Halloween is the perfect time to cozy up with a mix of spooky reads and fun decisions. In today’s Halloween This or That tag, we’re diving into all things Halloween, from Dracula vs. Frankenstein to haunted houses vs. hayrides, and of course, some book recommendations to match! Whether you’re here for witches, werewolves, or something a bit more eerie, let’s have some fun with this Halloween-themed showdown. Check out my choices and find your next spooky read!
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2019 Halloween This or That
Dracula vs. Frankenstein
We picked Frankenstein, and here’s why: it’s not just about the monster—it’s about the man who created him. Dr. Frankenstein is the real villain here, making this Gothic horror a reflection on human flaws. If you’re into darker reads that dig deep into morality, Frankenstein is a must-read.
Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match by Sally Thorne
Angelika Frankenstein is tired of waiting for love, so she decides to create her perfect man—literally. But when her resurrected creation, Will, wakes up more interested in his mysterious past than romance, Angelika finds herself on an unexpected journey. A quirky historical rom-com with chemistry, corpses, and lots of heart.
Jack Skellington vs. Sanderson Sisters
Who doesn’t love the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus? Suzanne’s pick brings witchy nostalgia, and if you’re looking for more witchy vibes then you’ll want to pick up the Stay a Spell series by Juliette Cross.
Wolf Gone Wild by Juliette Cross
Mateo, a werewolf unable to shift, is tormented by his own wolf’s dark urges. Desperate, he turns to Evie, a witch with a strict no-werewolves policy. She reluctantly agrees to help, but Mateo’s wolf has other plans—he wants Evie. A steamy witch-werewolf romance that’s wild, magical, and irresistibly dangerous.
Freddy Krueger vs. Michael Myers
Suzanne admits she’s too scared to choose between these two iconic horror villains. But for those who love a good scare within romance, she recommends the Experiment in Terror series by Karina Halle. This series is packed with terrifying moments, along with some serious angst and romance—perfect for Halloween!
Darkhouse by Karina Halle
Darkhouse by Karina Halle was my intro to horror romance and is the last series I couldn’t stop bingeing. Perry Palomino sees ghosts, but things really get wild when she teams up with the sexy, mysterious Dex Foray on a ghost-hunting show. Creepy and addictive with a slow-burn romance that’ll haunt you in the best way!
You’ll want to binge this series too! So better check out the complete Experiment in Terror by Karina Halle series guide we put together.
Vampires vs. Werewolves
We love a good shifter romance, so werewolves win this round. Suzanne highlights the Alpha and Omega series and Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs. These urban fantasies feature complex world-building, great romance, and of course, werewolves who are so much more than just their shifting abilities.
Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
Shapeshifting mechanic Mercy Thompson takes on all kinds of supernatural trouble. Combining action, romance, and a rich supernatural world, this series is engaging and unforgettable. Mercy’s no-nonsense attitude and dynamic plot make it a favorite.
If you’re ready to start the Mercy Thompson series, check out our complete series guide for the whole Mercy Thompson world.
Zombies vs. Ghosts
For this one, Suzanne goes with ghosts, and her recommendation is Downside Ghosts by Stacia Kane. This urban fantasy series has witches, ghosts, and a heroine who’s as flawed as they come, but somehow still relatable. It’s dark, gritty, and full of supernatural thrills.
Unholy Ghosts by Stacia Kane
Chess Putnam is a ghost hunter and witch working for the Church of Real Truth. Battling ghosts and her own personal demons, Chess’s story is gritty, dark, and filled with supernatural intrigue and romance.
Superheroes vs. Supervillains
While Suzanne admits to having a soft spot for villains (especially Loki!), she ultimately chooses superheroes. For a unique twist on the genre, she suggests the Disillusionists Trilogy by Caroline Crane, where the heroes’ weaknesses become their superpowers.
Mind Games by Carolyn Crane
Justine Jones, a hypochondriac terrified she’s dying, finds an unexpected path to power when the enigmatic Packard recruits her for his crime-fighting team. She learns to weaponize her fears, taking down Midcity’s worst criminals. But as she’s caught between two mysterious men, Justine realizes her newfound power may come with darker consequences.
Pirates vs. Princesses
Suzanne’s all about the pirates! She recommends the Corsair series by Ruby Dixon—sci-fi romances featuring space pirates and human women who keep the crew in check. If you’re looking for something fun and lighthearted to balance out your Halloween spooks, this is the series to pick up.
Corsairs: Adiron by Ruby Dixon
Adiron, one of the va Sithai space pirate brothers, thinks raiding abandoned ships is all fun and games—until he gets captured by the beautiful and cunning Jade. She’s no damsel in distress; she’s set a trap. Now, instead of treasure, Adiron’s after something even more valuable: Jade’s heart.
Candy Corn vs. Caramels
Candy corn? No thanks! We much prefers caramels, which led Suzanne to recommend two magical realism favorites: The Sugar Queen and Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen. These beautifully written books weave food and magic together, perfect for when you need a cozy, comforting read.
The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen
Josey Cirrini’s quiet life changes when she finds Della Lee Baker hiding in her closet—part nemesis, part unexpected fairy godmother. With Della Lee’s push, Josey starts breaking free from her comfort zone, connecting with Chloe, a book-attracting friend, and facing her longtime crush.
Witches vs. Fairies
For the fairy lovers, Suzanne picks Lord of the Fading Lands by C.L. Wilson. It’s a high fantasy romance with a powerful fae lord and a human woman thrown into a world of magic and politics. If you love epic battles and political intrigue, give this one a try.
Lord of the Fading Lands by C.L. Wilson
When the tormented Fey King Rain finds himself inexplicably drawn to Ellysetta, a humble woodcutter’s daughter, their worlds collide in a sweeping tale of passion, magic, and destiny. Together, they must face danger and fulfill a prophecy that could change the fate of the mystical Fading Lands forever.
Hayride vs. Haunted House
It’s Halloween, so obviously Suzanne picks the haunted house! For a modern twist on the haunted house story, she suggests The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware. With its eerie blend of old-school spooky and new tech, this one will keep you on edge.
The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware
When Rowan Caine takes a live-in nanny job at a luxurious, tech-savvy home in the Scottish Highlands, it seems like a dream opportunity—until everything turns into a nightmare. Now imprisoned and accused of murder, Rowan writes to her lawyer, trying to piece together the sinister events that led her here. Full of chilling suspense, The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware will keep you guessing until the very end.
If, like Suzanne, you can appreciate a good haunted house story then check out our haunted house romance books.
Costume Party vs. Spooky Netflix Binge
While Suzanne isn’t a big fan of spooky Netflix binges, she’s all about the costume party! If you’re looking for book inspiration, she suggests going as a Valkyrie from the Immortals After Dark series or Hex from Black Dagger Brotherhood. Both options scream fierce and fabulous!
A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole
Lachlain MacRieve, fierce Lykae leader, finds his fated mate in Emmaline—half-vampire, half-Valkyrie. Despite his hatred for vampires, he’s drawn to her. As Emma seeks the truth about her parents, their passion ignites, but an old threat resurfaces. Can their love overcome the obstacles that test them?
And for more on the BDB, check out our Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward series guide.
That’s it for this Halloween This or That tag! Whether you’re team vampires or werewolves, ghosts or zombies, there’s a book recommendation here for everyone. Let me know in the comments what your picks are and if you’ve read any of these books. And don’t forget to check out the related posts below for even more spooky season recommendations! Happy Halloween reading!
Read More
- All halloween book recommendations
- Spicy Booktok approved Halloween romance books
- Haunted house romance books
- Horror books to add to your TBR
- Horror romance books
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