When I think of paranormal, I think of an abnormal event or experience that falls outside the scope of reality and can’t be explained by scientific laws: ghosts, extrasensory perception (ESP), psychokinesis, vampires — you get the picture. So, with spooky season coming up, why not take this energy and infuse it into something we all love: a good ‘ol romance book. And if you don’t know where to start — or what to read — these paranormal romances are perfect to pick up this Halloween.
If you’ve never ventured into paranormal romance, the genre is pretty much what it sounds like: paranormal elements — like ghosts, vampires, and witchcraft — blended with traditional romance tropes like enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and other popular themes. But in these books, the main characters are often thrown into perilous or high-risk situations — which just makes it feel all the more thrilling and alluring. Sign me up
With spooky season ramping up, it’s the best time to swap your typical romance novel for something a little more unique. Whether you’re looking for a vampire romance or a steamy ghost story, there’s a paranormal romance out there for you. So, without further ado, here are five paranormal romance books to read this Halloween.
- My Roommate Is a Vampire By Jenna Levine
-
Cassie Greenberg is a struggling artist in Chicago trying to make a living. When she is on the verge of eviction, she finds a doable apartment to live in. Frederick J. Fitzwilliam, her new roommate, is a peculiar guy who sleeps all through the day, speaks like a time-period romance character, and leaves mysterious notes. Cassie doesn’t think much of this until she discovers bags of blood in the fridge — and Frederick ultimately admits his dark secret.
- Bride by Ali Hazelwood
-
If you are looking for an enemies-to-lovers dynamic, then this novel is definitely up your alley. A forced marriage of convenience between Misery Larke, a Vampyre outcast and daughter of a powerful council, and Lowe Moreland, an Alpha werewolf, to secure tranquility between the two supernatural creatures turns into a love so intense you won’t be able to put the book down.
- You’re the One I Haunt by Katie Jung
-
A fast-paced big-city New York City backdrop, magical realism, and family curses — what can go wrong? Well, for Libby Lakoski, she has three major problems: she is secretly in love with her best friend Carter, she is forced to watch him marry someone else, and his dead (but attractive) cousin needs her help to break the multi-generational family curse that threatens Carter’s life.
- The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling
-
Nine years ago, Vivienne Jones, a young witch, had her heart shattered by her ex-boyfriend, Rhys Penhallow. How does she cope? Drinking vodka, listening to weepy music, and casting pretty, nasty breakup curses on no-good boyfriends. However, things change when Rhys returns to town to take care of some family business. But when Vivienne casts her silly curse (or ex-hex) on him, the two must put their animosity aside to destroy the hex before it’s too late.
- The Forest Bleeds by Rachel Kitch
-
A student witch, Saige Chambers, and her fellow witch doctoral classmates go to a conference. But when she and her classmates make their way to a remote mansion, they get trapped by Arius, the wealthy owner of the estate. Arius needs them to use magic to heal him, and things only get messier when Sage begins to fall for him.
If you are looking to spice up your TBR, then add these five books to your Halloween wishlist. Happy reading — and haunting!