he becomes a victim of violence, triggering a chain reaction of hatred that engulfs the world. This chilling narrative critiques the escalation of animosity in society and the loss of innocence that often accompanies it.
**"The Gift" (3.4 stars)**: This story explores the journey of a couple that has grown distant over time. When the wife discovers a mysterious gift, it ignites a flicker of romance, leading them to reconsider their relationship. However, their attempts to rekindle their love are met with obstacles, illustrating how even the simplest gestures can be fraught with complications in a challenging world.
**"Eating Out" (4 stars)**: This narrative cleverly plays with the idea of double entendre, capturing the anticipation surrounding Valentine's Day dining. As a couple prepares for a romantic evening at a trendy new restaurant, they soon realize that their impulsivity in choosing the venue has consequences. The story serves as a humorous yet cautionary tale about the perils of dining out on such a significant occasion.
**"Red Wine" (3.75 stars)**: In a reflective and melancholic narrative, a couple looks back on their love story and contemplates the near-misses that almost derailed their relationship. Sharing memories over a bottle of red wine, the couple reminisces about the moments that made them connect. However, the bittersweet nature of their reflections serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of love and the scars it can leave behind.
**"Noise" (3.9 stars)**: A man plagued by a heightened sensitivity to sound navigates the challenges of dating in a world full of noise. Just when he believes he has found the perfect partner, his idealized vision begins to crumble as the reality of their lives together sets in. This poignant exploration of love and connection reveals how perfection can quickly fade, reminding readers that no relationship is immune to disillusionment.
**"Only the Lonely" (4.5 stars)**: On Valentine’s Day, a man engages in activities that bring him joy before heading to his favorite restaurant. Surrounded by the bustling energy of couples, he reflects on the nature of love while grappling with his own solitude. As the day concludes, he finds comfort in familiar routines, yet the lingering question of what could have been adds depth to his introspection.
While several stories within this collection may delve into disturbing territory, they remain compelling and thought-provoking. The book is brought to life with a heartfelt narration by the author, Matt Shaw, who expertly navigates the complexity of these stories.
It’s important to note that readers sensitive to graphic themes or violent imagery might want to approach this collection with caution, as the narratives explore love's many shades—both beautiful and grotesque.
July 8, 2025
Ésta es una compilación de 10 historias cortas de amor, desamor y tragedia que ocurren en San Valentín. Cada una con un toque de crueldad, gore y humor negro. Todas están geniales!!! Estas fueron mis favoritas:
Love hurts: Me quiere… no me quiere… me quiere… no me quiere… Se acostumbra deshojando una flor, está chica va a arrancar algo más que simples pétalos.
Yours, Tom (Watkins): Ahhh el amor adolescente… tan intenso, tan impulsivo y a veces tan estúpido.
One Track Mind: La primera experiencia s3xu4l de un par de adolescentes no es tal idílica como parece ser.
The World’s Hate: Por qué de pronto el mundo parece hacer perdido toda la amabilidad en él. Éste hombre es el único que sabe la respuesta.
Eating Out: Comer fuera no siempre es la mejor opción, sobre todo cuando el no tienes ni idea de cuál será el platillo principal.
Noise: Un hombre aborrece el ruido, no importa qué tan pequeño sea, no lo soporta y lo hace enfurecer.
Only The Lonely: Un hombre solitario y su perro el día se San Valentín. Ésta es la más triste de todas 😭
Love hurts: Me quiere… no me quiere… me quiere… no me quiere… Se acostumbra deshojando una flor, está chica va a arrancar algo más que simples pétalos.
Yours, Tom (Watkins): Ahhh el amor adolescente… tan intenso, tan impulsivo y a veces tan estúpido.
One Track Mind: La primera experiencia s3xu4l de un par de adolescentes no es tal idílica como parece ser.
The World’s Hate: Por qué de pronto el mundo parece hacer perdido toda la amabilidad en él. Éste hombre es el único que sabe la respuesta.
Eating Out: Comer fuera no siempre es la mejor opción, sobre todo cuando el no tienes ni idea de cuál será el platillo principal.
Noise: Un hombre aborrece el ruido, no importa qué tan pequeño sea, no lo soporta y lo hace enfurecer.
Only The Lonely: Un hombre solitario y su perro el día se San Valentín. Ésta es la más triste de todas 😭
January 30, 2023
Valentines’s Slay is a novella that is made up of multiple short stories about love and hate. I really enjoyed the short blurbs Matt Shaw put in at the end of some stories giving some background into his own experiences that inspired the story.
Some of the stories are funny and had me cracking up. Some are sad, while others just went places I did not expect. All of them were good. I didn’t have a favorite, but “Yours, Tom (Watkins)“ stuck with me!
This is a quick read, easily completed in a few hours. So get in the Valentine’s mood and check this one out!
Some of the stories are funny and had me cracking up. Some are sad, while others just went places I did not expect. All of them were good. I didn’t have a favorite, but “Yours, Tom (Watkins)“ stuck with me!
This is a quick read, easily completed in a few hours. So get in the Valentine’s mood and check this one out!
May 31, 2021
Disappointed
Matt Shaw I an thoroughly disappointed in this book. I am an avid follower of your horror, but this was written like cheap pornography (in some stories) and boring stories in most. I had to suffer through each story, waiting until the very end in each, to just get a nudge of anything horrific. You can do better.
Reader: Don’t wasted our time.
Matt Shaw I an thoroughly disappointed in this book. I am an avid follower of your horror, but this was written like cheap pornography (in some stories) and boring stories in most. I had to suffer through each story, waiting until the very end in each, to just get a nudge of anything horrific. You can do better.
Reader: Don’t wasted our time.
April 11, 2022
Fun collection of stories
I preferred the first few stories over the later ones, but all were fun. Matt Shaw is my go to between long novels ir when in a reading slump. Your never going to be bored, and it's so easy to quickly become involved in the stories as his writting is so fast paced.
I preferred the first few stories over the later ones, but all were fun. Matt Shaw is my go to between long novels ir when in a reading slump. Your never going to be bored, and it's so easy to quickly become involved in the stories as his writting is so fast paced.
February 14, 2023
Matt Shaw at his best bringing horror to us on the most romantic day of the year.
This is a compilation of short stories centred around Valentines day.
The stories start of on a romantic note and end up on a gory note.
What to look forward to:-
As a starter - Blood
As a main -Gore and horror
As a desert - an inventive mind with a surprising twist at the end.
Brilliance
This is a compilation of short stories centred around Valentines day.
The stories start of on a romantic note and end up on a gory note.
What to look forward to:-
As a starter - Blood
As a main -Gore and horror
As a desert - an inventive mind with a surprising twist at the end.
Brilliance
February 3, 2024
Matt Shaw does it again. I’m in love with his writing. He catches your attention! This one was really good. A series of short horror stories. My favorite was definitely The Gift. One Track Mind had a twist I was NOT expecting and made my stomach queasy. The Gift was so messed up. The husband played it off so well. I was shocked.
February 14, 2021
Valentine's Day love is in the air
I really enjoy Matt Shaw books. He doesn't really discriminate on any topic. Lots of short stories some only a page or two long but they are all equally great.
I really enjoy Matt Shaw books. He doesn't really discriminate on any topic. Lots of short stories some only a page or two long but they are all equally great.
February 8, 2024
Dark, cheeky, thought provoking romance
Eclectic collection of stories themed around the holiday for love. Some psychological thrillers, some dark romance, some horror - all great.
Eclectic collection of stories themed around the holiday for love. Some psychological thrillers, some dark romance, some horror - all great.
February 16, 2021
Great short stories!
Great short stories! Usually there are 1 or 2 short stories I don't like, but in this book I liked them all!
Great short stories! Usually there are 1 or 2 short stories I don't like, but in this book I liked them all!
March 2, 2021
Entertaining collection of 10 short stories. Interesting enough to having me reading it all in one sitting.
April 5, 2021
Fab little selection of short stories
An awesome little collection of short stories, some of which really get you thinking, some really not what your expecting
An awesome little collection of short stories, some of which really get you thinking, some really not what your expecting
February 15, 2022
If you're looking for a book that will disturb you, arouse you, then disturb you because you're aroused, you found it, sugar.
February 10, 2025
📱
Sometimes the stories started out so good I would forget this was a Matt Shaw novella. Of course the horror and gore was spewed on the page and I would remember.
Sometimes the stories started out so good I would forget this was a Matt Shaw novella. Of course the horror and gore was spewed on the page and I would remember.
October 19, 2023
I have no real strong feelings about this. It was on Kindle unlimited and it was a pretty quick read even for me
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews