February HORRORscope
by: Katelynn Jasper
Shop this article: https://bookshop.org/lists/suspense-readin-magazine *affiliate linkDear bloody Valentine,
Get ready for a full moon in Leo this month, which brings with it love and creativity in abundance. What a perfect time to read a horror romance 😈. From monster lovers to haunted love nests, find out what’s in store for your sign and your bookshelf.
*Please check trigger warnings.*
Aquarius
January 20 – February 18
Aquarius, your intellectual and unconventional nature means the standard dinner date for Valentine’s Day is out, and an adventure to a bookshop or oddities shop is in. On your TBR for this month check out Carmilla by J. Sheridan Le Fanu. This peculiar vampire classic predates Dracula by 25 years! Laura, our baddie main character, has a life that consists of an isolated castle, dark forests, and an ailing father for company. That is until one moonlit night a mysterious horse-drawn carriage brings with it an even more mysterious passenger, the mesmerizing Carmilla. What takes place after is a twisted take on the friends-to-lovers trope, and trust me when I say Count Orlok has nothing on my girl Carmilla.
Pisces
February 19 to March 20
Pisces, it’s true that there are many fish in the sea but your ability to tap into deep emotions and create strong connections will send your soulmate swimming your way very soon. On your TBR for this month check out The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw. A mermaid, on the run from an abusive arranged marriage to a prince, learns there are much more monstrous beings on land than in even the deepest depths of the ocean. Her only hope is an unlikely alliance with a mysterious plague doctor with a dark secret of their own to hide behind their mask. This nightmarish fairytale has a friends to lovers core drenched in plenty of gore and lush descriptions. Don’t be fooled there are no talking lobsters in this story singing about kissing the girl because she’s got teeth…sharp teeth. But who knows? Maybe that’s your thing 😈.
Aries
March 21 – April 19
Aries, your bravery is infectious; lean into it and ask your crush out this month, or take yourself out on a date to do something that will get you out of your comfort zone. On your TBR for this month check out The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas. You’ll be drawn to main character Beatriz’s courage as she traverses a new marriage and home. This book takes “ghosting” to a whole new level as Beatriz begins to unravel the dark mystery behind her husband’s previous wife, and why she might be next on the chopping block. Oh, did I mention there’s a hot priest? 👀
Taurus
April 20 – May 20
Taurus, ditch the dating apps and reconnect with nature this month. Perhaps rent a cabin getaway, or go on a group hike to meet that tall, dark, and mysterious someone. On your TBR for this month check out I’m in Love with Mothman by Paige Lavoie. With your love of all things soft, luxurious, and cozy, you'll enjoy this playfully spooky story that centers around 22-year-old Heather, who is running from her burnout as an influencer right into the arms…or wings…of a grumpy, brooding monster man. Monster lovers won’t want to sleep on this one!
Gemini
May 21 – June 21
Gemini, you deserve a lover who will appreciate all sides of you. This month might be the moment you’ve been waiting for to rekindle things with an old flame, or reconnect with your wild side by going out to a club to dance under the full moon. On your TBR for this month check out Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison. When Rory Morris has to move back to her hometown she is less than thrilled, but her twin sister is pregnant and needs support and Rory wants to prove she can show up when needed most. After running into an old almost-flame during a night out, Rory hits a large animal. Upon inspection, the animal attacks Rory, causing a chain reaction of terrifying changes within her. This book is what I like to call “horror with heart” as Rory discovers the freedom and dangers of settling into one’s wild side and even giving love a second chance.
Cancer
June 22 – July 22
Cancer, you are one loyal lover who isn’t afraid to wear their emotions on their sleeve. This month you are THE final baddie on everyone’s mind to be their Valentine. On your TBR for this month check out You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kaylynn Bayron. Charity Curtis has the job of her dreams, playing the “final girl” at Camp Mirror Lake in their immersive slasher experience alongside her incredible girlfriend and the best summer crew of friends. But when coworkers go from missing to dead, Charity has to figure out how to get herself and her love out of a game that has now turned deadly for real this time. Sapphic love 🤝 slashers? Count me in!
Leo
July 23 – August 22
Leo, when you walk into a room you make everyone’s heart skip a beat. This month, you may find yourself in the spotlight of someone’s affection. Indulge in treating yourself to that pretty bouquet at the market and don’t be surprised when everyone chases you down to be their Valentine. On your TBR for this month check out My Dearest Darkest by Kayla Cottingham. This slow-burn sapphic romance revolves around a group of girls who go to the prestigious Ulalume Academy and accidentally summon something ancient, terrifying, and most of all, deadly hungry. Scream queens who love Jennifer’s Body, you’re about to find your new favorite book.
Virgo
August 23 – September 22
Virgo, your impeccable eye for detail is something your loved ones appreciate most about you. Put that skill to good use this month by planning the perfect, thoughtful gift or night in for that special someone. On your TBR for this month check out House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski. On the outside, House of Leaves may not seem like a horror story with a romance deep inside (much like Virgo’s tough exterior, but nurturing core). However, within its pages is a love story that requires one to pay attention to even the smallest details. This is a story about a marriage on the rocks and a mysterious house, both of which may have monsters lurking in every new dark corner that is discovered. This book puts a new twist on the saying “Home is where the heart is.”
Libra
September 23 – October 23
Libra, this month is a great one for you, as you are a natural romantic. Take the time to lean into your skills as a good listener and get deep with that special someone in your life, perhaps during an intimate dinner by candlelight. On your TBR this month check out Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield. This moving, aquatic horror melds romance with grief as married couple Leah and Miri navigate Leah’s return after a doomed deep-sea mission. Armfield’s prose is drenched in details that will make your heart squeeze. Long walks on the beach might look a little different after reading this one.
Scorpio
October 24 – November 21
Scorpio, you’re going to be bursting with passion this month as your magnetism may bring you just the lover you’ve been looking for. Indulge in your intense nature with some extra dark chocolate and caviar in your favorite fancy pajamas or party outfit. On your TBR this month check out A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson. Everyone remembers their first, even the infamous Dracula. In this deliciously dark and sexy tale, Dracula’s first bride, Constanta, recounts her time falling in and out of love with the undying king. Alongside her rival consorts, Constanta must decide if the dedication she has to her husband is worth the price of her freedom, and the lives of everyone she loves dearly. Vampire baddies are going to want to sink their teeth into this one.
Sagittarius
November 22 – December 21
Sagittarius, love will find you when you least expect it this month. Focus on keeping things fun and friendly with your crush by going to a comedy show or a local craft night and exchanging what you made (and maybe even a few kisses) at the end of the night. On your TBR this month check out The Book of the Most Precious Substance by Sara Gran. Lily is a rare book dealer down on luck and love, just in time for the discovery of a mysterious book that promises unlimited power and unrivaled sexual pleasure to be the hot gossip of her bookseller friends. Without much to lose, Lily sets out to find the book and hopefully a very wealthy buyer to turn her life around. From new lovers to the occult, Lily is about to discover what is worth losing over a good book. If you look up “Reading is sexy”, you’ll find a picture of this book 😉.
Capricorn
December 22 – January 19
Capricorn, you are one loyal lover, but don’t forget to let others show you the same kind of energy back! This month is about letting all the different forms of love in your life shine, whether that be the love you share with a partner, family, or friends. Throw a game night or host a dinner party to bring everyone together to kick off this month of love. On your TBR this month check out My Sister the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite. Korede’s sister, Ayoola, is more than just a serial dater…she’s a serial killer. Like all good big sisters, Korede is used to cleaning up Ayoola’s *cough cough* messes. At work as a nurse, Korede gets to escape the dark deeds of her sister, and even better, flirt with the sexy doctor that works on her floor. But when the unimaginable happens and he starts dating Ayoola, Korede must decide if the love she has for her sister is stronger than her desire to save the man she loves from a horrible fate. I guarantee you’ll be asking for your favorite shirt and this book back from your sister after they both “mysteriously” disappear.
Whether you choose to cuddle up and buddy read (😉) with that special someone or luxuriate in a solo reading sesh, I hope the stars align for you to find your next favorite read.
Till next time!
Yours dreadfully,
