Date read: 19th October 2025
My rating: 4*Genre I reckon: Halloween Romance (m/m)
Buy link: Amazon
This book's blurb promises a Hallmark romcom but in a Halloween book. However, that's underselling it imho. It's raunchier and grittier.
It was lovely to see some diversity. Raj is of Indian heritage and a bit chubbly - all the better for being a bear. Although, Adam's skinniness is maybe mentioned a little too much. It's nice to have different body shapes, but just one or two mentions is sufficient.
Having said that, I would've liked a bit more of that delicious bear/twink emphasis, and a touch more of Adam taking charge - that was a really fun dynamic.
The small town felt a bit misogynistic and generally passive aggressive. Personally, I would've enjoyed seeing more of Adam realising their attitudes had actually changed from when he was little - an opening of his eyes and discovery of acceptance and joy - it's there but subtly.
Both guys have inner demons to overcome, which was done well.
The steam gets hot when it kicks in. Although, more often than not, I got fabulous build-up with detailed hand and mouth stuff but then a closed door when it came down to the final act. The author has a talent for description, so to carry that all the way through would've been a treat.
Right, that's all out the way. What I absolutely adored about this book was how both Adam and Raj geeked out over old horror movies and old style special effects.
And all the Halloween props were marvellous. That haunt sounded like heaps of scary fun, especially.
The hints of real spookiness were fun too. As were the silly little feud fights.
Autumn vibes are supplied in delicious golden abundance.
And the costumes? Wow! Especially the Phantom - phewee!! And all Adam's suits - they gave me Barney from How I Met Your Mother if he was into Halloween. Yeah, Barney mixed with Jack Skellington.
All-in-all, this was a fun, Halloween read with steam - a bit like a pumpkin spiced latte.
Always in love and light,
TL
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