Paramourn: Unfortunate Romances by John Edward Lawson #BookReview

Why are bad choices so tempting? This short story collection explores the dark side of romance, twisting through bizarro alleyways and diving into the dumpsters of horror, science fiction, and fantasy in search of the answer. Although 23 of the stories within were previously published the remainder were deemed too literary for erotic publications, and too erotic for release elsewhere. 

Title: ParaMourn: Unfortunate Romances | Author: John Edward Lawson | Publisher:
Electromagnetic Earthfucker Press | Pub. Date: 2014-Oct-6 | Pages: 165 | Language: English | Rating: 5 out of 5 | Source: Self-purchased

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Paramourn: Unfortunate Romances Review

Why do sex and horror go so deliciously together? I like to think they both involve primal emotions and urges that help us deal the inevitable: Death. And if you are anything like me, they are great distractions from the daily grind of life.

Paramourn is a collection of stories that involve the gruesome, the bizarre, and the potential horror that can occur in relationships. Lawson digs deep to give us those things we think about in long term relationships, but do not dare to say or act upon.

He shows us the simple truth of “being a guy” in Gutter Lover which happens to be one of my favorite tales. It packs a horror punch, but my God did I laugh as well! At first, I didn’t get The Secret Life of Jenocide, but keep going with it. I loved it by the end. There are limbs in a vat, orgies at the end of the world, and demons you might want to meet.

A few stories are no longer than a paragraph, but they work. They bring levity to a collection that could feel tragic because love is mostly tragic when you’ve been in it long enough. You will also find some of the stories are loosely connected which I like in a collection.

As for the sex in Paramourn: Lawson does a fantastic job describing sex on the physical and emotional level. The eroticism is pretty much there from the first tale. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself excited by his words at some points.

I recommend this book if you desire horror that does not shy away from blood or sex. Let Lawson horrify and titillate you with his poetic storytelling! You won’t be sorry.

Finally, I’d like to add that Lawson is an African American author. Buying, reading and reviewing books by authors of color not only keeps those authors in front of the computer writing, but adds to the texture of thing we have in common and enjoy, horror.

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You can find this book at many retailers via clicking on the appropriate link on Goodreads; however, in the spirit of supporting literacy programs, we would like to point out that you may be able to purchase this book through BetterWorldBooks.