Originally published on 10/11/25

October is the perfect month for evenings spent curled up by a flickering fireplace watching spooky classics like Practical Magic or Charmed, baking pumpkin spice cupcakes and reveling in the spirit of the season. With Halloween around the bend, it’s also the ideal month to dive into a festive book. You may not think of romance when you think of Halloween books, but in recent years the appetite for romance reads has skyrocketed to include all seasons and holidays—especially spooky season. Halloween romance books strike an enthralling balance of cozy fall vibes, magic and a dash of heat. 

If you’re looking to sink into the best new Halloween romance books, you’re in the right place! We hand-picked a selection of new releases that offer the best of both worlds: These books set a seasonal atmosphere and offer a hint of eeriness, but they’re all wrapped in the comfort and emotional payoff of a really great love story. 

Keep scrolling to discover all of our bewitching picks. Happy cozy reading season!

‘An Ancient Witch’s Guide to Modern Dating’ by Cecilia Edward

If you’re looking for a cozy, wholesome Halloween love story, Cecilia Edward’s romance ticks all the right boxes. Thorn Scarhart is a 39 year-old witch living in the 17th century—and no matter how many love potions she conjures up, she can’t find a match. Between a missing sister and the loss of her mother, Thorn’s priorities aren’t on dating. But has she missed her chance? Well, maybe…until one of her potions hurls her 250 years into the future. Her cottage is now the site of a historical museum and she’s shocked to learn about indoor plumbing, electric kettles and online dating. Her odds still aren’t ideal, but she’s hopeful. Then she meets the museum’s new curator—and her dashing veterinarian brother. A slow-burn love story about self-acceptance, time travel and true love.

What readers are saying: “What a cozy, delightful and humorous read. I’m such a sucker for a book that feels like a warm hug, and this one delivers that vibe. It was funny, relatable and just plain entertaining. I loved Thorn as our FMC and her interactions with Bandit, her sassy cat.”

‘Love’s a Witch’ by Tricia O’Malley

Fans of beloved TV series like Charmed and Gilmore Girls will adore Tricia O’Malley’s new novel, Love’s A Witch. In this magically cozy romance, Sloane MacGregor is busy getting ready for her 25th birthday: the day she’ll come into her magic. But when her grandmother asks for help breaking a curse, she returns to the Scottish town of Briarhaven. Enter Knox Douglas, the grumpy mayor, who might be her biggest complication of all.  

What readers are saying: “What I loved most was how the book blended lighthearted magical fun with emotional undercurrents: Sloane’s burden of responsibility, her deep bond with her sisters and the struggle to balance control with vulnerability. The family dynamic was touching, the setting felt alive with folklore and small-town quirks and the whimsical tone made this an easy, comforting read.”

‘Soul Searching’ by Lyla Sage

A paranormal western romance written by the bestselling author of the Rebel Blue Ranch series Lyla Stage? Say no more! In Soul Searching, Sage steps into her spooky era with a story about two people—and the supernatural forces that bring them together. Set in Sweetwater Peak, Wyoming, the book follows Collins Cartwright, who reluctantly returns to her hometown after losing her job. To avoid her family’s watchful gazes, she rents a room above the new-to-town upholsterer, Brady Cooper. It’s all going fine until Collins realizes the place is haunted. While this isn’t exactly shocking to her (yes, she’s always been able to talk to ghosts), she is surprised they’re all suddenly ignoring her. As Collins and Brady grow closer, the pair can’t figure out if their growing chemistry is temporary or the real deal. 

What readers are saying: “This book was such a fun time and so perfect for the spooky season! I was starting to feel a little slumpy with romance books because they were getting repetitive but this one gave me what I needed!! The paranormal aspect had me intrigued and it felt unique. The small town felt so similar to Rebel Blue Ranch but it had more of a gothic feel, which I loved. I also love that we got some cameos of characters from Rebel Blue!”

‘Never Been Witched’ by Molly Harper

A haunted hotel, a handsome stranger, a witch with a lot on her plate… Molly Harper’s hilarious and big-hearted new book—the third installment in her Starfall Point series—has all this and more. Alice Seastairs runs her grandparents’ antique shop in Starfall Point—while secretly protecting the island from dark magic and unruly ghosts. But her routine unravels when Collin Bancroft, a mysterious stranger, buys the town’s most haunted property: Shadow House. She’s intrigued by this polished man, but her romantic interest is put on hold when a dangerous spirit demands her attention. As her coven steps in and secrets are unearthed, Alice must decide if love even stands a chance.

What readers are saying: “I have been anxiously waiting for Alice’s story since I started the Starfall Point series, and Never Been Witched did not disappoint! Alice and Collin are swoon-worthy and the amount of plot points coming together across the series in this book was absolutely perfect. Molly Harper writes the books that scratch the itch my brain desperately needs—they’re romantic, fun and just spooky enough while never taking themselves too seriously.”

‘Fan Service’ by Rosie Danan

There’s one author whose name constantly comes up within the romance reading community: Rosie Danan. In fact, she might even be considered “your favorite romance author’s favorite romance author.” Her debut romance The Roommate remains a cult-favorite romance, thanks to its expertly crafted tension, sex-positive themes and swoon-worthy happily-ever-after. So when we heard she wrote a brilliantly bonkers paranormal rom-com about an actor-turned-werewolf and his number-one fan, we were absolutely intrigued. 

The story follows small-town outcast Alex Lawson, who spends her time on the online fan forum she created for The Arcane Files, a beloved werewolf detective show. She’s become internet famous for her fictional lore, but she secretly cannot stand the show’s rude lead actor, Devin Ashwood, after meeting him years ago. Elsewhere, Devin is dealing with a spiraling career…and the fact that he keeps waking up naked in the woods with no memory of the night before. When Devin seeks out Alex, who might just be the closest thing he can find to a werewolf expert, they become reluctant allies. As Devin struggles to contain his inner beast, they both struggle to ignore their growing attraction. 

What readers are saying: “This was such a fun concept and I was pleasantly surprised by the execution. There is also a lot of talk about fan fiction and internet besties, so if you’re one of those girls who grew up on AO3 long before I even knew it existed, or for any teen wolf girlies, this book is for you! I fangirled hard for Tom Welling from Smallville as a teen, so I can at least relate in that regard. The way I would have absolutely flipped if he showed up and needed my help.”

‘A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping’ by Sangu Mandanna

Filled with heartfelt second chances, romance and magic, this whimsical novel follows Sera Swan—who used to be one of the most powerful witches in Britain. But after she resurrects her great-aunt Jasmine, she loses her magic and starts helping Jasmine run an enchanted inn. Here, Sera meets Luke Larsen, an icy historian who reluctantly offers to help with her spell. As they work together, sparks fly.

What readers are saying: “This is a highly entertaining fantasy filled with rich world-building, vivid and original characters and a captivating magical setting. While the romance takes a backseat to the found-family theme, the charm and wit of this story make every moment at the inn a delight. I highly recommend it to fantasy lovers who can’t resist strong-willed witches, whimsical magic and a touch of mischief.”

‘Zomromcom’ by Olivia Dade 

From bestselling author Olivia Dade comes another hilarious and swoonworthy tale. After a zombie outbreak takes over the city, Edie Brandstrup finds herself teaming up with vampire Gaston “Max” Boucher to try and help save everyone. Now the two are battling for their lives and their hearts, even though Edie knows things might end badly. A fun and exciting tale filled with laugh-out-loud moments. 

What readers are saying: “I absolutely loved this book. It’s my favorite book so far of 2025 and that’s saying something, considering how many I’ve blown through so far this year and some by truly wonderful authors. It hit all the high notes for me and I can’t recommend it enough. So excited for the next installment.” 

‘Ghost Business’ by Jen DeLuca 

The second installment in the Boneyard Key series follows Sophie, the only ghost tour guide in Boneyard Key, Florida. That is until, the handsome ghost whisperer Tristan comes into town. Desperate to get her town back, Sophie strikes up a deal: She and Tristian will both give ghost tours and whoever fares best at the end of the summer will stay and the other will go. But what happens when the foes start to become friends and maybe even more? This novel is perfect for enemies-to-lovers fans. 

What readers are saying: “Jen’s books are always so delightful and whimsical, and this might be my favorite since Well Met. The romance between Sophie and Tristan was wonderful and the author’s note in her acknowledgments that Tristan was a reimagined Logan Huntzberger was spot on! I’ve been craving a little more action in my romances, so I appreciated the hurricane subplot and, of course, the ghosts! This book is a winner!” 

‘Head Witch in Charge’ by Avery Flynn

Road trip? Check! Enemies to lovers? Check! Witches? Check! Head Witch in Charge by Avery Flynn has it all. One night at midnight, Leona Amber Sherwood finds herself forced to marry Erik Svensen, the son of her family’s biggest enemy. Even worse? He won’t divorce her until they return an ancient spell book to his family. Soon, the two set off on a magical road trip to find the book that causes Leona to wonder if divorcing Erik is really what she wants. A fun and fresh tale filled with magical elements. 

What readers are saying: “This book was everything I wanted it to be and more! Avery has created such a fun and magical world with this series and I truly cannot get enough of it. Rival witch families, an abundance of magical creatures, steamy scenes, laughs and incredible banter make this book a must-read!” 

‘Hopelessly Teavoted’ by Audrey Goldberg Ruoff 

Filled with second chances and a handsome heroine, this novel by Audrey Goldberg Ruoff follows Azrael Ashmedai Hart after he moves back into his family house with a cat he’s allergic to. To make matters worse, his old crush, Victoria Starnberger, just bought his family’s tea shop, Hopelessly Teavoted. Soon, secrets are revealed and Azrael and Victoria must team up to try and save themselves and each other before it’s too late. 

What readers are saying: “Hopelessly Teavoted is a cute, fun read. It’s full of banter, yearning and top-tier spice. Throw in magic, witches, an ornery kitty with an adorable name, add a touch of mystery, and you have the perfect witchy rom-com to start the fall reading season.” 

‘Road Trip with a Vampire’ by Jenna Levine

Jenna Levine’s My Vampires series is filled with spooky, swoonworthy moments, and the latest installment, Road Trip follows suit. Grizelda “Zelda” Watson never wants to see a vampire again—until Peter Elliott shows up at her door with amnesia. To make matters worse, he soon gets a letter from his past that somehow intersects with Zelda’s, sending them on a life-altering road trip that could change the course of their lives for good. What follows is a mix of spice and spells. 

What readers are saying: “Road Trip with a Vampire is a smart, funny romantic comedy that just happens to be the story of two undead individuals falling in love and dealing with their pasts. Author Jenna Levine brings the twists, the surprises and the heat in this unusual love story, and I got completely sucked in.” 

Written with Melissa D’Agnese

Link to original: https://www.womansworld.com/entertainment/books/best-halloween-romance-books-witchy-paranormal-rom-coms