My Favorite Halloween-Adjacent Romances
Quick! Before it's too late! Plus, the jacket I got for fall.
I never meant to take an extended hiatus from this newsletter, but somehow it’s almost November. I just can’t seem to figure out the balance of it all, ya know? I want to take my toddler to the park but I also want to write about comfy pants and enemies-to-lovers. It’s a real conundrum. Anyway, I have a lot of backlogged things to share and discuss, but first, I thought I’d quickly pop in (before it’s too late) with a few of my favorite romances to read before Halloween.
Sorry, I know we only have time to get through mayyyyyybe one of them before the holiday passes, but I’ll lay them out below and you can choose your own adventure. I truly enjoy reading season-specific romances and all of these are a little nod to the magic and fun of Halloween. Also, I’ve shared the first three before in previous newsletters, so you know I really love them.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna: This one is my top pick for the season. It’s a literal warm hug of a book (shared here before!) with just the right amount of witchy magic for a romance. It’s also fairly tame, in case you’re looking to dip your toes in the genre, but it still has enough spunk (with a quirky and charming protagonist and a grumpy, yet soft-hearted male lead) to leave you swoony!
Curious Tides by Pascale Lacelle: I mentioned Curious Tides in my last newsletter and I can’t help but share it again. It’s technically a fantasy (though it has a semi-romantic subplot), but I promise it will fill your cup bubbling cauldron (that was a very bad witch pun). It’s Harry Potter goes to university, but with a murder plot involving a secret society. You guys! It’s a must. Plus, you’ll finish it just in time for the second book to release on November 4th.
Bride by Ali Hazelwood: If you’re looking for something spicy and you’re ready to dabble in the paranormal space, this vampire-werewolf romance is for you. It has all of Hazelwood’s usual witty and quick banter, electric chemistry, and brooding characters, and none of her STEM references.
The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston: A romantic ghost story! This is for the Emily Henry fans, those wanting a bit more grit to their romances. It follows a ghostwriter and her editor-turned-love-interest, who’s a ghost—and while that sounds kind of morbid, it’s utterly delightful and heartwarming. You’ll wonder how it’ll all work out, but I promise, it’s worth the journey.
The Ex Hex and The Kiss Curse by Erin Sterling: These are the first two novels in Sterling’s Graves Glen series—and the only reason I didn’t include the third is because I haven’t read it yet. They’re light and quick reads, but super fun and festive—think hexes gone wrong, battling witch covens, Hallmark-level fall festivals, and magical chemistry (I had to).
And finally, this is what I’ll be reading this week to get in the spirit:
Fang Fiction by Kate Stayman-London: This vampire romance transports the protagonist into the popular fantasy series she’s currently reading. I’ve heard it’s campy and dark, a perfect escapist treat for the holiday.
This Spells Love by Kate Robb: A magical romcom—I’m ready! In the wake of heartbreak, the protagonist casts a spell to remove her ex from her life. Hijinks (and a friends-to-lovers romance) ensues.
Last thing!
I shared this waxed cotton jacket* a few weeks ago on instagram, but it needs to live permanently here—that’s how much I love it. With jackets, I tend to size up because I prefer a roomier fit, but the description said it was already oversized, so I ordered my true size and it turned out just right. Big enough to layer sweaters underneath (plus the sleeves are perfectly loose), but the structure is still quite polished. I needed a fall jacket that would realistically take me into winter (I live in Southern California for reference) and I think this will fit the bill. While you’re browsing Alex Mill, check out this perfect cashmere turtleneck, which is now on my wishlist. (*completely not sponsored—I bought this)
Up next on Romance Adj., I’ll be sharing a list of my favorite sweaters and a revelation I’ve had about audiobooks. See you then!
ICYMI:
*I occasionally use affiliate links and will receive a small percentage of a sale linked through this newsletter. For books, I always advocate to borrow from the library (Libby!) or buy in your local bookstore. If you’d like to buy online, consider bookshop.org
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