‘Tis the season. Do not ask how this translates to more trips to the library to pick up holiday romance books. Or more binge-watching Hallmark Christmas movies with buttered popcorn and a choice beverage to pair it with. As an avid list-maker, I did end up making another movie and books list. That said, holiday rom-com books are the best way to romanticize cold evenings.
The easiest way to approach this list is by flavor. What we mean is we’ve done the math and given you specific types of holiday romances to suit your exquisite tastes. We assure you, there is a book for every reader. Yet, before you dive into the list itself, the following section boasts a checklist to your perfect pick, and a (surprise) hot chocolate recipe!
What To Look For In A Perfect Holiday Romance Book?
Having too much of something sweet can spell disaster. Treading the lines among the best holiday romance books can get even the most meticulous of readers in a tizzy. For all the glam that is to lead the upcoming winters, we’re taking this opportunity to embrace a little more cinnamon.
Here’s a recipe for a perfect holiday romance book, as a hot cup of cocoa:
- With (1 whole cup) choice milk, we have a strong base for an optimistic, heartfelt PLOT.
- Quality (1-2 tbsp) cocoa powder for the main ingredient, we require CHARACTERS to carry the plot forward. It is important that they are flawed and that they make us react.
- Sweet, semi-sweet, or almost-dark (2-4 tbsp, chopped) chocolate, for an extra boost. This FESTIVE SETTING will add a tasteful depth.
- (1-2 tbsp sugar/maple syrup) Additional sweeteners, or DETAILS IN PLOT, make for perfect escapism.
- ¼ tsp vanilla for HUMOR, to elevate and intensify flavoring.
- Pinch of salt as an enhancer, for RELATABLE CONFLICTS.
- An optional topping of marshmallows for extra CUTE MOMENTS, FLUFF, or STEAM.
Tip: Don’t forget to choose your favorite holiday mug!
Now, for some cozy reading plans, we’re bringing you our very own warm cocoa ratings to deliver a stress-free Christmas reading. So, untangle your tinsel and dive right in!
Spicy Holiday Romance Books
Think of the following options as spicy eggnog variants. Although eggnog is not inherently spicy, the nutmeg/cinnamon/clove can improve the spice. This one’s for those who want to be on Santa’s naughty list.
1. Faking Under The Mistletoe by Ashley Shepard
Warm cocoa ratings: 3.9/4
Christmas cheer has nothing on Olivia Langley. It does not come as a surprise that she’s in charge of Loveridge and McGowan’s festivities. Until she has to kiss her boss, Asher, in front of his ex-girlfriend. The season of giving won’t stop her, and neither will her mission to un-grinch Asher.
This mild-spicy, fade-to-black, fake-dating romance among winter romance novels should be the top crazy-funny rom-com. The grumpy x sunshine banter is top-notch and very deserving of the late-night, one-more-chapter audience.
Who knows? Maybe Asher’s soft spot for double-toasted cream cheese cinnamon bagel might rub off on you. For a fun, romantic comedy with a touch of cozy, steamy attitude, pick this one up! The book does deal with heavier topics in the second half; we request that you heed trigger warnings before diving into this one.
Did You Know: The origins of mistletoe are rooted in age-old fertility rituals, not romance.
2. The Ghost Of Christmas Present by S.C. Principale
Warm cocoa ratings: 4/5
What ghost needs a Christmas miracle? In this fantasy holiday romance, Pine Ridge’s first librarian, Mortimer Ashfield, does. He continues to haunt there, except he helps the current librarian, Louisa. She hadn’t picked up on his presence until the winter when she decided being stuck in the library attic (in a was better than not being able to go home. Her surprise present turns out to be much steamier than the plot she was hoping to read! Will her ghost be eternal?
Read this for a super-short, fun plot that has to be among your paranormal Christmas books. If you’re hoping for just a cozy read, you might end up being surprised by how much heat this one exudes! While some readers claim that this reads like Casper’s grown-up story, a lot of them wouldn’t disagree that Mortimer is such a cinnamon-roll character.
3. Big Nick Energy by Morgan Elizabeth
Warm cocoa ratings: 3.5/5
This one is perfect if you’re looking for a little fluff amidst the spice. And the reverse grumpy x sunshine, single-parent, cowboy, age-gap tropes. Shae gets invited to Connor’s Dad’s house for Thanksgiving. She had met him on Tinder, and they’d decided to remain friends since.
Connor’s dad, Nick, inspires Christmas magic in her daughters using the elf-on-the-shelf tale. When she complains of it becoming an added responsibility, he decides to show up for them. Spending the holidays with other people post-divorce was not part of Shae’s plan, nor was falling for Nick.
Hallmark-movie-in-book-form, this insta-love holiday romance will get you another hot book boyfriend. A super-spicy and wholesome plot might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but a holiday cowboy romance is a crowd-pleaser.
Fun-fact: About the title, all we can say is that it’s pun-nily promising!
4. The One Night Stand Before Christmas by Jana Aston
Warm cocoa ratings: 3.4/5
The strongest contender among the Reindeer Falls series, Aston has done it again. Noel Winters had innocently agreed to supervise the local library’s Santa photos. Taking that Santa to bed was supposed to be an afterthought. This non-dad-bod Santa had enough charm and loved his hot chocolate. Will Winters, the cynic, succumb to this Santa?
We do not intend to spoil this short-read any further, but this case of mistaken identities with little match-making to boot will leave you chuc- ho-ho-ho-ing? (bad pun, sorry). Being the final novel in the series, it does contain an epilogue that neatly wraps the previous stories together. This is a good choice for a short holiday romance book!
Small-Town Holiday Romance Books
While most Christmas Hallmark movies are cheesy and predictable, they’re still among most-watched entertainment. Did You Know: Most of these movies are filmed in Vancouver, Canada, during the summer, to profit from tax breaks. They are so fast-paced that they require an average of 15 days for filming!
The following holiday love stories are perfect gift options for fans of The Knight Before Christmas, The Holiday Calendar and Falling For Christmas plotlines:
5. So, This Is Christmas by Tracy Andreen
Warm cocoa ratings: 3.9/5
Small-town in a return-to-hometown kind of way, Finley Brown is back at Christmas, Oklahoma. She isn’t just here for Christmas break, but because: her parents have separated, her best friend is dating her ex, and her archnemesis works for her Grandma.
Worst of all, she’s brought home Arthur, an English transfer student, in the promise of the holiday spirit. Except, Christmas is just downright Grinch-y. How will Brown make it seem like the perfect winter getaway, apart from hacking the town’s website?
This Andreen debut, a Hallmark-movie-in-long-form, weaves warm moments and tough love with just enough comedy. A unique setting for the good old Christmas cheer! If you’re looking for a cutesy holiday romance, Andreen’s expertise on Hallmark movies should lead you here.
RELATED READING: 11 Books Like The Summer I Turned Pretty
6. Kiss The Girl by Melanie Jacobson
Warm cocoa ratings: 3.8/5
This Creekville Kisses’ second installment assures a clean romance. With her days numbered in Creekville, Grace Winters is ready to go back to her life in aerospace design. She is convinced that Noah Redmond, the new high-school coach, cannot get in the way.
Until they join forces to get back at the town’s matchmaking efforts. When they begin to set up a Christmas booth, Noah decides to test the limits of friendzone. When they begin fake-dating for Noah’s promotion, is their chemistry worth their chance as friends?
The realistic story elements make the plot more than just fluff. We still guarantee you’ll be kicking your feet up in the air though! The love-ly plot somehow still balances the depth it contains. Pick this up for warmth of community, value of family, and yummy chemistry!
7. Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison
Warm cocoa ratings: 3.5/5
Stella Blooms is determined to restore her childhood-favorite Christmas tree farm. To do that, she’s entered an Instagram contest to save from added financial distress. Only, she lied on the application that she was running the supposed romantic destination, Lovelight Farms, with her boyfriend. Her best friend Luka Peters was in town for a hot chocolate. Somehow, he’s ended up fake dating Blooms. Has Christmas come early for both of them?
This is the perfect pick for a good slow-burn, with steamy friends-to-lovers plot. Blooms might nearly sabotage the plot, but we promise (soft boy) Luka is a keeper. The perfect book for Christmas as it has a healthy (over) dose of Christmas elements, naughtiness included! For an extra cozy option this winter, read this!
Enemies To Lovers Holiday Romance Books
My favorite part about an enemies-to-lovers plot is counting down moments until the confession. Very much like advent calendars, the small treats along the way make the plot memorable. Did You Know: The first advent calendars featured Bible verses or pictures behind the doors, instead of small gifts.
On a slightly materialistic whim, this super indulgent fan-favorite trope awaits. Let the banter begin!
8. How My Neighbor Stole Christmas by Meghan Quinn
Warm cocoa ratings: 2/5
Your latest never-say-never just dropped! While this book-tok sensation is in desperate need for some grass touching, it is packed with Quinn’s humor. A spicy rom-com spin-off of the Grinch, Kringle’s Cole Black is not celebrating Christmas. Unfortunately for him, his archnemesis, Storee Taylor, moves in next door to take care of her Aunt Cindy.
The real nightmare begins when she decides to take Cindy’s place in the Christmas Kringle contest. This is enough fuel for Cole to enter the contest, and to win. The competition isn’t the only heat we have to deal with.
This fake-dating plot leads up to a flirty festive treat. The best part about it might be the banter, but it’s also over-kill with fan-favorite tropes in holiday romances. The pacing is off, save for the LOL moments with a little extra spice. If that’s your jam, go grab a copy fast!
9. A Cat Café Christmas by Codi Gary
Warm cocoa ratings: 3/5
An opposites-attract, soft, second-chance type enemies to lovers book that you can read in a single sitting. Veterinarian Kara Ingalls is recovering from heartbreak and an embezzlement situation her fiancé has caused. She desperately needs a Christmas miracle if she wants to find loving homes for her adoptable cats.
Her Meow and Furrever Cat Café is in the red, and she needs solutions, fast! Turning down marketing guru, Ben Reese would be foolish, even if he has no idea how to foster kittens. Will their professionalism waver once all the cats find new homes? Read on to find their purr-fect HEA.
With palpable chemistry, Reese brings in the broody hero agenda. With much emotional baggage on either end, will the two of them give love a second chance? A low steam, cute holiday romance with cats perfectly sums this up. An extra-special, cute gift for cat lovers!
Fun fact: It includes cat illustrations at the start of every chapter!
10. Jingle Wars by R. Holmes and Veronica Eden
Warm cocoa ratings: 3.4/5
In this steamy, rivals-to-lovers, small-town love story, there are two inns with not enough room for both. With a Christmas competition, and seemingly endless rivalry, Finn Mayberry and Freya Anderson are at odds, come the Jingle Wars. He’s trying to keep his grandparents’ inn afloat, and she’s setting up a five-star resort right next-door. There can be only one winner, but is all fair in love and Jingle Wars?
This Hallmark-ish plot has as many cheesy moments as it does steamy ones. While the angst MMC feels off-limits in the beginning, the small-town, forced proximity does wonders. Emotional and hilarious, this writer duo has given us something delicious to sink our teeth into.
Tip: Get yourself a flute of chilled Chardonnay for this one!
RELATED READING: 13 Heartbreaking Books Like It Ends With Us
Christmas Romantic Novels
Magic is everywhere, and there’s nothing like a white Christmas to remind you of that! Fun-fact: Even the (Gemini 6, 1965) astronauts have broadcasted “Jingle Bells” from space!
When you’re desperately looking for that pocket of Christmas magic, pick any of these:
11. In A Holidaze by Christina Lauren
Warm cocoa ratings: 3.5/5
Consider this for a hit-or-miss, minimal holiday time-travel romance plot. This sappy-happy story follows Maelyn Jones’ “most wonderful time of the year” going downhill. An accident propels her into reliving the same holiday on loop. Her big break from it will be determined under the mistletoe. Will her man, Andrew, show up there too?
A spiced-vanilla romance with a cozy-ish plot, thanks to the childhood trope. This light-hearted plot is sure to pull you out of the dreaded reading slump. Fast-paced, easy read, Andrew is bound to have you crushing over him. If you’re here for the fluff, it can’t get fluffier than this.
12. The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox
Warm cocoa ratings: 3.2/5
Identical baker twins Charlie and Cass Goodwin are trying to stay calm amidst their individual chaos. Charlie wants to get away from the reality baking show for which she’s a judge, thanks to an accident. And Cass wants to escape an old ex who simply won’t get the message.
With days before Christmas, they decide to switch places. Trading lives is more complicated, but does falling in love mean a way back to the calm? Sweet romance, delicious treats, and a dash of Christmas spirit sound like the perfect recipe for this holiday romance. Read this if you want to find yourself smiling at every turn.
Did You Know: Maggie Knox is pseudonymously Karma Brown and Marissa Stapley.
13. The Tourist Attraction by Sarah Morgenthaler
Warm cocoa ratings: 3/5
Moose Springs’ The Tourist Trap is run by Graham Barnett. While he meant it as a joke, his job at the diner isn’t really fulfilling. Zoey Caldwell’s supposed vacation fling is a bucket list. It only contains the mountain town of Moose Springs, and she intends to spend her two weeks there.
When Graham and Zoey meet thanks to an act of kindness, there is more (to love) than meets the eye. Balancing insta-love between characters is a slippery slope, but Morgenthaler has fared decently well. This mild steamy, laughter-inducing story is the perfect option for the Grinch in your group!
Fun fact: The plot comes with a bread-loving, lovestruck moose, and the cutest canine!
14. The Twelve Dates Of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss
Warm cocoa ratings: 3/5
Sleepy town England’s Blexford is not brimming with prospects. Yet, Kate Turner (34) couldn’t care less. She is fulfilled with her design career, and her part-time baking job at the neighborhood café with her friend Matt. She’s now on a 12-date dating spree with 12 different men in the twenty-three days leading up to Christmas, credits to her friend. Finding love shouldn’t be easier than this.
The plot is sprinkled with details, for Christmas and more. Funny and flop dates are amusing to get through. Capturing festive magic is no easy feat among messy relationships, but this one tried!
Did You Know: The 12 Days of Christmas actually begin on Christmas Day and end on the 5th of January.
Second-Chance Holiday Romances
On the other side of the rivals-to-lovers, we have childhood besties being reunited. While they may or may not have dated, the “I’ve loved you all this time” quickly grows on people. For a little forced proximity and more swooning, here goes:
15. The Eight Heartbreaks Of Hanukkah by Jean Meltzer
Warm cocoa ratings: 4/5
This humorous, heart-felt, Jewish love story is a second-chance romance dealing with heavy topics. Evelyn Schwartz has her hands full with the live televised version of A Christmas Carol for Hanukkah plans. She claims she has no need for a family, with a dream job and its near-impossible deadlines. When an accident on set lands her in the hospital, old ghosts come to haunt.
David Adler, her ex-husband, surprisingly fills in as studio doctor. It had been two years since they’d last seen each other, but do they have a future to count on? Elbow grease from the ghosts’ end for these exes reuniting on Christmas.
This emotional plot has its own comedic relief, along with character chemistry. This festive romance is also deep – a careful exploration of ambition, faith, grief and the slow evolution of love. The slow-burn, second chance fully embraces the care that goes into relationships, adding layers of authenticity.
Tip: Do not skip the author’s note at the end!
RELATED READING: 15 Billionaire Romance Novels Of The Rich And The Ruthless
16. Merry Ex-Mas by Courtney Walsh
Warm cocoa ratings: 3.7/5
Marin is determined to be deemed Good Day Denver’s permanent host. She’s on a mission to convince the producer to film favorite family traditions. While she hasn’t been back home for eight years, she is also not prepared to run into her ex-boyfriend, Max. On his own mission, Max is trying to win Marin back. Marin has to fake-flirt with him for the sake of her viewers, but we all know her love can’t be fake.
This second-chance, small-town romance is the perfect contender for balancing sappy and sad. The character growth adds to the plot, and so does the careful treading around topics of loss and grief. This childhood friends-to-lovers plot will quickly claim its place.
Did You Know: The “X” in X-Mas stands for the Greek letter chi, first letter for Christ.
17. The Two-Week Roommate by Roxie Noir
Warm cocoa ratings: 3.4/5
Ex-bestfriends Andi and Gideon “reunite” twenty years later. They’re stuck in a snowed-in cabin, trying to make peace since the near-ruin. With just a handful of childhood memories in common, spending two weeks in each others’ company doesn’t sound impossible. Except that handful of memories were Andi’s favorite ones. Can they fix what they have and still face the outside world?
While the plot is filled with dramatic undercurrents, this forced proximity plot comes with a blushing MMC forest ranger. There is a lot of humor and heat, although we highly recommend you check out trigger warnings first. Pick this up for honest conversations, chemistry, and extra cinnamon!
Steamy Holiday Romance Books For Adults
It doesn’t matter if Santa Claus has to travel to 822 homes every second to deliver presents to everyone. It only matters that he is Father Nicholas, now turned Daddy. For more Christmas romance novels to accompany Back Door Santa (or even I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus), read on:
(Ho, ho, ho!)
18. The Plight Before Christmas by Kate Stewart
Warm cocoa ratings: 3.5/5
On the brink of her annual holiday meltdown, Whitney decides to come home for Christmas to clear the air. More time with her hilarious family would have turned luck, until her first love, Eli, shows up. Eli was the one that got away, and yet he wants her back. Full of fun family dynamics and festive cheer, this one is a charmingly steamy plot.
It is also a little more than just a festive romance plot. Something to do with first loves, and that kind of heartbreak. With forgiveness, pasts and presents collide for Whitney and Eli. When being proven wrong for having given up on love, you can find a lot of weak knees.
19. Tis The Season For Revenge by Morgan Elizabeth
Warm cocoa ratings: 4/5
Richard Bartholemew Benson the Third is a mouthful. And supposedly Abbie Keller’s forever, until he proves her wrong. Deeming her fun and unserious, he disregards her desperate attempts to keep them together. Abbie and her group of friends come up with a crazy revenge plan!
When Abbie daringly dates the founding partner, Damien Martinez, she wants Richard to take up the bait. Until, she begins falling for Damien and forgets she’s seeking revenge. This age-gap, grumpy x sunshine holiday plot is steamier than you think!
20. The Mistletoe Bet by Maren Moore
Warm cocoa ratings: 3.3/5
Quinn is forced to spend Christmas week with family in Strawberry Hollow. Unfortunately, Christmas is her least favorite holiday. Until she runs into Parker Grant, her childhood crush and brother’s best friend. This off-limits hot doctor makes a bet under the mistletoe. He is determined to bet, to convince her to change her mind about his favorite holiday.
Full of banter, this hilarious, insta-lust novella has a beautiful HEA. When the grinch falls in love, there is really no going back. Heavy on the Hallmark trend, it does finish off fancy for the season.
Other popular holiday romance books you might want to check out:
- Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey
- A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy
- Cruel Winter With You by Ali Hazelwood
- The Mistletoe Motive by Chloe Liese
- Resting Scrooge Face by Meghan Quinn
Conclusion
With your Christmas playlist ready, we hope you’ve put up all the lights too. Oh, and don’t forget the wreath on the door. Just leave the holiday romance book recommendations to us! Settle yourself down for the warmth of the festive season with these box-of-chocolates delectable holiday love stories. Merry Christmas and a Happy Reading Year!
FAQs
1. Why are holiday romances so intense?
Holiday romances often allow for relaxed new environments without immediate responsibilities. Being exposed to new experiences motivates the brain’s reward system, making interactions and situations seem exaggerated: emotionally charged and more exciting.
2. What are some clean or family-friendly holiday romance novels?
B.K Borison’s Lovelight Farms, Maggie Knox’s The Holiday Swap, Christina Lauren’s In A Holidaze, and Jasmine Guillory’s Royal Holiday are strong contenders for clean and family-friendly holiday romance novels.
3. What’s the most popular Christmas romance book ever?
Most popular favorites include B.K Borison’s Lovelight Farms, Christina Lauren’s In A Holidaze, and Tessa Bailey’s Window Shopping.
