If you love to read and you love Christmas, then this is the place for you! One of my favorite ways to get in the holiday spirit is to read fun rom-coms set in the holiday season! Below I have put 12 cute, Christmas romances for whoever is ready to get in the holiday spirit.
FOREWARNING: I have not read all these books yet! I am reading them this season so I will be getting them for the first time just like you! There are four exceptions to this rule however! But I have scrolled through many articles and personal recommendations to from the most magical, holiday filled Christmas Reading List.
Nick and Noel’s Christmas Playlist by Codi Hall
The first book on this list is “Nick and Noel’s Christmas Playlist” is described as a sparkling holiday romance. It tells the friends-to-lovers story of Nick Winter and Noel Carter. It has an adorable setting on a Christmas tree farm and consists of Noel’s attempts to use Christmas tunes to lift Scrooge ( oops I mean Nick’s) spirits after a disheartening breakup. The summary says, “they‘ ll be rocking around the christmas tree— as long as Nick’s ex doesn’t go standing under any mistletoe.” This book has 4 stars on goodreads and several good reviews. Jennifer M. said, “this charming friends-to-lovers gave me all the cozy feels” and Rosa Dunahue said, “It is the perfect holiday love story.”
Certifiably Scrooge by @clarifications on Wattpad
This is one of the four exceptions to my “I haven’t read it rule”. In truth, this is one of the books I read every year before christmas. Another nitpicks thing to note about it is that it is not actually published, readers can find it for free on Wattpad. All of that being said it is a really cute, holiday romance about two characters who could not be more different. The male lead is Finn who is rich, cocky, and slightly snarky; and then Clark who is positive, loves christmas, and a theater kid. These two together are a recipe for romance, laughter, and mischief.
All I Want for Christmas is a Cowboy by Jessica Clare
While I have never read this particular book, I have read pretty much everything else this author has written. Jessica Clare was the first romance author I ever read back-to-back. Her books always have sympathizable heroines and sexy hero’s. This book features an adorable dog, being snowed in at a snowy ranch, and love at first sight. Eli Picket has stayed at the ranch he works at to allow all his employees to go home for the holidays he doesn’t particularly care about. Cassandra Horn is trying to escape a suffocating work environment by driving to her parents winder cabin. Fate intervenes and messes up both their plans when a snowstorm caused Cass to crash right outside Eli’s ranch. This book has 4.5 stars on goodreads and is described by Booklist as “a steamy holiday confection that equally delivers heartwarming laughs and heart-melting sighs.”
10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston
I read this book for the first time last year because it was written by an author from my area and it did not disappoint! Quite the contrast, I loved it! It is a sweet story about a nosy, well-intentioned family and a girl who reconnects with childhood friends. Along the way, she falls in love with the guy she never noticed but was always there. It is really light and fun and will make you appreciate your family as the holidays creep up on us all. It has 4.5 stars on goodreads and is described by NPR as “POSITIVELY DELIGHTFUL— all caps— from beginning to end
A Holly Jolly Diwali by Sonya Lalli
While this is technically not a christmas book, it is a holiday romance. USA Today said, “Lalli’s porse is deft, her characters are delightful and her book is just- right holiday romance.” This is the story of type A, extremely practical and flirty, London musician Sameer. They both end up at the same wedding in India during Diwali, the Festival of Lights. These two characters are an opposites-attract, bring out the best in each other couple.
Lights on Knockbridge Lane by Roan Parrish
Like number three on this list, this is an author I know well and trust. I have been waiting to read this book for the holidays but I am so excited! I have devoured all of the other books by this author so I definitely have high hopes going into this one! Publishers Weekly said, “Any romance lover will get caught up in this charming christmas tale.” This is the love story of Adam Mills, a single father, and Wes Mobary. It’s a story about family and overcoming obstacles to find happiness. It has 4.2 stars on goodreads and several good reviews despite only coming out recently!
Mr Right and Mistletoe by Sarah Morgenthaler
This is the third book on this list I have already read and despite having been the most recent ( I have read Let It Snow and Certifiably Scrooge every christmas for years now) it is one of my all time favorites! It made my top five of all the books I read in 2020 ( which due to quarantine was A LOT). The two main characters, Lara and Rick, have a special place in my heart. It’s silly and light but also heartwarming and special. Lara is just trying to find a place to call home where she can finally belong and Rick has had a crush on her since the day they met. If you read any of the books on this list, give this one a chance! It has 4.5 stars on goodreads and Booklist says it is “a love story of two lonely souls coming together during the holidays is sure to bring Christmas joy and more than a few laughs.”
Christmas on Mistletoe Lane by Annie Rains
I am really excited for this one because it is everything a holiday romance should be. It has a cute setting— a small town bed and breakfast. Plus, two characters who are total opposites being thrown together in joint ownership of said in. I love that the summary of this book ends with a pun too. It says, “Will Mitch keep running from the ghosts of Christmas past… or will he realize the true fist he’s been given?” I mean, how cute is that? One of the reviews on goodreads ( 4 stars) said this needs to be made into a hallmark christmas movie! I love traditional, contemporary romance novels like this one so I am really really hoping it lives up to expectations!
Dear Santa by Nancy Naigle
This is a retelling of one of my favorite movies “You’ve Got Mail” so I am excited to see how it is adapted into a holiday version. It is a business rivals to lover’s story about hidden identity and the guise of first impressions. It has 4.5 stars on goodreads and many positive reviews.
In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren
This is a book that came highly recommended to me by my friend who loves the authors Christina Lauren! It is my first ever book by these authors so I am very excited to see how it turns out. It has four stars on goodreads and one reviewer wrote, “It was everything I needed post-finals week and it made me so ready for Christmas I just need JOY RIGHT NOW.” Considering that is exactly what I am looking for going into December I cannot wait to read about Maelyn Jones’s who is stuck reliving the same day over and over until she can rekindle the christmas magic and get her kiss under the mistletoe!
Let It Snow by John Green, Lauren Myracle, and Maureen Johnson
This is three novellas that I have read over and over again every year. Each one is has endearing teenage characters who fall because of crazy coincidences and a snow storm on Christmas Eve. I don’t want to give too much away because each of the stories are short so it’s perfect for someone who is super busy going into the holidays but still wants a little christmas cheer! Take my word for it though, this is a really special book!
How the Dukes Stole Christmas by Tessa Dare, Sarah MacLean, Sophie Jordan, and Joanna Shupe
The last book on my list is another anthology of four novellas! I must admit as a history buff and avid reader, historical fiction is honestly my jam so I had to have at least one book from this genre on this list! I was so excited when I found this because two of the four authors included have written some of my favorite books. Tessa Dare and Joanna Shupe are fabulous, and I would be willing to bet Sarah MacLean and Sophie Jordan are as well. It has 3.75 stars on goodreads and I can’t wait to dig in!
Bonus: Christmasland or A Wedding in December or Holiday Swap