8 Spooky Romance Books Perfect for Halloween

If you love fantasy stories with deadly games or tournaments as part of the plot, you’ll definitely enjoy Kaylie Smith’s Phantasma, the first entry in her Wicked Games trilogy. Somewhat similar to Stephanie Garber’s Caraval, Phantasma also follows a plucky protagonist who will go to any lengths to save her sister, while trying not to let feelings of passion get in the way. 

In this book, Ophelia Grimm (along with other contestants) enters a haunted house and faces nine dangerous challenges, while a mysterious stranger called Blackwell offers to help her out in exchange for ten years of her life. A gripping page-turner, Phantasma is a steamy fantasy adventure that will capture your heart. 

Those in the mood for a spicy and indulgent romantasy reminiscent of Peaky Blinders and Shadow and Bone, should soon sink their teeth into Alexis L. Menard’s House of Bane and Blood. The story follows the badass heroine Camilla, who vows to kill the Attanos and yet ends up in a marriage of convenience with the enemy. But Nicolai Attano isn’t the man she thinks he is, and when he enlists her help to track down a killer, Camilla finds herself drawn to her husband despite her misgivings. 

With warring mafia factions, dark magic, found family tropes and a gorgeous enemies-to-lovers romance, House of Bane and Blood is a spellbinding read. 

Nadi is a fae who has planned her revenge carefully—dress up as the sacrificial bride and marry the vampire Raziel (responsible for murdering her parents), and then kill every last member of his family. However, the sexual tension that unexpectedly blossoms between Nadi and Raziel puts a dent in her bloodthirsty plans. 

Enticingly written with delicious banter, an intriguing plot and a cliffhanger ending, The Serpent's Bride by Kathryn Ann Kingsley will keep you gripped and longing for the next installment in the Bloodlines series, especially if you grew up on Twilight and have a soft spot for vampire romances. 

Now if you prefer less action and more cozy fluff, you might be tempted by Roan Parrish’s The Most Unusual Haunting of Edgar Lovejoy. The story follows Jamie Wendon-Dale who designs haunted houses for a living and doesn’t believe in ghosts and Edgar Lovejoy who’s been haunted by spooky visitations since childhood. So naturally, when their paths cross and sparks fly, it isn’t a smooth ride. Dealing with both supernatural and mundane conflicts, The Most Unusual Haunting of Edgar Lovejoy is a queer cozy read filled with angst, magic, and spooky vibes.  

If you’re a paranormal romance fan leaning more towards ‘romance’, treat yourself to a copy of Molly Harper’s Big Witch Energy. Part of the bestselling author’s Starfall Point series, this book features a second-chance-at-love story between a witch and her high school sweetheart (now a single dad) who’s recently returned to town. From breaking old family curses to poring over witchy spellbooks, Big Witch Energy is a fun, fantastical ride set in a cozy small town. 

They say don’t judge a book by its cover, but the inviting cover of Ann Aguirre’s The Only Purple House in Town points to an engaging cozy fantasy that delivers on what it promises. It follows the romance between Iris Collins who’s struggling with her nascent B&B business and Eli Reese who became quite rich as an app designer but never found a community to call his own. Yet, amidst all the chaos from the non-human boarders, Iris and Eli find comfort and love in each other. Heartwarming, entertaining, and filled with family drama, The Only Purple House in Town will particularly appeal to those who enjoy low-stakes fun and magic. 

If you’ve been reading paranormal romance novels for as long as I have (or since the late 2000s), you may remember or wish to revisit the bestselling House of Night series written by the mother-daughter duo. Aimed at a YA readership, the books follow the sixteen-year-old fledgling vampyr Zoey Redbird who attends the ‘House of Night’ boarding school and often gets into trouble with other vampyrs.

 Although there are some Christian undertones present, the books are mostly fast-paced, packed with steamy romance, thrilling action and page-turning twists. You might even get obsessed enough to devour the whole series in a week or two!

Ali Hazelwood was formerly a beloved fanfiction author; now catapulted into the literary scene with her reylo fics repackaged and published as contemporary romances. In Bride, she pens a new and exciting paranormal romance featuring a Vampyr bride and an Alpha werewolf. When the outcast Misery Lark and the unpredictable Lowe Moreland agree to a marriage of convenience, they each have their own reasons for doing so. 

With a mystery thriller plot, a heart-stopping romance and plenty of supernatural shenanigans thrown in, Bride is one hell of a roller-coaster ride. If you can’t get enough of paranormal love stories or Wattpad fanfiction involving supernatural creatures, Bride might feel like a book written just for you.