Review: Gothic Romance With a Bloody Smile
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 15, 2013
I've been looking forward to this since I read C L Raven's last Valentine's anthology 'Gunning Down Romance,' and 'Bad Romance' did not disappoint. C L Raven have given me a reason to look forward to Valentine's day, with their stories of romance that can go bloodily wrong. Hearts are red, and so is blood, at last they bring the two together!There are three long short stories here, each with their own bloody twist. I really liked the story of Cupid, it was full of funny lines and images and Eros was portrayed as an arrogant narcissist, much like a lot of people are guilty of now. We see the return of a previous character from 'Gunning Down Romance' who has expanded on his work and a gristly tale of wedded bliss.These stories are very well written and I think that C L Raven are at their best when they have their tongues in their cheeks. They can be very funny, and this is what I'd like to see them do more of. A delightful mix of horror and humour, for those who have to experience the disappointing realisms of romance, this is a refreshing take on the most divisive day in the year.