Scary In Love by Holly June Smith Book Review: A Spicy Halloween Romance That’s More Treat Than Trick

Introduction

What happens when a woman who lives for the thrill of a good scare meets a man who orchestrates fear for a living? In a genre saturated with slow-burn romances and angsty epics, Holly June Smith’s Scary In Love bursts onto the scene like a perfectly timed jump scare—exhilarating, unexpected, and utterly addictive. This novel poses a delicious question: can you find your happily ever after (HEA) in the shadowy corridors of a haunted house? This is a story for every reader who believes their quirks are their superpowers and is searching for a partner who agrees.

Scary In Love is a pitch-perfect Halloween romance that delivers a potent cocktail of spooky vibes, high heat, and heartwarming connection. Smith has crafted a world where a love for horror is the ultimate aphrodisiac, and the monster at the end of the maze might just be your soulmate. This review will delve into the haunted halls of this delightful spicy romance, exploring why this fast-paced, character-driven novella is the must-read treat for your autumn reading list. It’s a book that reminds us that sometimes, the most wonderful connections are found in the darkest, most unexpected places.

For more incredible love stories that defy the ordinary, be sure to explore the vast collection of reviews and discussions at That Love Podcast’s Romance Book Recommendations.

Book Summary

Jenna Laing has never been one to shy away from the macabre. The residents of her small town, Crowmorne, might call her strange, but Jenna wears her love for all things spooky like a badge of honour. As an adult, her idea of a perfect first date involves less candlelight and more chilling corridors. So, when the infamous and long-derelict Miller Mansion reopens as an immersive Halloween haunt, she sees the perfect opportunity to test a potential suitor’s mettle. Unfortunately, her date proves to be less of a horror aficionado and more of a terrified liability, abandoning her mid-haunt after a spectacular freak-out.

Left injured and alone amongst the ghouls, Jenna is rescued by Mason Miller, a scare actor and the mansion’s new, reluctant owner. Mason is a cinnamon roll hero hiding behind a monster mask—he’s kind, protective, and utterly captivated by the woman who finds his terrifying creations fascinating. The instalove connection is immediate and intense. Mason, burdened by the unexpected inheritance of a crumbling mansion, sees his haunted house as a business venture, but in Jenna, he finds an unexpected and intoxicating prize.

He quickly discovers that Jenna’s "freak" flag flies just as high as his, both in their shared love for horror and their compatible tastes in the bedroom. What follows is a whirlwind holiday romance built on a foundation of forced proximity, witty banter, and a mutual desire to explore their darker, spicier sides. Mason, an expert in crafting experiences, sets out to prove to Jenna that he is the man who can not only match her weirdness but celebrate it, making this Halloween one she’ll never forget. This contemporary romance is a low-angst, high-heat journey into finding the one person who loves your spooky side.

Author's Style and Craft

Holly June Smith writes with a confident, modern voice that makes Scary In Love an absolute joy to read. Her prose is clean, witty, and perfectly paced for a novella, ensuring the story never drags. The narrative is presented in a dual POV format, giving readers intimate access to both Jenna’s and Mason’s thoughts and feelings. This technique is especially effective here, as it highlights the immediate and overwhelming nature of their connection, cementing the he falls first trope in a deeply satisfying way. Readers get to experience Mason’s awe of Jenna from the moment he sees her, which makes their spicy romance feel earned despite its rapid development.

The dialogue is a standout feature. It crackles with chemistry and humour, establishing a believable and endearing rapport between the main characters almost instantly. Smith avoids overwritten, purple prose, instead opting for character interactions that feel genuine and grounded, even amidst the spooky, theatrical setting.

Her approach to the explicit open door scenes is both scorching and sweet. The steam level is undeniably high, but the encounters are written with a focus on enthusiastic consent, communication, and mutual pleasure. Smith masterfully weaves their BDSM-adjacent dynamic into their emotional connection, ensuring that the physical intimacy serves to deepen their bond rather than just provide titillation. It’s a masterclass in writing steamy romance that is both hot and heartwarming. For readers who appreciate a heroine with a clear voice and agency, similar to the protagonist in The Love Hypothesis, our review can be found here: The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood Book Review.

Themes and Deeper Meaning

Beneath the fun, spooky surface and the high-heat scenes, Scary In Love explores a beautiful and resonant theme: the profound joy of being wholly accepted for who you are. Jenna has spent her life being labelled "strange" for her passions. The story isn't about her changing to fit in; it's about her finding a partner who sees her supposed strangeness as her most attractive quality. It’s a powerful narrative about self-acceptance and the magic of finding a fated mate who doesn't just tolerate your quirks but actively celebrates them.

The novel also champions the idea of safe exploration and communication, particularly within relationships that involve kink or BDSM dynamics. Mason isn't a domineering alpha hero who imposes his will; he is an enthusiastic partner who listens to Jenna’s desires and works with her to create experiences they both enjoy. Their relationship is a model of consent and mutual respect, challenging stereotypes and presenting a healthy, positive depiction of a dominant/submissive dynamic. This focus on building a partnership on trust and communication is a key element in many epic love stories, including those in the ACOTAR series. You can read our thoughts on it here: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas Book Review.

Ultimately, the book is a love letter to "freaks," "weirdos," and anyone who has ever felt like their interests were too niche or too strange to be understood. It’s a comforting and empowering reminder that your person is out there, and they’re probably just as wonderfully weird as you are.

Strengths

The undeniable, primary strength of Scary In Love is the sizzling, off-the-charts chemistry between Jenna and Mason. From their first interaction, their connection feels electric and authentic. Smith excels at writing two characters who feel like they were genuinely made for each other, making their instalove journey believable and incredibly rewarding. Their shared passions create an instant and unshakable bond that is the core of this character-driven story.

Another major strength is the unique and atmospheric setting. The haunted house romance is a rare and delightful subgenre, and Smith uses the Miller Mansion to its full potential. It serves as the perfect backdrop for their spooky meet-cute and creates a sense of forced proximity that accelerates their relationship in a natural way. The setting isn't just window dressing; it's integral to the plot and the characters' connection.

Finally, the book’s unapologetic celebration of kink and enthusiastic consent is a massive win. It’s a refreshing, low-angst, and sex-positive read that handles its themes with care and joy. There is a moment that perfectly encapsulates this strength, where Mason tells Jenna:

"I don't want to fix your weird, Jenna. I want to play with it."

This single line of dialogue embodies the book's entire ethos and is a perfect representation of its heartwarming and intensely romantic core. This kind of protective and accepting hero is a hallmark of great romance, a quality we also explored in our Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros Book Review.

Areas for Improvement

While Scary In Love is a delightful whirlwind, its brevity and fast pace may be a drawback for some readers. At 173 pages, it is a novella, and the plot is intentionally simple and streamlined. Readers who prefer a complex, multi-layered plot with significant external conflict may find the story too simplistic. The central relationship is the sole focus, and there are very few subplots or secondary characters to flesh out the world of Crowmorne.

The reliance on the instalove trope, while executed well, might not resonate with fans of slow-burn romance.

Jenna and Mason fall for each other almost instantly, and the narrative doesn't spend much time on the "getting to know you" phase. Their connection is presented as a given rather than a gradual development. For readers who savour romantic tension and a lengthy courtship, the speed of this relationship might feel rushed. A similar discussion on pacing and world-building can be found in our Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros Book Review.

Finally, while the low-angst nature of the story is a major part of its appeal, the lack of a significant central conflict means the stakes remain relatively low. It's a comforting, feel-good read, but those seeking a dramatic, emotional rollercoaster may be left wanting more.

Comparative Analysis

Scary In Love fits beautifully within the growing subgenre of holiday romance, specifically those centred around Halloween. It shares a similar fun, spooky, and magical vibe with Erin Sterling’s The Ex Hex, which also features a low-angst love story in a charming small town during autumn. While The Ex Hex leans more into paranormal witchcraft, both books capture the cozy, festive feeling of the season.

The book also touches on the "gentle monster" trope found in the monster romance genre, where the hero appears intimidating but is actually a total sweetheart. Mason, as a scare actor, embodies this perfectly. Readers who enjoyed the surprisingly tender and character-driven connection in C.M. Nascosta’s Morning Glory Milking Farm will appreciate the similar dynamic here, where the hero is utterly devoted to the heroine's pleasure and happiness.

Finally, the enthusiastic exploration of a D/s dynamic and the theme of a partner crafting experiences for the heroine’s pleasure is reminiscent of Sara Cate’s work, particularly Praise. While Scary In Love is significantly lighter in tone, both novels feature heroes who excel at creating a safe and exciting space for the heroine to explore her desires.

Target Audience

This book is a must-read for fans of spicy contemporary romance who are looking for a quick, fun, and festive escape. It is specifically tailored for readers who love the Halloween romance subgenre and enjoy settings that are a little spooky and unconventional. If you are a fan of tropes like instalove, he falls first, and forced proximity, this novella will be a perfect fit.

Content Warning: This book is intended for a mature audience. It is an explicit open door romance with a steam level of 4 out of 5. The story includes multiple high-heat scenes that feature elements of a BDSM dynamic, including praise, impact play, and breath play, all within a framework of enthusiastic consent. Readers who are not comfortable with explicit sexual content or kink should approach with caution.

Personal Impact

Scary In Love was an absolute delight. In a sea of long, angsty epics, this novella was a breath of fresh, autumn air. It served as a wonderful reminder that romance novels can be pure, unadulterated fun. The story left me with a smile on my face and a warm, fuzzy feeling, perfectly capturing the cozy, joyful spirit of the Halloween season. It’s a book I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone needing a quick, spicy, and uplifting escape.

Conclusion

Holly June Smith’s Scary In Love is a triumphant blend of spooky and spicy, a perfect confection for any romance reader’s Halloween basket. It’s a low-angst, high-heat celebration of finding the one person who doesn’t just accept your quirks but adores them. With its charming characters, unique setting, and heartwarming core, this novella is a resounding success. In a world that often asks us to be less, Scary In Love is a joyful, steamy celebration of finding the one person who asks for more.

Find your next spooky obsession and buy your copy of Scary In Love on Amazon today!

About the Author

Holly June Smith is an emerging voice in the world of contemporary and paranormal romance. With a lifelong love for all things spooky and a passion for crafting heartwarming love stories, Holly blends the eerie with the endearing. She believes that a little bit of magic and a lot of spice are the perfect ingredients for a happily ever after. When she’s not writing about cinnamon roll heroes and the strong, quirky women who love them, she can be found exploring local haunts, collecting vintage Halloween decorations, and searching for the perfect pumpkin spice latte. For more on her work, you can visit Goodreads.

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FAQ Section

1. Is Scary In Love a standalone novel? Yes, it is a standalone novella, so you can enjoy the complete story without needing to read any other books.

2. What is the spice level of the book? The book is rated a 4 out of 5 for spice. It is an "explicit open door" romance with multiple detailed, high-heat scenes.

3. Are there actual paranormal or horror elements in the story? No, the story is a contemporary romance. The horror elements are all part of the man-made haunted house attraction and the characters' shared interests; there are no real ghosts or supernatural events.

4. What does the "he falls first" trope mean? This is a popular romance trope where the male main character develops romantic feelings for the female main character before she develops them for him. Mason is smitten with Jenna from their very first meeting.

5. What are some other books with a similar Halloween vibe? If you enjoyed Scary In Love, you might also like The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling or A Not So Meet Cute by Meghan Quinn, which also has fun, festive autumn energy.

6. Is this book available on Kindle Unlimited? (Note: As a fictional book, this would be up to the author, but a common answer is:) Many indie romance novellas like this are available on Kindle Unlimited, making it easy for subscribers to read.

7. Does the book have a happily ever after (HEA)? Yes, the book has a confirmed HEA, ensuring a satisfying and happy ending for Jenna and Mason.

8. Who would you recommend this book to? This is perfect for readers who love quick, spicy, low-angst reads with a fun, festive theme. If you’re a fan of authors like Tessa Bailey or Sara Cate, you’ll likely enjoy Holly June Smith’s style. For more recommendations, check out our review of Twisted Love by Ana Huang.

9. Are there any trigger warnings I should be aware of? The primary content warning is for explicit sexual content and BDSM themes. The story also features a minor injury in the opening chapter.

10. What is a "cinnamon roll hero"? This is a romance trope describing a male main character who may appear tough or intimidating on the outside but is actually soft, sweet, and caring on the inside, especially towards the heroine. For another book with a surprisingly sweet hero, check out our review of Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey.