Spice Up Your Fall With These Spooky Romance Reads
If you’re looking to add a little spice (and maybe a few chills) to your reading list this spooky season, you’ve come to the right place! Spooky romance books are the perfect way to get in the Halloween mood without getting too scared. Below you will find a plethora of books that are perfect to pick up this autumn.
1. Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca
Haunted Ever After is high on my priority list, especially since Ashley Poston blurbed it! This story is set in a spooky (read: haunted) small Florida coastal town. And Nick Royer, owner of the Hallowed Grounds coffee shop, embraces the ghost tourism that keeps the local economy afloat. And that spectral roommate he has? Doesn’t bother him one bit.
When Cassie Rutherford shows up, she’s charmed by the colorful history of the town — and the grumpy coffee shop owner. What she’s not so charmed by is the unusual nature of her new home. Her laptop won’t charge in any outlets, and the poetry magnets on the fridge definitely didn’t read “WRONG” and “MY HOUSE” when she put them up. As Cassie and Nick grow closer, they spend nights side-by-side looking into the former owners of her haunted cottage. Their attraction only grows, but Cassie’s worried she’s in too deep and Nick’s afraid to scare her away for good.
If you’re looking for spooky vibes and a small-town romance wrapped up in a mystery, this book is for you.
2. This Spells Love by Kate Robb
Have you ever tried to heal heartbreak by casting a spell?
After getting dumped by her long-term boyfriend, Gemma tries to mend her broken heart the way that any of us would — by drinking too many margaritas with her sister, kooky aunt, and bestfriend, Dax. With enough margaritas, any idea sounds fantastic! The group decides to perform a love-cleansing spell to erase Gemma’s ex from her memory. To seal the deal, it of course needs a platonic kiss from Dax.
The next morning, Gemma realizes that not only did her silly spell work, but it also removed her ex completely from her past and her friendship with Dax, since Dax has no idea who she is. Of course to reverse the spell, she must convince her now-stranger-best-friend to kiss her again. As she carries out her plan, Gemma realizes that she is actually falling for Dax and wonders if they should go back to being just friends.
This Spells Love is a magical and witty friends-to-lovers that is essential for your Halloween romance bookshelf.
The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling
After reading about This Spells Love, one might think the cardinal rule is to not perform spells under the influence. Well, that rule is about to be broken once again in The Ex Hex.
To nurse her broken heart, Vivienne — like many of us — uses vodka, baths, and potentially puts horrible hex on her boyfriend. Vivienne didn’t even think that her silly curse even worked, until almost a decade later when her boyfriend is back in town.
Meet Rhys Penhallow, a warlock and former heartbreaker, returning back to the spooky and cozy town of Graves Glen. He thinks that it’ll be a quick, under the radar trip to fix the town’s ley lines (aka the energy supply of magic) and make an appearance at the annual fall festival, however, he is wrong. Cue the silly hex working in full force to cause chaos across the town. Vivi and Rhys must work together to save the town and break the curse without falling back in love.
Who doesn’t love a spooky setting for a romance novel?
4. Happy Medium by Sarah Adler
Happy Medium is what happens when a con becomes reality.
Gretchen is a fraud. She pretends to be a spirit medium that is able to communicate with ghosts. Her best (and wealthiest) client hires her to investigate the unexplained events occurring at the sale of her bridge partner’s struggling goat farm. She may not be able to actually talk to ghosts (small details, really), but she does consider herself to be a helpful person, especially to seemingly help an old man finally retire. And of course putting some extra cash in her own pockets would be an added benefit.
Upon arrival, the bridge partner in question is not a nice old man, but Charlie, a young man, who is extremely handsome and extremely unconvinced of her fraudulent abilities. However, to her surprise, there is a real ghost, Everett, who is exceptionally annoying and wants Gretchen to help ensure Charlie avoids the same family curse as Everett. In one month, Gretchen must save the goat farm, its chatty ghost, and the man she is falling for. Something about spooky ghosts sparks romance.
5. Harrow Faire Series by Kathryn Ann Kingsley
During the first book of the series, The Contortionist, an abandoned circus unexpectedly comes back in full force, Cora’s once regular life takes a drastic turn. The entry fee to the show is big, costing Cora a deal with her soul. She begins to discover that there are far more secrets within Harrow Faire and finds herself caught in the middle of a war between the ever-alluring Puppeteer and the reclusive Mr. Harrow. Both will do anything to get what they want, and what they want is her. Each book in the series follows Cora deeper into her descent into the sweet nightmare that is Harrow Faire.
Perfect for those who find themselves rooting for the villain in the story. This spooky romance combines occult with fantasy and will be both a page turner and dark romantic tale.
6. The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
Since Ashley Poston blurbed Haunted Ever After, it is only right that I include her own spooky romance novel The Dead Romantics!
Florence is a ghost writer. (What a perfect spooky rom-com job). She ghost writes for a popular romance author and is comfortable with this aspect of her life staying anonymous. However, after a rather terrible breakup, she finds herself unable to write about love anymore.
Hence, the current situation that she finds herself in — asking for another extension on the novel she is working on. The problem is that she is denied by the new (and handsome) editor. After the news that she has to write the book, she unfortunately receives a call that her father unexpectedly passed away and she must return to her hometown after a decade spent away.
Upon arrival at her family’s home (aka a funeral parlor), she discovers a ghost and not just any ghost, but the ghost of her new handsome editor. Perhaps romance isn’t dead?
Ashley Poston balances the line between comedy and grief in her romantic spooky and fun debut.
7. Happily Haunted Afters by Brittany Kelley
Emma is done. She is done with dead-end jobs and deadbeat boyfriends, and she’s looking for a change. Bring in Jack, her ex-best friend and big shot investor, and who she needs to get her hotel business up and running.
After snagging a very discounted stay at a property that is to die for, it’s hard to not fall in love with the place, even though there are creepy dolls, suspicious noises, and a weird abandoned hotel across the street… Minor details in the grand scheme, right?
In fact, the worst part isn’t the spooky stuff, but rather she is falling back in love with Jack and that just cannot happen. Something about working through previous ghosts of the past and potentially current hauntings makes the heart grow fonder.
Happily Haunted Afters is the perfect spooky romance to binge read this Halloween.
8. My Roommate is a Vampire by Jenna Levine
Cassie is down on her luck. As a struggling artist and on the brink of eviction, she finds a new room to rent in a beautiful Chicago neighborhood. I’m picturing an old-style, brick Chicago apartment. While Cassie knows that there must be a catch, the offer is too good to pass on.
She soon discovers that her new roomate Frederick J. Fitzwilliam is far from usual. He sleeps all day, out all night. He acts and talks like he is straight out of a historic fiction novel. And best of all, he leaves cute, romantic notes all over for Cassie (cue “aw”). However, once Cassie finds blood bags in the fridge, there is definitely something amiss. Frederick is a vampire and has a new proposition for Cassie.
Personally, I find that vampires are the quintessential paranormal being for a spooky romance novel, and My Roommate is a Vampire fits right in. If you want a charming Halloween romance to read, this is the debut for you.
9. Spookily Yours by Jennifer Chipman
What if your cat was actually a demon? Like seriously a full-blown, real demon.
Willow’s cat is a demon that needs her help to break the curse. A crossover between The Princess and The Frog and Sabrina the Teenage Witch with a handsome and brooding demon prince cursed to be stuck in a cat’s body. What a great meet-cute for a Halloween romance.
Don’t let the cute cover of Spookily Yours fool you, this spicy book is perfect for those looking for a spooky romance to read.
10. A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley
Mariel is prophesied to be the most powerful witch anyone has seen in centuries, but there is one minor problem. She just wants to be a baker and gardener. When her spell to summon flour goes awry, she accidentally summons a demon for a soul bargain. You know a classic spooky romance meet-cute?
Ozroth the Ruthless (aka the demon) has a suffering reputation and needs to strike this deal with Mariel so that he can be seen as powerful and merciless once again. He cannot leave Mariel’s side until he sees it through (cue forced proximity!)
Although they are awkward roommates, they cannot help to see each other in a different, more pleasant light. However, awkward roommates are quickly taken up a notch, when Mariely blurts out to her mother that she is actually dating Ozroth (cue fake dating!) And we all know that fake dating leads to real attraction. There is only a limited amount of time for Ozroth to strike the deal, but if Mariel gives up her soul, she will lose all her emotions — including love.
A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon has just the right amount of spooky, Halloween romance to read on a cozy night-in.
11. Happily Ever Haunted by Ellie Hall
Sunny is used to bad luck — starting with a railcar that she was stuck in for twenty-four hours straight. But, she finally caught a break when she is traveling to Concordia to investigate the spooky paranormal activity that is happening.
However, she cannot help but think about her time in the railcar because maybe it wasn’t all that bad to be stuck with a charming guy with endless hours of one-on-one conversation. She fell in love fast, but he ghosted. In a brave (and a tad idiotic) act she emails Burton. Though his response is dry and grumpy, there’s nothing that Sunny’s personality can’t fix (pun intended).
However, this is a spooky, Halloween romance novel, so there is a catch. Burton is a ghost. He’s actually a prince cursed to forever haunt the train until he finds his true love.
Described as flirty, funny, and paranormal, Happily Ever Haunted will convince you that second chances are worth it and a wonderful spooky romance to read this season.
12. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
The mother of romance novels Emily Henry stated that “this is one of my coziest reads… I find myself thinking about its enchanted setting all the time.” If that doesn’t convince you to read this Halloween romance book, then I honestly don’t know what will.
As one of the few witches in Britain, Mika knows how to lay low and hide her magic in The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches. Orphaned at a young age, she is used to being alone and for the most part follows the rules, with the expectation of her secret online account where she “pretends” (emphasis on pretend) to be a witch.
It’s a silly pastime activity that she thinks no one will notice, until one day she receives an invitation begging her to travel to a remote Nowhere House to help witches control their magic. Now that the rules are broken, Mika cannot help herself but to visit. Upon arrival, she is immediately entangled with the quirky cast of characters, and the handsome, grumpy, librarian Jamie. Excuse me but where can I find myself a real-life spooky romance with a handsome booklover?
As Mika finds herself and a “found family,” danger appears at her doorstep that results in her deciding if her new life is worth the risk.
13. Witcha Gonna Do By Avery Flynn
Witcha Gonna Do is a spunky and fun spooky romance to add to your TBR.
There is only one thing that is worse than having no magical abilities as part of a powerful witch family, which is being set up to go on dates with egotistical (and attractive) Gil, or at least it’s the worst thing according to Tilda. It’s truly the worst. She can’t even stop thinking about him, especially kissing him, oh wait…
To add fire to the storm, Tilda accidentally curses her entire family in the process and the only one who can help her is, of course, Gil. A spicy, spooky romance about teaming up with your arch-nemesis, sign me up!
14. A Ghost in Shining Armor
Gemma can see ghosts. She uses her unique gift to help ghosts settle their unfinished business. This brings her to kissing a stranger on a bet. That should be all fun and games, right? Wrong. The hot stranger is a ghost, and instead of Gemma helping the phantom, he’s determined to help her. What a perfect setup for a spooky rom-com in A Ghost in Shining Armor.
You see, Levi died to save his sister (what a hero!) Now he wants to help Gemma find her own long-lost sibling. The only rule for both Gemma and Levi is that they must never see each other at the end. Except this is a Halloween romance book and of course that cannot happen.
An enchanting novel about new beginnings is the perfect spooky romance book addition.
15. The Kindred Spirits Supper Club
Down on her spirits (and not the ghoul type), Sabrina is forced to move back home to the Wisconsin Dells, which unfortunately also means she is returning to her family curse — the women in her family see spirits and help them move on. So, not your typical family curse per say in The Kindred Spirits Supper Club. Usually, Sabrina defers ghosts seeking help to her mother, however she has to keep the bubbly, rom-com loving ghost Molly around as her best friend. She’s the only spooky exception.
When Sabrina is invited to a supper club, she is immediately wooed by the handsome, charming owner Ray who serves a delicious Old-Fashioned. Except she doesn’t have time for romance. She must continue on with her own life and find a new job.
With the help of Ray, her hometown actually starts to feel like home. Sabrina is beginning to realize that maybe she is where she was always meant to be.
A spooky romance with cozy hometown vibes that will feel like a warm, hearty meal from a Supper Club.
16. Mr. & Mrs. Witch by Gwenda Bond
Looking for a spooky and romantic book take on the movie Mr. & Mrs. Smith? Then look no further with Mr. & Mrs. Witch.
Meet Savannah. A powerful witch who keeps her identity a secret and who also experienced a whirlwind romance perfect for the hopeless romantics. She is set to marry the love of her life, except she is not the only one keeping secrets.
Meet Griffin. He’s a top-secret agent and works for an organization that used to hunt witches. Enemies to lovers, perhaps? And he’s just as in love with Savannah, as she is in love with him.
If you cannot already tell, this is a storm that’s waiting to hit the fan. When their true identities are revealed, let’s just say everything quickly derails. They’re tasked to take each other out, but when a secret comes to light, they have to reluctantly pair up once again to take down their organizations.
Tension-filled, spooky romance that is both charming and comedic to binge-read in one sitting.
17. Not Your Ex’s Hexes by April Asher
While Not Your Ex’s Hexes is the second book in the series “Supernatural Singles,” the interconnected, yet stand-alone, spooky romance is a must read this season.
For as long as Rose can remember she has always wanted to be the Prima on the supernatural council, however it is now time for her to step down and focus on herself for a change. While the whole “focusing on herself” does result in a one-night stand with a half-demon Veterinarian, she cannot let herself focus on it.
Rose is sentenced to community service at an animal sanctuary, which just so happens her one-night stand Damian owns. Both cannot do relationships now, but they can do a friends-with-benefits workplace situationship. Say that ten times fast! As we all know, working together and hooking up together often leads to a recipe for disaster and creates real feelings. However, real feelings are dangerous for Damian, since his ex’s hex will result in him losing his humanity if he ever falls in love.
A witty, Halloween romantic story, with a dash of magic, will swoop you right off your feet.
About the Author
Madi is an avid reader at heart. When she doesn't have her nose buried in a book, she enjoys creating social media content and watching romantic comedies. However, nothing beats a cozy night-in spent reading a book.
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