Episode Sixty Nine

A sentient 12-foot Halloween skeleton falls in love while an HOA tries to ruin the fun, and we end up asking the most important question we can ask about any romantasy or romance read: is it a kissing book. We’re leaning hard into fall vibes with a “choose your own adventure” style lineup where each of us brings a different autumn pick to class and gives the honest, spoiler-light pitch.

We start with fresh book and publishing news for fantasy romance fans: T. Kingfisher’s newly announced A Spoonful of Trouble, updates on the Wicker short story release in ebook and audiobook (yes, the story behind the upcoming movie), and a handful of upcoming romantasy and romance releases that have our TBRs groaning. If you love tracking new titles, audio editions, and adaptations, you’ll get plenty to add to your list.

Then the fall reading recommendations begin. Ashley takes us to Summerween by Joss Wood, a cozy small-town romance set in a Halloween-all-year community with ghosts, believers, and nonstop themed festivities. Mari brings No Bones About It by Cassandra Elizabeth, a short spicy Halloween romance where reclaiming your joy after a bad marriage is just as satisfying as sticking it to the neighborhood busybodies. Kelly recommends Payback’s a Witch by Lana Harper, a sapphic witchy competition with familiar cozy vibes, and Jonathan wraps with This Spells Disaster by Tori Anne Martin, a fake dating sapphic romance set against a festival backdrop with a slow-burn payoff.

If you’re building a fall reading list full of cozy witch books, Halloween romance, and sapphic romantasy energy, hit play, subscribe, and leave us a review. What’s your go-to autumn comfort read this year?