Courtney has been reading and collecting books almost as long as she's been alive. She holds a B.A. in Theatre and Creative Writing. Courtney has been writing with Book Riot since 2019, and is a Bibliologist with TBR: Tailored Book Recommendations. She's currently brainstorming for her next creative project. You can follow her on Instagram.
As both a horror reader and romance reader, I love a good horroromance. In the autumn, when the wind picks up and the smell of cinnamon seems to permeate everything, there’s nothing like settling down with a book that’s both scary and romantic.
Do these two oppositional genres actually go together, though? Gothic Romances set the stage for romance novels and horror with their eerie settings and supernatural elements. For those who only read horror or romance, it might be difficult to see how the two can actually work together, but horroromance works because the building tension of horror is similar to the building tension of romance. It’s the will-they-won’t they while being hunted by a monster. It’s fear and hope at once. For both genres, the pacing has to be immaculate. Suspense keeps the horror feeling real for the characters and the reader. Common tropes of romance novels, like enemies to lovers or forbidden love, work with emotions necessary in horror, like fear, disgust, and anxiety. There might not be a definitive happily ever after, but horroromance offers readers a unique chance to explore fears and romantic ideals.
The Possession of Alba Díaz by Isabel Cañas
In 18th-century Mexico, Alba flees with her fiancé Carlos to his family mine to escape the plague. Soon, Alba begins to suffer from terrifying hallucinations and sleepwalking, with the feeling of something crawling under her skin. Carlos’ broody cousin, Elías, finds himself drawn to Alba as she struggles. Tension rises between Elías and Alba as the being inside Alba fights for power.
Courtney has been reading and collecting books almost as long as she’s been alive. She holds a B.A. in Theatre and Creative Writing. Courtney has been writing with Book Riot since 2019, and is a Bibliologist with TBR: Tailored Book Recommendations. She’s currently brainstorming for her next creative project. You can follow her on Instagram.
A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson
Dracula’s first bride, Constanta is saved from the edge of death, only to be thrust into a dark world of deceit and cruel passion. When her beloved brings an aristocrat and artist into their secluded world, Constanta finally understands the evil inside of Dracula. She turns to his consorts for comfort and begins to unravel Dracula’s web of secrets. Full of sapphic yearning, this novel spans centuries.
House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson
Hoping for a life outside of the slums, Marion Shaw applies for a bloodmaid position at The House of Hunger. Inside the House of Hunger, the wealthy indulge in blood and opulence. Marion is pulled into the hedonistic court of Countess Lisavet. When her fellow bloodmaids begin to disappear, Marion is drawn into a deadly game. Equal parts scary and steamy, this novel is a captivating read.
But Not Too Bold by Hache Pueyo
Inside the secluded Capricious House, Dália, the new Keeper of the Keys, is tasked with unlocking and locking up the Lady Anatema’s memories. Lady Anatema is a humanoid spider with a temper and taste for beautiful brides. As Dália untangles the truth about her predecessor’s death, she can feel Anatema’s impatience waning. Lush and weird, this novel toes the line between monster romance and gothic horror. If you aren’t afraid of spiders now, this book might change your mind.
Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell
When blob shapeshifter Shenshen is injured by hunters, she’s found and nursed back to health by Homily, a human. Shenshen falls in love with Homily and hopes Homily will be the host for her eggs one day. When Homily reveals that she’s a hunter looking for a shapeshifter who cursed her family, Shenshen must decide whether or not to tell her the truth about herself. Can their love survive their differences and Homily’s abusive family? Cozy, creepy, and charming, this book feels like an old fairytale.
What do you think? Is horroromance your new favorite subgenre? It might be mine. If you’re wanting something on the scary side, check out these Must Read Horror Novels Coming Out This Fall. For more horror with some romance, try these 9 Horror Books With Romance at Heart.
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