Blood Thinner / Blackout

H S Wolfe presents a twenty thousand word duology titled Blood Thinner and Blackout, set within the ROTGUTVERSE alternate universe. The narrative centers on two protagonists who work at NEUROLOGY, a tattoo and piercing parlor. Their relationship is defined by constant friction, both in their professional duties and personal interactions. In the first section, Blood Thinner, the pair agree to swap services after hours to alleviate tension. This arrangement involves exchanging tattoos for piercings, with the hope that physical intimacy might resolve their conflicts. The plot suggests other individuals in the shop share similar intentions toward them. The second section, Blackout, shifts focus when Hawthorne’s brother Seven interrupts a date. He insists on joining the evening out, creating an opportunity for one protagonist to interfere in the sibling dynamic. Wolfe structures this work as a continuation of the ROTGUT series, requiring readers to have experienced the prior novel first. The text explores themes of workplace romance, queer dynamics, and interpersonal rivalry. It suits fans of contemporary erotic fiction with supernatural undertones who enjoy complex character relationships. Readers seeking standalone novels or traditional horror may find the context lacking. Wolfe’s writing style relies on direct dialogue and immediate conflict rather than exposition. The book avoids traditional horror tropes in favor of character-driven drama within a specific fictional setting. The narrative does not offer resolution but rather deepens the existing tensions between the characters involved.