The word gothic is thrown around a lot this time of year when you’re browsing for your next read. We all know what it means, right? It evokes images of mysterious strangers, haunted ruins and women scarpering around in improbably white dresses. It got me curious though. What exactly is a gothic novel? Today I explore what exactly a gothic novel is and then recommend some gothic romance books that have caught my eye!
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Gothic Romance Books: Everything You Need to Know
What is a gothic novel?
I like to think I am an expert at defining book genres, especially romance ones. I’ve been reading for a long time and have some very clear ideas about what defines a genre. But, although I have read my fair share of gothic romance books, when it came to putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), I struggled a little bit. So today, we are going to explore the topic together, then I have a bunch of gothic romance books I know you’ll want to dive into!
Click here to skip straight to the gothic romance book recommendations!
The atmosphere of a gothic novel
When I think about a gothic novel, what immediately comes to mind is the atmosphere of the book. It’s dark, disorientating and oppressive. If it were a film it would be black and white or in deep dark tones, with little to no colour. It’s not quite horror with blood splattered walls and hooks dangling from the ceiling, but there’s tension and a certain amount of expectation that some unknown terrible thing is going to happen.
But when you look more deeply into it, what elements of a book is creating this very “gothic” atmosphere?
The weather
A romance set on a beach with white sands, clear seas and the sun beaming down creates a feeling of optimism and fun. Yet, when we venture into a gothic novel, the weather is often used to help create that claustrophobic and dangerous atmosphere. A dark and stormy night. Violent and crashing seas. Mist and fog shrouding the landscape. Thunder, lightning and the driving rain. It’s tumultuous, violent and unwelcoming, often mirroring the thoughts and feelings of the characters themselves. Symbolism abounds in a gothic novel.
The place
The setting of a gothic novel is key. Wuthering Heights wouldn’t have been the same if it weren’t set on the Yorkshire Moors. And where would we be without Manderley in Rebecca? Gothic literature is rife with haunted, decaying buildings and foreboding and inhospitable landscapes. Often the setting feels like a character in of itself.
The space in which the novel takes place is important in any novel, but it is particularly apparent in gothic literature. It confines and defines the character. It usually has special significance, perhaps a great tragedy took place there, or it holds a secret. Or is the meeting place for a secret society. Much like the weather, the setting of a gothic novel will usually have some symbolic significance.
Classic gothic novels with a genre defining atmosphere
The characters in a gothic novel
Lets get down to the characters. The gothic novel is swarmed with mysterious and handsome figures, damsels in distress. Heroes who aren’t heroes. Villains who aren’t villains. And every one of them have secrets and sorrows.
The anti hero
Knocking around the romance genre for as long as I have, I often see the anti-hero, that guy who lives in the morally grey area, talked about like it’s just been discovered. Well, let me introduce you to Edward Rochester from Jane Eyre circa 1847. One of the great things about gothic novels is that the characters are flawed and burdened by the past. They have faults and haven’t always done the right thing.
The villian
You can’t have a gothic novel without having the villain. Often handsome and in a position of power, especially over the heroine, they are pivotal. But, their charming urbane surface hides a dark soul. Or maybe not. Villains can be wonderfully complex characters in a gothic novel. Think The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, where the titular character is handsome and charming, innocence turned monster.
The heroine
The classic gothic novel can leave a lot to be desired for the female protagonist. She’s often the victim; powerless, oppressed and virginal. She spends her time waiting to be saved from the miserable situation she finds herself in. Modern gothic tales have made great strides in this area and in our recommendations below you won’t find our heroines quite as helpless.
Classic gothic novels with the anti-hero, anti-villain and damsel’s in distress
The supernatural gothic novels
There is often a supernatural and mystical element to a gothic novel. You can find ghosts, hauntings, demons, vampires, werewolves and any number of things that go bump in the night. It ties into gothic literatures love of symbolism, not to mention adding to that unique atmosphere. When you step into a gothic novel, you’re moving away from reality as you know it. Instead you are entering a darker realm where your past has a deep and terrible impact on your present.
You can also expect omens, portents, curses and plenty of foreshadowing. It adds to the sense of unreality and gives an extra edge to the fear and suspense that a good gothic novel can provoke.
Classic gothic novels with supernatural elements
Common themes in a gothic novel
The most prevalent theme you find in a gothic novel is that of the past coming back to haunt you in some way. It can be something the main protagonist has done, the skeletons coming out of the closet (or maybe a wife in the attic?). Or it can be something a predecessor has done that comes to bear on the protagonist, perhaps in mundane ways, but often in the form of curses and hauntings.
There’s often an exploration of psychology and madness. Someone’s decaying mind paired with the crumbling castle ruins the novel is set in – once again, symbolism playing an important role. It’s character driven with the protagonist experiencing a full spectrum of dark emotions, creating a delicious melodrama for us to sink our fangs into.
Perhaps you’re in the mood for something gothic romance adjacent? Check out these posts:
- Historical Mystery books for you to investigate!
- For more magical vibes, don’t miss our gothic books about witches.
- Like the scary aspect of gothic romance books? Check out our rundown of the most interesting horror books out this year!
- In love with monsters? Check out our monster romance list or all our paranormal creatures book recommendations.
12 Must-Read Gothic Romance Books
Now that we’ve covered all the basics of what makes gothic romance books so irresistible—brooding heroes, eerie settings, and that ever-present feeling of danger—let’s dive into the must-read books to get you started past the classics. These gothic romance recommendations are sure to give you chills in all the best ways.
The Darkest Waltz by Ashley R. King
In 1927, a fierce bootlegger queen strikes a deal with a mysterious man who needs a wife to secure his inheritance. Moving to his isolated island seems perfect—until dark secrets, eerie visions, and a haunted mansion make her question everything, including the man she’s reluctantly falling for.
Gothikana by RuNyx
At the eerie University of Verenmore, Corvina—a mysterious, outcast girl—meets Vad, a brooding professor with dark secrets. Drawn to each other against their will, they navigate an ancient castle full of deadly secrets, as people disappear every five years. Love, danger, and darkness collide in this haunting dark academia romance.
A Lesson in Thorns by Sierra Simone
Twelve years after leaving Thornchapel—and the two boys who claimed her heart—Proserpina returns. Now, she’s drawn back into the complex, seductive web between Auden, St. Sebastian, and herself. As the trio rekindles their intense connection, they awaken a dark, centuries-old fate that threatens to consume them all.
The House at Watch Hill by Karen Marie Moning
In The House at Watch Hill, Zo Grey inherits a Gothic mansion in Divinity, Louisiana, under mysterious conditions. To claim her inheritance, she must live in the eerie, secret-filled house for three years. Surrounded by odd locals and supernatural events, Zo discovers her family’s dark history and her own dormant powers.
A Stitch in Time by Kelley Armstrong
Bronwyn Dale returns to Thorne Manor after twenty years, only to discover her childhood friend, William, is still there—unchanged, except for the fact he’s been dead for two centuries. As they rekindle their connection, Bronwyn must face the ghosts haunting her past and uncover the secrets that have kept William tethered to the manor.
Nightshade by Keri Lake
In Nightshade by Keri Lake, we follow a heroine who lives in a dark and sinful world, believing her father’s stories of “messengers” and a hidden hope. She encounters Jericho Van Croix, a mysterious and forbidden figure who personifies everything dangerous. Drawn to his enigmatic allure, their growing connection threatens her very soul.
Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match by Sally Thorne
Angelika Frankenstein, Victor’s quirky younger sister, decides to take matters into her own hands and creates her own perfect man from spare parts. But when her resurrected “match” wakes up with amnesia and no instant romantic spark, Angelika questions whether true love can really be crafted in a lab.
The Witch of Willow Hall by Hester Fox
Lydia Montrose never imagined her new home would awaken ancient powers within her. Fleeing scandal, her family moves to Willow Hall, but eerie occurrences hint that the house holds dark secrets. As Lydia unravels her connection to Salem’s witch trials, she must harness her magic to protect those she loves.
Blind Obsession by Ella Frank
In Blind Obsession, emotions run wild as Phillipe Tibideau, a reclusive artist, invites journalist Gemma into his chateau to unravel the haunting past he shared with Chantel, a woman whose memory dominates his life. As passion, art, and obsession collide, secrets are revealed, blurring love and desire.
The Widow of Rose House by Diana Biller
In 1875, Alva Webster is determined to restore both a crumbling mansion and her tarnished reputation. The last thing she expects is to fall for the brilliant and unconventional Professor Samuel Moore. But with ghosts in her home—and her heart—Alva must confront the past to build a new future.
The Headmaster by Tiffany Reisz
Gwen Ashby lands a job at the mysterious William Marshall Academy, but what’s really haunting her? The charismatic headmaster seduces her with his old-world charm, yet it’s the eerie ghostly presence on campus that holds the key to the school’s dark secrets.
Beyond the Sea by L.H. Cosway
On a cliff overlooking the sea, a young girl dreams of freedom from her cruel stepmother’s control. When her stepmother’s enigmatic brother arrives, he brings intrigue—and danger. As she unravels mysteries, her heart might sink into the darkness of the unknown.
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Thanks for the post. I will be adding some books to my TBR.