Yes, autumn is upon us! And with it, the annual list of spooky reads to cozy up with. Now, I’ll admit, I’m not much of a paranormal girl these days—though as a kid, I devoured it like candy. While my childhood was filled with spine-chilling tales of vampires and haunted houses, my current romantasy-fantasy phase craves narratives that weave love and magic seamlessly. If you’re on the hunt for your next cozy yet spooky read, let me introduce you to 6 gems that perfectly straddle these worlds:
Some of these books you may have read, but there’s one I’m sure you haven’t—or am I being too bold? Maybe it’s just me…
Let’s start with a release that deserves some love. And unless you’ve been living under a pumpkin, you should have heard of One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig.
I’ll be honest, I saw it floating around on Goodreads last year, and I wasn’t sure at first. The cover didn’t grab my attention right away, so I put it off for a while and obviously something is wrong with me because look at it! It is GORGEOUS— and waiting that long to read it? Big mistake, let me tell you!
Rachel Gillig invites us into a feast of gothic vibes and spooky rhymes with her debut novel, One Dark Window. It’s a fantasy brimming with eerie magic, haunted forests, and sinister secrets. The story follows Elspeth Spindle, our FMC, who’s cursed with a secret as terrifying as the power it gives her. She shares her mind with a malevolent spirit known only as The Nightmare.
In the village of Blunder, magic is outlawed and controlled by a deadly deck of magical cards given to a select few. Under the rule of a tyrant King, the people live in fear, but a group of outlaws is determined to overthrow him. Elspeth finds herself caught between the desire for freedom and the darkness growing inside her. Will she embrace the nightmare within, or let it consume her completely?
One Dark Window is a haunting gothic romance that will keep you turning pages deep into the night. If you love a bit of eerie magic mixed with your swoon-worthy fantasy, this one should be at the top of your fall TBR!
Oh did I forget to mention it is a DUOLOGY?
No? Oh well- you're welcome.Â
When I was young, I used to be quite the reckless child—shoving random berries in my mouth while skipping through the forest. Pure luck that I’m not dead. And Belladonna by Adalyn Grace really brought back some fond (and horrifying) memories of my stupidity. It also made me realize that, unlike Signa (our fierce FMC), I didn’t get to see Death as hotness incarnate, which is honestly a shame. But I digress.
This book is packed with death, dark secrets, and a romance teetering on the edge of unhealthy—but hey, don't let a former dumb kid like me be the judge.
Orphaned as a baby, Signa is literally haunted by Death. No matter where she goes, it follows her from one cruel guardian to the next. But despite Death’s lingering presence, Signa has a strange immunity to its touch, always evading its grasp.
Now seventeen, she’s sent to live with her remaining relatives at the ominous Thorn Grove estate, a crumbling mansion brimming with decay and mystery. Her new family is plagued by the death of her aunt and her cousin’s mysterious illness. As the line between life and death blurs, Signa begins communicating with Death itself—a dark, shadowy figure who is both terrifying and... let’s be honest, incredibly alluring. And honestly, I might try to shove some more berries down my throat now, if I get a peak.
Pulled deeper into the secrets of Thorn Grove, Signa faces a choice: trust the deadly figure who’s followed her all her life or fall victim to the darkness that haunts her family. With betrayal around every corner, Belladonna will wrap you in its haunting, gothic atmosphere and have you calling in sick just to keep reading!
In Ladybirds, Sara is offered a bargain—one that could save her boyfriend’s life. But entering a Faustian deal is rarely what one expects, and for Sara, that lesson comes hard and fast. Now she’s stuck with a centuries-old ghost who has a flair for the dramatic, and he’s quickly becoming a thorn in her side.Â
I always imagined I’d have a ton of fun if I had a ghost haunting me, but I’m sure Sara doesn’t share that sentiment. Sure, he’s useful from time to time, but as he sticks around, Sara starts to realize she’s in way over her head. The more he lingers, the more she feels the darkness lurking behind the bargain she struck. As the line between life and death blurs, Sara is forced to confront the truth of their bond—and the growing, complicated feelings she has for him.
I was a huge fan of Meg Cabot’s Mediator series as a kid, so I threw myself into Ladybirds with the same excitement. And let me tell you, I was not disappointed and I just love me some angst and longing. Every miracle comes with a price, and in this tale, words are as binding as contracts.
Ladybirds is packed with paranormal intrigue, unsettling secrets, and the perfect mix of romance and danger. It’s a tale of pride, longing, and the haunting consequences of a deal gone wrong. Will Sara break free of the curse, or will the ghost she’s bound to pull her deeper into the shadows of his past? If you like this book you will love the other books from this author, be on the look out cause MORE REC ARE COMING YOUR WAY.
Next up is The Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo, a masterful blend of dark academia and supernatural intrigue.
Leigh Bardugo, known for her Grishaverse novels, takes a thrilling detour with The Ninth House. This book dives deep into the secret societies of Yale University, where the supernatural and the scholarly collide. Our heroine, Galaxy "Alex" Stern, is a bright but troubled young woman who’s been given a second chance through a mysterious scholarship.
As Alex navigates the hidden rituals and dark magic of the Ninth House, she uncovers secrets that could threaten not just the campus but the entire world. Bardugo’s intricate world-building and complex characters make this a must-read for anyone who loves a good blend of mystery, magic, and a touch of romance.
The Ninth House is perfect for those who enjoyed Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children but crave a more mature and gritty edge. Trust me, once you dive into Yale’s shadowy corners, you won’t want to leave. Plus, who knew Ivy League could get so delightfully dark? It’s like Hogwarts decided to enroll in a PhD program in the occult! And let’s be real, Alex’s snarky wit will have you laughing out loud in the most unexpected moments.
Speaking of magical institutions, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs is a timeless classic that deserves a spot on your autumn shelf.
Riggs combines vintage photography with a haunting narrative, creating a unique reading experience. The story follows Jacob Portman as he uncovers the secrets of his grandfather’s peculiar legacy. From eerie orphanages to time loops and peculiar abilities, this book is a perfect blend of mystery, adventure, and a hint of romance.
If you’re looking for a story that’s as visually captivating as it is emotionally engaging, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children is the way to go. It’s a nostalgic trip that beautifully balances the spooky with the heartfelt. Plus, who doesn’t love a quirky cast of peculiar kids? It’s like a family reunion you actually want to attend! Prepare to be charmed by their unique quirks and the hauntingly beautiful settings that Riggs so masterfully crafts.
For fans of lyrical and haunting narratives, House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin Craig is an absolute must-read.
This gothic tale centers around Cordelia Trask, who is cursed to never know love or heartbreak. As she returns to her ancestral home after her brother’s mysterious death, Cordelia unravels family secrets that tie her to the house’s dark past. Craig’s writing is both poetic and gripping, weaving a story that’s as beautiful as it is tragic.
House of Salt and Sorrows is perfect for those who crave deep emotional journeys intertwined with supernatural elements. It’s a hauntingly beautiful read that will stay with you long after the last page. Think of it as a dark fairy tale where every shadow has a story to tell—and some of them are downright heart-wrenching. Plus, Cordelia’s resilience and the book’s eerie atmosphere make it impossible to put down.
Another gem to add is A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness. This novel seamlessly blends history, magic, and romance in a way that’s utterly captivating.
The story follows Diana Bishop, a historian and reluctant witch, who discovers a bewitched manuscript at Oxford’s Bodleian Library. This discovery thrusts her into a world of magic, vampires, and forbidden love. Harkness masterfully balances academic intrigue with supernatural elements, creating a rich tapestry that’s both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
A Discovery of Witches is perfect for those who love their romance with a side of dark magic and historical depth. It’s a spellbinding read that will leave you yearning for more. Plus, who wouldn’t want to date a vampire-scholar hybrid? Talk about a smart and sexy catch! Diana and Matthew’s sizzling chemistry will have you rooting for their otherworldly romance from page one to the last.
I love GOOD writing when it comes to books but sometimes, a girl is tired and just here for the vibes, but I’ve gotta say—I loved the writing in all these book recommendations! Whether you’re into dark academia, gothic romance, or magical adventures, there’s something here to make your autumn nights a little cozier and a lot more magical. Happy reading!