For those of us who love Halloween, the fact that it only happens once a year is thoroughly lamentable. Luckily, there’s a solution for that, and it’s called Summerween.
What, you may ask, is Summerween? The term “originated from an episode of Disney Channel’s Gravity Falls where residents of a mysterious town prefer to celebrate Halloween twice a year.” In other words, it’s a phantasmagoric phenomenon unintentionally ignited by an episode of a TV show that gives Halloweenies everywhere permission to celebrate spooky-style all summer long!
That’s right, folks, Summerween is the perfect excuse to get your fall feels on in the middle of the hottest season of the year (in the northern hemisphere, anyway). And what better way to turn the heat up than with some spicy Summerween romance reads?
The obvious book to go for would be Joss Wood’s sweet small town romcom, since it’s literally called Summerween — and it’s definitely worth the read. But I’m taking you into the woods for some additional options for you to check out.
Vampires in August? A haunted historic home in July? Witches in the Caribbean? Yes, please! This summer, take your spooktastic vibes with you to the beach with a Summerween romance (or five).
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How (Not) to Renovate a Haunted House by Jenny L. Howe
This fun YA romcom is a fat-positive romp through the haunted house genre by one of my favorite romance writers. Amity Callaway had everything planned for the summer after her senior year…until her mom uprooted them and moved them across the country to a small New England town and a big ol’ haunted house. Not that Amity believes in haunted houses, but this one comes with a cute and quirky ghost hunter and amateur historian who’s dead set on documenting the house’s paranormal activities. Howe’s trademark humor is in fine form here, and this cast of characters is every bit as enchanting as I’ve become accustomed to from her. The combination of summer break and chilling haunted house gives perfect Summerween vibes.
Samantha Spük: Paranormal Wedding Planner by Aleese Lin
Released just this summer as a Summerween read, Aleese Lin’s spunky book follows Samantha “Sabby” Spük, a fresh college grad and newly minted accountant. But when her grandma dies, Sabby’s forced to return home to Salem, Massachusetts — that most Halloweeny of Halloween towns — and take over the family’s magical wedding planning business. The creatures and characters populating her world are delightfully unexpected (including a love interest she finds in a graveyard), and Sabby’s attempts to find herself and figure out what she really wants are heartwarming.
The Good Vampire’s Guide to Blood & Boyfriends by Jamie D’Amato
This paranormal YA romance centers on Brennan, a college student returning from summer break having survived a suicide attempt…and becoming a vampire. Cue adorable librarian Cole, a secret society, and a super sweet love story, and this is one for the stacks. D’Amato’s characters are well written, and the story’s treatment of mental health is sensitive and thoughtful — perfect for its target audience. Even though it’s set at the end of summer break, it manages to give solid Summerween vibes.
What the Hex by Alexis Daria
If you’re in the mood for a shorter Summerween read, this novella by a beloved romance writer is a great solution. Set on the fictional Isla Bruja off the coast of Miami, rising fashion designer (and witch) Catalina Cartagena has returned from NYC to attend her sister’s wedding. As you might imagine, there are magical problems galore, and of course, Cat’s gotta team up with her high school nemesis-turned-hottie to fight off the demons intent on turning the wedding into a twisted ever-after.
Road Trip With a Vampire by Jenna Levine
There’s just something about a road trip novel that screams “summer” every time. But when the road trippers are a reformed witch trying to bury her checkered past and a sexy yoga-loving vampire who’s lost his memories, well, it’s Summerween to the extreme. It’s the third book in its series, but it can stand alone, and it gives a fun fall flavor despite its summer setting. Also, the love story between these two is really sweet: witch Zelda’s desire to deny her witchy powers is a good self-growth story arc, while vampire Peter’s search for his missing memories offers a light mystery for readers.
More Books for the Beach
You can find a great selection of summer romances if you’re looking for more summertime fun. Otherwise, try these queer cozy autumn books or these cozy fall romances if you’re looking to skip right past summer into autumn reads.
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