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Snake Pit
Hooked by His Horns
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B08W3VKPGW
Sometimes finding love requires a compromise of the soul.
In The Mirror, Iras is an antique shop owner who lives quietly alone... until he unpacks a mysterious mirror with a secret passenger. The spirit trapped in the mirror seems innocent, fragile, and Iras dedicates himself to its restoration just as he would restore an old piece of furniture.
As the restoration goes on, Iras begins to realize that the work is taking a toll on him. He develops nosebleeds and has nightmares. He begins to crave raw meat, the only thing that sustains him as the spirit in the mirror grows stronger and clearer with every passing day.
By the time Iras realizes the true nature of his companion in the mirror, it's too late to save himself... but Iras is no longer sure if he wants saving.
In The Vestal, Hae Drusa is a possession of the cruel lord Lan. Drusa's virginity gives him special properties; his very presence protects the land and the people in it, ensuring healthy children and flourishing crops. As long as Drusa remains a pure vestal, lord Lan's realm will prosper.
Temptation inevitably arises in the form of a visitor from beyond the borders. Maes Hill, a foreign lordling with an air of the strange about him, quickly bewitches Drusa into a chaste romance. Drusa, afraid of the consequences, insists on maintaining his virginity, and Maes Hill is patient. He swears not to touch Drusa until the vestal decides to escape his captivity.
The innocent affair can't last forever. When lord Lan discovers Drusa's secret companion, he punishes Drusa by taking him to a brothel and showing him exactly what happens to vestals who lose their status.
Horrified, Drusa snaps. He's willing to sacrifice his sanctity for the mysterious Maes Hill, too scared to do anything but fall into his arms... but he has no idea what sort of arms he's submitting himself to.
Hooked by his Horns is a two-story collection of erotic horror, 17k words altogether. Both stories contain violence, dark themes, and potentially upsetting content. Please mind the warnings contained in the foreword.
Sometimes finding love requires a compromise of the soul.
In The Mirror, Iras is an antique shop owner who lives quietly alone... until he unpacks a mysterious mirror with a secret passenger. The spirit trapped in the mirror seems innocent, fragile, and Iras dedicates himself to its restoration just as he would restore an old piece of furniture.
As the restoration goes on, Iras begins to realize that the work is taking a toll on him. He develops nosebleeds and has nightmares. He begins to crave raw meat, the only thing that sustains him as the spirit in the mirror grows stronger and clearer with every passing day.
By the time Iras realizes the true nature of his companion in the mirror, it's too late to save himself... but Iras is no longer sure if he wants saving.
In The Vestal, Hae Drusa is a possession of the cruel lord Lan. Drusa's virginity gives him special properties; his very presence protects the land and the people in it, ensuring healthy children and flourishing crops. As long as Drusa remains a pure vestal, lord Lan's realm will prosper.
Temptation inevitably arises in the form of a visitor from beyond the borders. Maes Hill, a foreign lordling with an air of the strange about him, quickly bewitches Drusa into a chaste romance. Drusa, afraid of the consequences, insists on maintaining his virginity, and Maes Hill is patient. He swears not to touch Drusa until the vestal decides to escape his captivity.
The innocent affair can't last forever. When lord Lan discovers Drusa's secret companion, he punishes Drusa by taking him to a brothel and showing him exactly what happens to vestals who lose their status.
Horrified, Drusa snaps. He's willing to sacrifice his sanctity for the mysterious Maes Hill, too scared to do anything but fall into his arms... but he has no idea what sort of arms he's submitting himself to.
Hooked by his Horns is a two-story collection of erotic horror, 17k words altogether. Both stories contain violence, dark themes, and potentially upsetting content. Please mind the warnings contained in the foreword.
59 pages, ebook
Published February 7, 2021
8 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Daniel May
52 books660 followersDaniel May writes MM romance and erotica with a focus on dark contemporary, kink, and BDSM. Originally a lover of sci-fi and fantasy, he turned his sights on the erotic as a joke that went over surprisingly well.
Completed series: The Taste of Ink (rereleased as A Fresh Taste of Ink trilogy)
Ongoing series: Hanged Men
Facebook group, the Daniel May Maelstrom:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/23035...
Sign up for the newsletter at danielmayauthor.com to receive free bonus content, news, and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks at upcoming works.-
Completed series: The Taste of Ink (rereleased as A Fresh Taste of Ink trilogy)
Ongoing series: Hanged Men
Facebook group, the Daniel May Maelstrom:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/23035...
Sign up for the newsletter at danielmayauthor.com to receive free bonus content, news, and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks at upcoming works.-
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 21, 2022
This is horror, not romance.
February 18, 2022
horror erotica
Excellent erotic horror stories- mashup of my favorite two genres. Only two stories, fairly short. More plot than sex but enough of both.
Excellent erotic horror stories- mashup of my favorite two genres. Only two stories, fairly short. More plot than sex but enough of both.
June 25, 2021
4.5 stars
This book contains two short stories and both are very dark but told in a great way.
The first story is about a man who owns a shop with all kinds of antique things and one day receives an old mirror, that seams to hold a soul inside.
This story was a little spooky but not too much. I really loved the development of the story and the relationship and how loneliness plays a big part in the circumstances. While the ending got me a little confused I also really liked it. This story would get 4 stars on its own.
The second story is about this young man who is a vestal, in the literal way, and as long as he stays pure his owner will have a lot of luck. However there is another man that is trying to get his attention.
I love this story a lot. I found it to be darker since there is attempted rape as well as actual rape happening on page. However this also have a very fantastical, in a dark way, feel to it and I just love how the author was able to put so much story and even some kind of character development into only 20 pages. This would have been a 5 star read on its own.
I am definitely going to read other books of the other.
This book contains two short stories and both are very dark but told in a great way.
The first story is about a man who owns a shop with all kinds of antique things and one day receives an old mirror, that seams to hold a soul inside.
This story was a little spooky but not too much. I really loved the development of the story and the relationship and how loneliness plays a big part in the circumstances. While the ending got me a little confused I also really liked it. This story would get 4 stars on its own.
The second story is about this young man who is a vestal, in the literal way, and as long as he stays pure his owner will have a lot of luck. However there is another man that is trying to get his attention.
I love this story a lot. I found it to be darker since there is attempted rape as well as actual rape happening on page. However this also have a very fantastical, in a dark way, feel to it and I just love how the author was able to put so much story and even some kind of character development into only 20 pages. This would have been a 5 star read on its own.
I am definitely going to read other books of the other.
April 16, 2022
These are two erotic horror short stories featuring a demon seducing a human. More horror than erotic (not a big emphasis on sexual content at all). The first one has more or less a run-of-the-mill premise (creepy haunted mirror), but it's executed very well, with a slow, calculated pace that makes it very creepy. The second one has a dystopian fantasy setting with some kind of virginal magical lucky charm MC and includes some impressive world-building in very few pages. It doesn't have "scary horror" vibes like the first story, but you could argue it's darker because of its contents (TW: on-page rape of non-MC, attempted rape on MC, murder). Both stories were very effectively creepy and atmospheric. It reminded me of Adara Wolf's horror shorts.
The second one was my favorite. It's even kind of romantic IMO, I mean: “Some call it hell, but I will make it a heaven for you”. Isn't that swoony?
The second one was my favorite. It's even kind of romantic IMO, I mean: “Some call it hell, but I will make it a heaven for you”. Isn't that swoony?
February 26, 2021
Five stars for these two short stories of gore, violence and all things dark. It's amazing how this author can turn stories so dark and twisted into something resembling lust in the midst of the chaos. Kudos for another book I couldn't put down and I'm not even a fan of this type of dark and twisted madness.
November 4, 2021
what the fuck…but like, in a good way. i think.
February 14, 2021
4,5☆
Two demonic themed short story, with darkness and many questions.
I enjoyed reading these stories, and both ending were really interesting. I can't decide if they are HEA or HFN or what, they just ended, and it's up to the reader to imagine what's next.
The first story was more romantic then the second, and I liked that story with the mirror. The second story was mostly about justice, but that was enjoyable and really good too.
It was a great read, but I thought it would be much darker and more erotic or romantic. Anyway, I enjoyed reading it.
Two demonic themed short story, with darkness and many questions.
I enjoyed reading these stories, and both ending were really interesting. I can't decide if they are HEA or HFN or what, they just ended, and it's up to the reader to imagine what's next.
The first story was more romantic then the second, and I liked that story with the mirror. The second story was mostly about justice, but that was enjoyable and really good too.
It was a great read, but I thought it would be much darker and more erotic or romantic. Anyway, I enjoyed reading it.
February 7, 2021
Hooked by his Horns is a dual-part erotic horror collection. Both stories are standalone and center around supernatural forces. This collection features dark subject matter so please be sure to read the content warnings at the beginning of the book!
Book one, The Mirror, follows an antique shop owner named Iras who comes across a mysterious mirror in a box of antiques. Even with Iras’ experience in antique sales and restoration, he cannot place the mirror chronologically in history, nor does the shipment indicate he was supposed to receive the mirror in the first place. Furthermore, Iras begins to suspect there is something more to the mirror, a presence that he attempts to draw out as he takes the mirror home and speaks to it.
The prose of The Mirror is gorgeously claustrophobic in its detail, as easy to get lost in as the overcrowded shelves of Iras’ antique shop. The minor spirits that inhabit Iras’ work and life establish a dreamlike, melancholy tone to the story, underlaid with an unavoidable sense of dread as Iras’ relationship to the mirror becomes indirectly proportional to his health.
In Vestal, a young man named Drusa brings prosperity to his village and surrounding lands, so long as he remains a virgin. His status as a vestal keeps him in servitude to a minor lord and master named Lan. Drusa both dreads and longs for a life beyond his indentured status as he regularly meets up with a man named Maes Hill in secret. When Lan finds out about Drusa’s confidential visits, he reminds Drusa of the reality of his servitude and shows him the possibility of his life without his vestal status that terrifies Drusa into action.
Vestal is a lovely example of quick world-building in a short time frame. Drusa’s restless misery throughout his vassalage had me hoping he would break free of his situation, especially since his master Lan turns out to be possessive and cruel. The ending is satisfying but bittersweet; Drusa ultimately gets what he wants, but in doing so he finds out there are bigger forces at play surrounding his existence.
I thoroughly enjoyed both stories in this collection, as m/m dark romance is becoming my favorite subject to read. I also feel like the quality of prose extends far beyond the typical expectation of m/m romance, so if you’re a lover of beautiful language and demonic possession, you should absolutely read this book.
Book one, The Mirror, follows an antique shop owner named Iras who comes across a mysterious mirror in a box of antiques. Even with Iras’ experience in antique sales and restoration, he cannot place the mirror chronologically in history, nor does the shipment indicate he was supposed to receive the mirror in the first place. Furthermore, Iras begins to suspect there is something more to the mirror, a presence that he attempts to draw out as he takes the mirror home and speaks to it.
The prose of The Mirror is gorgeously claustrophobic in its detail, as easy to get lost in as the overcrowded shelves of Iras’ antique shop. The minor spirits that inhabit Iras’ work and life establish a dreamlike, melancholy tone to the story, underlaid with an unavoidable sense of dread as Iras’ relationship to the mirror becomes indirectly proportional to his health.
In Vestal, a young man named Drusa brings prosperity to his village and surrounding lands, so long as he remains a virgin. His status as a vestal keeps him in servitude to a minor lord and master named Lan. Drusa both dreads and longs for a life beyond his indentured status as he regularly meets up with a man named Maes Hill in secret. When Lan finds out about Drusa’s confidential visits, he reminds Drusa of the reality of his servitude and shows him the possibility of his life without his vestal status that terrifies Drusa into action.
Vestal is a lovely example of quick world-building in a short time frame. Drusa’s restless misery throughout his vassalage had me hoping he would break free of his situation, especially since his master Lan turns out to be possessive and cruel. The ending is satisfying but bittersweet; Drusa ultimately gets what he wants, but in doing so he finds out there are bigger forces at play surrounding his existence.
I thoroughly enjoyed both stories in this collection, as m/m dark romance is becoming my favorite subject to read. I also feel like the quality of prose extends far beyond the typical expectation of m/m romance, so if you’re a lover of beautiful language and demonic possession, you should absolutely read this book.
February 8, 2021
Oh this was fun
It's dark, it's messed up, but there's demons so I was very happy. I think the second story was my favorite mainly because I didn't see the ending coming, whereas story one you could kind of pick up on what was about to down. These are not romances but there was smut. It wasn't always consensual but as I read the trigger warning (which you should definitely do) I was ready.
All in all, this was a nice short read. The writing was great as always, the stories were interesting, and I would love to see the second story get developed more. I know that's not going to happen but I can dream, can't I. 5 easy stars because I need more demons in books, please and thank you.
It's dark, it's messed up, but there's demons so I was very happy. I think the second story was my favorite mainly because I didn't see the ending coming, whereas story one you could kind of pick up on what was about to down. These are not romances but there was smut. It wasn't always consensual but as I read the trigger warning (which you should definitely do) I was ready.
All in all, this was a nice short read. The writing was great as always, the stories were interesting, and I would love to see the second story get developed more. I know that's not going to happen but I can dream, can't I. 5 easy stars because I need more demons in books, please and thank you.
February 8, 2021
Two short & dark stories by Daniel May. What’s not to love? I was quickly sucked in to the worlds which is amazing for me, because I usually get tired of world building.
I spiraled down in the first one with the main character. I felt their loneliness and desperation. It was a beautiful, dark ending.
The second short story - I’m not even sure how to classify it. I was happy with the evolution of the story and the way the end relationship came about.
All you need is an hour and an open mind to be captivated by both of these stories.
I spiraled down in the first one with the main character. I felt their loneliness and desperation. It was a beautiful, dark ending.
The second short story - I’m not even sure how to classify it. I was happy with the evolution of the story and the way the end relationship came about.
All you need is an hour and an open mind to be captivated by both of these stories.
February 9, 2021
2 dark paranormal/ fantastic short stories that I couldn't put down. Daniel´s writing is intense and his stories are so addicting. The world building in this book is very well done for such quick writing, I could really feel the characters and the dense atmosphere in both stories.
I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy darker reads and don't mind blood, gore, violence and emotional distress.
I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy darker reads and don't mind blood, gore, violence and emotional distress.
November 19, 2021
I was captivated by these two short stories. May knows how to tell a story. I don’t normally read fantasy or horror but I really enjoyed my foray into this genre.
I picked it up because I love all of Daniel May’s other books so thought I’d give this a try too.
The writing is so good - I got a really good sense of the antique shop in the first story, the atmosphere created is tangible.
The second story was horrifying in parts but there was a sense of justice too.
I highly recommend.
I picked it up because I love all of Daniel May’s other books so thought I’d give this a try too.
The writing is so good - I got a really good sense of the antique shop in the first story, the atmosphere created is tangible.
The second story was horrifying in parts but there was a sense of justice too.
I highly recommend.
February 9, 2021
These stories were intriguing and I kept turning the page to see where the story was going. Daniel has a way with words. I really enjoyed these stories. If you like dark romance these shorts are for you. The 1st story might scare you away if you aren’t one for some gore and the 2nd has some rape themes. I received an Arc of these for an honest review.
January 22, 2022
Hooked by His Horns is a dark and twisted anthology composed of two short stories filled with dark, paranormal romantic elements. These stories are dark and very well written. My favorite story out of the two was the second one, The Vestal--I'd love to read a sequel to it and see what kind of transformation Hae Drusa made.
February 20, 2021
Hooked by his Horns includes two stories - I enjoyed both immensely. One had a bit of a Dorian Gray vibe... wonderfully written, somewhat disturbing and very sexy. Daniel May is a talented and delightfully twisted writer. You need to read this!
January 7, 2022
intriguing stories…but too short to really say much about them. the first one was pretty spooky, and i liked the sense of unease i got from reading it. the second one was good too, but just really short to feel satisfying. i really liked daniel’s writing as usual though! 🥰
November 22, 2021
Both good stories, I especially liked the second one.
November 29, 2021
Incredibly vivid and chill-producing, both in plot and in the worlds imagined.
And read the content warnings first.
And read the content warnings first.
August 20, 2022
3.5 primo racconto
2 secondo racconto
2 secondo racconto
February 25, 2023
The first story was 2 scary 4 me and the second was very sweet 🥰
October 13, 2025
I liked this because it is Daniel May and he’s great, but the stories were too short for me to connect with. The second one was better than the first though.
May 2, 2023
Didn’t hate it, didn’t love it but glad I read it!
These two short erotic horror stories were interesting to read! The first one is more supernatural and goes to show what someone will endure to no longer be lonely.
The second is a bit more bloody but it was an exciting ending that I didn’t see coming!
These two short erotic horror stories were interesting to read! The first one is more supernatural and goes to show what someone will endure to no longer be lonely.
The second is a bit more bloody but it was an exciting ending that I didn’t see coming!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews