My TikTok for you page has been crushing it for spooky season. I guess it also helps that I’ve been sick and spending a lot of time reading, cranking out one and a half books a day most days. Thanks to a lovely fellow booktokker I was introduced to the world of The Halloween Boys.

This novel is a gradual why choose, polyamorous group of monsters who have their sights set on the new woman in town. Our FMC Blythe is on the run from her murderous stepfather who has been hunting her from state to state. When she lands in Ash Grove for the first time she feels the urge to make it work and settle down, while warring with the part of her that is ready to let her stepfather find her and kill her, to end the torment.

Blythe is introduced to Dr. Cove and his two eclectic best friends, Onyx and Wolfgang. These attractive, seductive, witty, hilarious, caring, and lethal men are drawn to Blythe like moths to a flame, and they aren’t the only ones who feel the burning desire.

Ash Grove is an odd town, but a place where I personally dream of visiting. The town celebrates Halloween all month long, with trick or treating for the kids from shop to shop, and a secluded nightly rave deep in the woods. It’s clear to everyone, except maybe Blythe, that this town isn’t full of just humans. The costumes donned night after night at the rave might be a little more real than Blythe is willing to admit.

The inclusivity in this novel was fantastic. It wasn’t overt and in your face, but it was direct and heartwarming. Blythe is a larger bodied woman who holds not even an ounce of self doubt in her appearance. She has a great sense of personal style and knows which assets to flaunt to make her monsters drool. We’re introduced to so many great characters of different colors, genders, and species, that are woven throughout this story seamlessly. The side characters in this series are top tier, chefs kiss, so freaking fantastic I love (or loath) them all!

While this story weaves a picturesque, Halloween Town vibe, there are also some very dark undertones. The mix of the two seemingly opposite emotions was tantalizing to read. I felt so at home with Ash Grove and the residents, while also experiencing very real spikes of fear at the constant threat of violence and death. This book is an instant new Halloween favorite, and one I’ll need to read every year to get into the spooky October mood.