Are you ready for some thrilling, heart-stopping books? The best of both worlds—trick and treat—are combined in this list of 13 horror romance books. These books will get your heart racing in more ways than one. Keep the lights on, and prepare to be thrilled and chilled!
For more perfect spooky and steamy books, check out these 18 spicy Booktok approved Halloween romance books.
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13 Chillingly Good Horror Romance Books You Need to Read Now
Through its dark themes and tense stories, the horror genre has long been known for its ability to scare, thrill, and shock readers. But somewhere along the way, romance started to mix in.
Both genres are about facing the unknown and appeal to strong emotions—passion or fear. Authors can explore deeper connections between characters, emotional complexity, and yes, even love all in the face of danger.
Slowly carving out a sub-genre, romance created stories where love can grow in the most sinister places. If you’re looking for stories where fear and love meet, you’ve come to the right place.
Recommendations: Horror Romance Books
Let’s explore some of the best horror romance books that are sure to send shivers down your spine while pulling on your heartstrings.
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.
Her Soul to Take by Harley Laroux
In Her Soul to Take by Harley Laroux, Rae accidentally summons Leon, a demon with a dark reputation, and becomes the target of a dangerous cult. As monsters stir and ancient evil awakens, Rae’s only chance at survival is the demon stalking her—who wants both her body and soul.
Hollow by Karina Halle
In Hollow by Karina Halle, Katrina Van Tassel navigates love, dark magic, and supernatural threats in Sleepy Hollow. Torn between her mysterious teacher Ichabod Crane and her transformed childhood love Brom Bones, she faces the dangers of the Headless Horseman while uncovering sinister secrets. A gothic romance with suspense.
An Education in Malice by S.T. Gibson
In An Education in Malice by S.T. Gibson, Laura Sheridan enters the eerie Saint Perpetua’s College, where ambition and dark secrets reign. A fierce rivalry with the enigmatic Carmilla turns into a dangerous attraction. With bloodthirsty professors and twisted politics, Laura must decide how far she’ll go for power.
If you enjoy S.T. Gibson, you can also try A Dowry of Blood. Check out our A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson book review.
Thicker Than Blood by Madeline Sheehan and Claire C. Riley
Thicker Than Blood by Madeline Sheehan and Claire C. Riley is a post-apocalyptic story about survival, trust, and love. Two women—Leisel and Evelyn—must navigate treachery, heartbreak, and the constant threat of violence in a world that is in chaos. Their bond becomes the heart of the story as they fight to survive against all odds.
The Forgotten Phantom by Kathryn Ann Kingsley
The Forgotten Phantom by Kathryn Ann Kingsley offers a dark and mysterious twist on The Phantom of the Opera. Christine is sent to investigate a century-old cold case of a “Phantom” haunting a crumbling opera house. As she uncovers secrets, her connection with the ghost grows dangerously intense.
The Devil’s Metal by Karina Halle
The Devil’s Metal by Karina Halle is set in the summer of 1974, where aspiring music journalist Dawn Emerson joins a rock tour with a rising metal band, Hybrid. What starts as an exciting opportunity soon turns dark as Dawn encounters supernatural occurrences, dangerous groupies, and spine-chilling mysteries surrounding the band.
Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison
Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison blends horror, humor, and emotional depth in a fresh take on the werewolf genre. Rory, a city girl with no intention of sticking around her hometown, faces unexpected trauma after a mysterious creature attacks her. As she grapples with this life-altering transformation, she also navigates complicated family dynamics and unresolved romantic feelings.
Rachel Harrison has a new book out! Check out our So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison book review.
Hollow Heathens by Nicole Fiorina
Hollow Heathens by Nicole Fiorina is a dark, atmospheric romance set in a mysterious small town where curses and secrets lurk in every corner. When Fallon moves to town, she’s warned to stay away from the Blackwell family. But curiosity pulls her into forbidden territory—and into the orbit of Greyson, a dark and alluring figure with secrets of his own.
Juniper & Thorn by Ava Reid
Juniper & Thorn by Ava Reid is a dark gothic fantasy inspired by the tale of The Juniper Tree. Set in a world steeped in magic, it follows Marlinchen, a young woman trapped by her domineering father. As she battles against her fate, love, horror, and haunting family secrets intersect.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Juniper & Thorn by Ava Reid book review
Corrupt by Penelope Douglas
Corrupt by Penelope Douglas is a dark, intense, and gripping romance filled with suspense and twisted revenge. Erika Fane has always been drawn to Michael Crist, the dangerous bad boy. But when Michael and his friends seek revenge for a betrayal, she becomes their target. As the line between hate and desire blurs, Erika is pulled deeper into their game, where passion and obsession intertwine.
The Contortionist by Kathryn Ann Kingsley
The Contortionist by Kathryn Ann Kingsley follows Cora, who finds herself drawn into the eerie and unsettling Harrow Faire, a once-abandoned carnival that has mysteriously reopened. With its atmospheric blend of horror, romance, and dark fantasy, the story delves into existential questions and moral dilemmas, all while introducing an alluring yet dangerous villain.
Cottonwood by R. Lee Smith
Cottonwood by R. Lee Smith is a gritty, emotional sci-fi romance set in a dystopian future where aliens stranded on Earth are segregated into camps. Sarah, an idealistic woman, enters a harsh reservation known as Cottonwood, determined to help. She befriends Sanford, a bug-like alien, and his son. Together, they face the bleak reality of exploitation, forced labor, and prejudice.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Cottonwood by R. Lee Smith book review
What are your favorite horror romance books? Or if you haven’t read any, which one is at the top of your TBR? Leave a comment. And for more spooky season book recs, check out the other book lists below.
Read More
- Spicy Booktok Approved Halloween Romance Books
- Haunted house romance books
- Ghost romance books
- Gothic romance books on Kindle Unlimited
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