The holiday season is all about taking time to relax and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa under a fuzzy blanket. December is also known for its love of all things romance: mistletoe, Hallmark movies, and best of all romance novels. Here is a list of the holiday romances that are getting the most buzz this year!
Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey
Window Shopping follows Stella and Aiden, two people with very different lives who find an unlikely partnership during the Christmas season. After unknowingly telling Aiden, the owner of a department store, how awful his Christmas displays look, Aiden hires Stella to help him get the store looking in order. From there, sparks fly and a romance is born. It’s been getting rave reviews on both BookTok and Goodreads. If you like grumpy/sunshine or boss/employee romances this is the book for you. Tessa Bailey also has a wonderful collection of highly rated romances so if you’ve wanted to dive into her work this is a great place to start!
Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory
Royal Holiday follows the romance of Vivian, an older woman traveling to England with her daughter and Malcolm, the Queen’s private secretary. Despite all the factors working against them, these two can’t deny their attraction to one another when they meet. This book is the fourth of the series, but can be read as a stand-alone. This book is great if you’re looking for more diverse representation in your holiday media.
One Day in December by Josie Silver
If you’re looking for a little more conflict/angst in your romances, One Day in December is right for you. This story follows Laurie and Jack, two people who had a love at first sight moment years ago. They meet again when Jack is introduced as the boyfriend of Laurie’s best friend. This book follows the conflicts and turbulence of forbidden love. It should be noted that this book does have very mixed reviews, but if you’re looking for some drama this book might be perfect for you.
In A Holidaze by Christina Lauren
Bring Groundhog Day to the holiday season and you have In A Holidaze. Main character Mae’s life seems to be falling apart when she learns her childhood holiday retreat is being sold. After a plea to the universe and a car crash, Mae wakes up to find she can relive her final visit to the cabin indefinitely. Throw in some romantic mistakes and a love triangle, and Mae has a lot on her hands but plenty of repeats to get it right. If you’re a fan of Christina Lauren’s other works or love the childhood-best-friends-to-lovers trope give this book a try!
The Naughty List by Ellie Mae MacGregor
Okay, hear me out. Sometimes you just need a ridiculous book to relieve you from the stress of the holidays or the end of the semester. This novella is it. The short read follows the steamy romance between main character Kate and none other than Santa Claus himself. Despite its premise this novella has received countless positive reviews. Treat yourself to something a little ridiculous this holiday season.