It’s spooky season! There’s something magical about October that I can’t resist — fall has finally, truly arrived, the leaves are changing, and I feel an irresistible pull to spend cozy nights curled up with a good book. It’s the all-too-brief lull before the hectic holiday season, the perfect time to grab a pumpkin-spice latte, an apple-cider doughnut, and a magical story. This month, my reading list has been filled with romance novels that capture everything I love about autumn: stories with a touch of whimsy, plenty of atmosphere, and the kind of swoony chemistry that makes me want to stay up late turning pages.

*****

Just in time for Halloween, Audrey Goldberg Ruoff delivers a witchy tale brimming with supernatural suspense, small-town charm, and plenty of pun-filled humor in Hopelessly Teavoted (Atria).

After the loss of his parents, Azrael Hart — a witch with a knack for bad timing and a talent for trouble — returns to his family manor in the town of Hallowcross. There, he must face not only his grief but also his unresolved feelings for Victoria Starnberger, the girl next door who once stole his heart.

Vickie, recently disowned by her wealthy parents for abandoning college to forge her own path, has taken over Azrael’s late parents’ beloved tea shop. But her independence comes with a terrifying price: Years ago, her parents struck a bargain with a lesser demon granting her the ability to summon the dead by touching objects they once cherished. Now, Vickie must repay that debt — and the payment is human souls.

When spirits, including Azrael’s dearly departed mom and dad, warn of a looming danger, Vickie and Azrael must join forces to protect their town. Standing in their way is the demon’s curse: If they touch, Azrael’s life is at risk. What follows is a romance as enchanting as it is forbidden, bursting with fiery chemistry, aching longing, and laugh-out-loud moments as the two race to outwit the curse and battle the darkness threatening Hallowcross.

Ruoff enriches the tale with a delightful supporting cast, from Azrael’s sharp-tongued sister Priscilla to his hilariously meddling ghost parents, whose undying devotion adds warmth and wit to the story. The town of Hallowcross itself — with its punny shop names, flickers of everyday magic, and cozy-yet-spooky atmosphere — feels like a character all its own. Balancing heart, humor, and the paranormal with remarkable ease, Ruoff’s debut is simply magical.

*****

Kristin Wollett’s sunshiny debut, As a Last Resort (Forever), is a heartfelt and captivating story that blends small-town charm, emotional depth, and swoon-worthy romance into a story that lingers long after the final page.

When real-estate developer Samantha Leigh is forced to return to Rock Island, Florida — the coastal hometown she left behind — her carefully built life in New York crashes into the messy past she’s been running from. What begins as a career-boosting assignment quickly turns into something far more complicated as she reconnects with old friends, faces long-buried resentments, and crosses paths with Austin Marcs — the town’s golden boy, ferryboat captain, and her first teenage crush.

The chemistry between Sam and Austin is steamy, and their opposites-attract dynamic sparks with humor, tension, and tenderness. Sam is a beautifully drawn character, one who has faced family struggles and her mother’s addiction, and who bears the scars of growing up in a place where everyone knows your name — and your problems. Austin is the hometown boy who loves Rock Island but who’s still figuring out how to make his own dreams come true in the face of his family’s expectations. 

With its seamless writing, genuine relationships, standout side characters, and a setting that comes alive with sandy beaches and sunset skies, As a Last Resort will delight fans who like a story about second chances, self-discovery, and the unexpected ways love can lead us home.

*****

In One Killer Night (Montlake), Trilina Pucci blends romance, humor, and slasher-style suspense into a fast-paced, addictive read that has made her an auto-buy author for me.

It all kicks off on Halloween night, when out-of-work writer Goldie Monroe — dressed in a blow-up T-rex costume — runs into Noah Adler, a tattooed graphic designer who looks like he’s stepped straight out of her vampire fantasies. Their meet-cute crackles with instant chemistry and quickly lands Noah an invite to the party Goldie is headed to. What begins as one unforgettable night stretches into a year-long love story shadowed by something dark and dangerous lurking just out of sight.

Pucci delights in lulling readers into the comfort of what feels like a spicy rom-com — only to slip in moments of creeping dread that land all the harder. Goldie and Noah’s relationship builds slowly and believably, their playful teasing and sizzling attraction balanced by sincere moments that hint at a happy-ever-after. Yet underneath it all runs a disturbing current of unsettling sightings, unexplained break-ins, and the growing sense that Noah’s past holds a secret with deadly consequences. When the truth finally comes to light, the story explodes into a bloody finale worthy of a classic ’80s slasher.

Side characters like Goldie’s no-nonsense sister, Evie, and Noah’s ridiculously over-the-top best friend, Chase, add comic relief while also leaving readers eager to hear their stories. Sexy, scary, and funny, One Killer Night is a wild, thrilling ride that I didn’t want to end.

Kristina Wright lives in Virginia with her husband, their two sons, two Goldendoodles and a ginger cat. She’s a regular contributor at BookBub and a lifelong fan of romance fiction. Find her on Bluesky at @kristinawright.