14 Holiday Rom-Com Books That Spark Warm Feelings
- Joao Nsita
- 16 hours ago
- 23 min read
There is a unique and delicious magic that settles over the world as the holiday season approaches. It’s a feeling woven from the scent of pine and gingerbread, the soft glow of twinkling lights, and the promise of cozy, quiet moments spent in the company of a good story. It’s a time when our hearts naturally yearn for comfort, for nostalgia, and for narratives that wrap around us like a warm, familiar blanket. And in the vast, wonderful world of literature, there is no genre that captures this feeling more perfectly than the holiday rom-com.
This is more than just a reading trend; it's a full-blown cultural phenomenon, celebrated and amplified on social media platforms like Pinterest and TikTok. The #holidayromance and #christmasbooks hashtags are a festive explosion of cozy aesthetics, with readers showcasing their favorite reads against backdrops of crackling fireplaces and steaming mugs. The demand is clear: we are craving stories that feel like a Hallmark movie, but with more depth, more wit, and often, a little more spice. We want the charming small towns, the grumpy heroes with hearts of gold, the forced proximity of a snowstorm, and the soul-deep satisfaction of a guaranteed happy ending. This guide is your ultimate, hand-picked map to the very best of these literary winter wonderlands.
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14. The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer
The Vibe: Kicking off our list is a book that is a fresh, funny, and deeply heartfelt celebration of Hanukkah romance. The Matzah Ball is a story for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider during a season dominated by Christmas trees and carols. It’s a vibrant, charming, and utterly unique rom-com that is full of Jewish joy, delicious food, and a love story that is as warm and comforting as a perfectly fried latke.
Why It's a Perfect Holiday Read: This book is a much-needed and beautifully executed addition to the holiday romance genre, offering a story that is both culturally specific and universally relatable. It’s a fantastic enemies-to-lovers romance with a delightful secret identity twist. The author, Jean Meltzer, who lives with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), also brings a powerful and authentic perspective to the heroine’s chronic illness, a representation that is both important and deeply moving. You can learn more about the author and her work on her official website. The book is a celebration of tradition, family, and the courage it takes to embrace who you truly are. It’s a story that will make you laugh, make you learn, and leave you with a full, happy heart.
Book Details: Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt is a nice Jewish girl with a secret: she is the secret author of dozens of bestselling Christmas romance novels. Her obsession with all things Christmas is a source of shame for her family, but it’s the only thing that brings her joy. When her publisher demands a Hanukkah romance, Rachel finds herself with a severe case of writer's block. To find inspiration, she decides to attend the Matzah Ball, a huge Hanukkah music festival. The only problem? The festival is being organized by her childhood arch-nemesis, Jacob Greenberg.
How to Enjoy It: This is the perfect book to curl up with during the eight nights of Hanukkah, or any time you are craving a story that is full of warmth and heart. Pair it with a plate of homemade sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) and a cozy blanket.
🔹 Buy it now on Amazon → The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer
13. A Very Merry Bromance (Bromance Book Club #5) by Lyssa Kay Adams
The Vibe: The Bromance Book Club series is a fan-favorite for its unique and hilarious premise: a group of alpha-jock men who secretly read romance novels to fix their relationships. A Very Merry Bromance is the series' festive installment, and it is a pure, unadulterated delight. It’s a second-chance romance that is funny, steamy, and full of the signature wit and heart that has made the series a sensation. It’s a story about forgiveness, grand gestures, and the power of a good romance novel to teach us all a thing or two about love.
Why It's a Perfect Holiday Read: This book is a fantastic twist on the classic holiday romance. Seeing the Christmas season through the eyes of the romance-reading "bros" is consistently hilarious. The story is a beautiful exploration of the second-chance romance trope, a theme of redemption and reconnection that is perfect for the holiday season. The book is also a wonderful meta-commentary on the romance genre itself, celebrating its emotional intelligence and its power to bring people together. The festive, Nashville setting is a fun and unique backdrop for a holiday story. The book’s powerful, emotional core is as moving as a classic love song, a theme we explore in our list of the Top 10 Elvis Presley Songs of All Time.
Book Details: Country music superstar Colton Wheeler is famous for his bad-boy reputation, but he’s never gotten over Gretchen Winthrop, the immigration attorney he fell for and then pushed away. A year later, a chance encounter at a charity event gives him a second chance. But Gretchen has no interest in getting her heart broken again. With the help of the Bromance Book Club and a particularly sappy holiday romance novel, Colton is determined to prove to Gretchen that he is ready to be the hero of their story.
How to Enjoy It: This is a perfect read for a day spent decorating the Christmas tree. Put on a playlist of your favorite country Christmas songs, pour a glass of spiked eggnog, and get ready to laugh and swoon in equal measure.
🔹 Shop this deal now on Amazon → A Very Merry Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams
12. The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox
The Vibe: Inspired by the classic holiday movie The Holiday, this book is a sweet, charming, and utterly delightful romance about twin sisters who decide to swap lives for the twelve days leading up to Christmas. It’s a cozy, low-stakes, and incredibly heartwarming story that is pure, feel-good, festive fun. It’s a celebration of sisterhood, small-town charm, and the magic of finding love where you least expect it.
Why It's a Perfect Holiday Read: This book is the literary equivalent of a perfect Hallmark Christmas movie. The "twin swap" premise is a fantastic and fun trope, and the dual storylines keep the narrative fresh and engaging. The contrast between the glamorous, high-pressure world of a reality baking show in Los Angeles and the cozy, charming, small-town life is a huge part of the book's appeal. It’s a story that is full of delicious-sounding baked goods, lovable characters, and two sweet and satisfying romances. It’s a perfect, lighthearted escape for a chilly winter afternoon. The theme of finding your true self in a new place is a classic narrative, reminiscent of the journey of self-discovery we see in many great films, like the one we reviewed in 10 Best Movies on Disney+ For A Cozy Winter Day.
Book Details: Charlie Goodwin is a pastry chef and the co-host of a popular reality baking show. A concussion on set leaves her without her sense of taste or smell—a disaster with the upcoming holiday special. Meanwhile, her identical twin, Cass, is desperate to escape their hometown and the heartbreak of her recent breakup. They decide on a perfect, temporary solution: a twelve-day swap. But their plan gets complicated when they start falling for the handsome men in each other's lives.
How to Enjoy It: This is a book that demands to be read while baking your own favorite holiday treats. The descriptions of the gingerbread, cookies, and cakes are absolutely mouth-watering. You can find more on the book and the author duo behind the name Maggie Knox on their Goodreads page.
🔹 Buy it here on Amazon before it sells out! → The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox
11. The Mistletoe Motive by Chloe Liese
The Vibe: A slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance set in a charming, independent bookstore at Christmas? It’s a book lover’s dream come true. The Mistletoe Motive is a smart, witty, and deeply romantic story that is a perfect blend of holiday cheer and heartfelt emotion. It is a celebration of books, of finding your place, and of the grumpy-sunshine dynamic that romance readers adore.
Why It's a Perfect Holiday Read: This book is a perfect "cozy academia" Christmas read. The setting of the independent bookstore is incredibly atmospheric and charming. The central romance is a masterclass in the enemies-to-lovers and grumpy/sunshine tropes. The author, Chloe Liese, is known for her incredible and authentic neurodivergent representation, and this book is no exception, with both main characters being on the autism spectrum. It is a beautiful, nuanced, and important portrayal that is woven seamlessly into a delightful and steamy romance. For more on the importance of authentic representation in fiction, you can explore resources from organizations like We Need Diverse Books. The story is full of witty banter, hilarious bookstore shenanigans, and a slow-burn romance that is incredibly satisfying. The book’s smart, literary feel is perfect for a reader who appreciates a well-told story, a theme we also explored in our review of The Dark Knight and its incredible script.
Book Details: Gabriella is a cheerful, Christmas-loving bookseller who is determined to save her beloved independent bookstore from financial ruin. Jonathan is the new co-owner, a grumpy, gorgeous, and infuriating man who seems to hate everything Gabriella loves—including Christmas. They are polar opposites, forced to work together to save the store. But as they spend their days surrounded by books and their nights navigating holiday festivities, they discover a shared passion and a connection that is far deeper than their surface-level animosity.
How to Enjoy It: This is the perfect book to read while supporting your own local independent bookstore. Grab a hot chocolate from a local cafe, find a cozy corner, and get lost in this beautiful, bookish romance.
🔹 Shop this deal now on Amazon → The Mistletoe Motive by Chloe Liese
10. Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey
The Vibe: From the undisputed queen of spicy romance, Tessa Bailey, comes a holiday rom-com that is as hilarious and chaotic as it is hot. Wreck the Halls is a fantastically fun and over-the-top story that is pure, unadulterated entertainment. It’s a book for readers who love their holiday stories with a heavy dose of witty banter, laugh-out-loud situations, and some seriously steamy scenes. It’s a rock-and-roll Christmas story that is anything but silent night.
Why It's a Perfect Holiday Read: This book is a perfect, high-energy antidote to the sometimes overly-sweet nature of the holiday genre. The forced proximity of a cross-country road trip during a snowstorm is a classic and effective trope. The dynamic between the buttoned-up heroine and the chaotic rock-star hero is a brilliant twist on the grumpy/sunshine dynamic. Tessa Bailey is a master at writing incredible chemistry and sharp, hilarious dialogue, and this book is a prime example of her talent. It’s a fun, fast-paced, and incredibly enjoyable read that will have you laughing from beginning to end. The book's fun, rebellious energy is as infectious as a classic rock song, a theme we explored in our list of the Top 10 Elvis Presley Songs of All Time. For more on the author and her huge backlist of beloved books, you can visit her official website.
Book Details: Beatrix, the reserved daughter of a rock legend, has always lived her life in the shadow of her famous parents. Melody, a wild and free-spirited musician, is her polar opposite. When they find out their parents are getting married on Christmas Eve, they are forced to embark on a chaotic road trip from New York to the Hamptons. A snowstorm, a series of hilarious mishaps, and only one bed stand between them and their destination, forcing them to confront their prejudices and the undeniable spark between them.
How to Enjoy It: This book is best enjoyed with a fun, festive cocktail in hand. Put on a rock and roll Christmas playlist, and get ready for a wild ride. For some great cocktail inspiration, you might enjoy our list of 20 Best Cocktails for Valentine's Day (and Date Night).
🔹 Buy it here on Amazon before the deal ends → Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey
9. Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey
The Vibe: Another gem from Tessa Bailey, Window Shopping is a holiday romance with a surprising amount of emotional depth. It’s a story about second chances, redemption, and the courage it takes to believe in yourself again. Set against the magical, festive backdrop of a Fifth Avenue department store at Christmas, this is a heartwarming, steamy, and incredibly charming take on the grumpy/sunshine trope.
Why It's a Perfect Holiday Read: This book is a perfect blend of spicy and sweet. The setting of a high-end department store during the holidays is incredibly festive and atmospheric. The story is a beautiful exploration of the theme of second chances, a message that is particularly resonant during the reflective holiday season. The hero, Aiden, is a golden-retriever-in-human-form, a man whose relentless optimism and belief in the heroine is incredibly swoon-worthy. The book has been praised for its positive and sex-positive portrayal of an ex-convict heroine, a representation that is both rare and important. It’s a story that will make you feel hopeful and warm from the inside out. The theme of a new beginning is a powerful one, a journey we also explore in our 10 Journaling Prompts to Reset Your Mind in January.
Book Details: Stella is fresh out of prison and just trying to get her life back on track. The last thing she expects is to literally collide with Aiden, the charming and impossibly handsome manager of a famous department store. Charmed by her cynical but brilliant critique of his holiday window display, he offers her a job on the spot. Stella is convinced it’s a mistake, but Aiden is determined to give her a second chance, a decision that could cost them both their careers and their hearts.
How to Enjoy It: This is the perfect book to read after a day of holiday shopping. The descriptions of the festive store displays are so vivid, you’ll feel like you’re right there on Fifth Avenue. The book’s hopeful message is a beautiful companion to the season, a theme we also explored in our review of the film 14 Feel-Good Series That Feel Like a Warm Blanket.
🔹 Shop this deal now on Amazon → Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey
8. The Christmas Fix by Lucy Score
The Vibe: From the queen of small-town romance, Lucy Score, comes a holiday novel that is all about community, home, and the magic of a second chance. The Christmas Fix is a heartwarming, funny, and deeply satisfying story that feels like a big, cozy hug from your favorite small town. It’s a perfect blend of a home renovation show and a classic holiday romance, a story that will have you rooting for not just the couple, but for the entire town.
Why It's a Perfect Holiday Read: This book is a masterclass in the small-town romance and second-chance romance tropes. The setting of Home, Maine, is a perfectly rendered cozy winter town. The community aspect of the story—the entire town coming together to save their Christmas festival—is incredibly heartwarming and is the perfect embodiment of the holiday spirit. Lucy Score is known for her incredible ensemble casts, and this book is no exception. The central romance is a beautiful, slow-burn journey of forgiveness and reconnection. It’s a story that is full of heart, humour, and the kind of deep, satisfying emotional payoff that Lucy Score is famous for. The power of music to bring a community together is a recurring theme, a feeling we also see in classic films like The Sound of Music.
Book Details: Catalina is a home renovation reality TV star. When she gets a chance to host her own show, she decides to come back to her hometown to renovate the local inn and save the town's beloved Christmas festival. The only problem? She has to work with Noah, her ex-best-friend and the one who broke her heart. As they work together to fix up the town, they are forced to confront their past and the feelings that have never truly gone away.
How to Enjoy It: This is the perfect book to read while watching your own favorite home renovation show on HGTV. The descriptions of the renovation process are just as satisfying as the romance. For more on Lucy Score and her other beloved series, you can visit her official author website.
🔹 Buy it here on Amazon before it sells out! → The Christmas Fix by Lucy Score
7. The Holiday Trap by Roan Parrish
The Vibe: Another delightful take on the "house swap" trope, The Holiday Trap is a fresh, modern, and wonderfully inclusive holiday romance. This book is a queer romance that tells two love stories in one, following two different protagonists who swap homes for the holidays. It’s a story that is full of warmth, heart, and a beautiful exploration of what it means to find yourself and your home in the most unexpected of places.
Why It's a Perfect Holiday Read: This book is a fantastic, contemporary update to a classic trope. The dual storylines and the contrast between the cozy, quiet, small town in Maine and the vibrant, festive city of New Orleans keep the narrative fresh and exciting. The book is a beautiful celebration of queer love and found family. It’s a story that is both incredibly romantic and deeply affirming. The author, Roan Parrish, is known for their character-driven, emotionally intelligent writing, and this book is a prime example of their talent. It’s a perfect, heartwarming read for anyone looking for a holiday romance that is both classic in its tropes and modern in its perspective. For more on the best in LGBTQ+ literature, you can explore the curated lists from organizations like the Lambda Literary Foundation.
Book Details: Greta has a secret: she’s in love with her best friend. Desperate for a change of scenery for the holidays, she agrees to swap houses with Truman, a man from a small town in Maine who is dealing with his own family drama. Greta finds herself charmed by the quirky, close-knit community in Maine and the town's handsome, kind-hearted veterinarian. Meanwhile, Truman discovers a new sense of freedom and a potential new love in the vibrant, welcoming world of New Orleans.
How to Enjoy It: This is a book that will make you want to travel. Look up pictures of the beautiful, snowy towns of Maine and the festive streets of New Orleans as you read to fully immerse yourself in the two beautiful settings. The journey of self-discovery in the book is a theme we also explore in our guide on 14 “Soft Goals” for a Kinder, Calmer 2026.
🔹 Shop this deal now on Amazon → The Holiday Trap by Roan Parrish
6. A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone
The Vibe: What happens when a plus-size adult film star is accidentally cast in a squeaky-clean, family-friendly Christmas movie? The result is A Merry Little Meet Cute, a hilarious, steamy, and surprisingly sweet romance that is a brilliant and clever commentary on the entertainment industry. This book is a unique, body-positive, and incredibly fun holiday read that is unlike anything else on this list.
Why It's a Perfect Holiday Read: This book is a fantastic, spicy, and meta take on the holiday movie genre. The behind-the-scenes setting of a "Hope Channel" Christmas movie is a hilarious and clever backdrop for the story. The book is a wonderful celebration of body positivity and a powerful critique of the often-toxic and size-exclusive nature of Hollywood. But at its heart, it is a fantastic second-chance romance with incredible chemistry and some seriously steamy scenes. It's a book that is both laugh-out-loud funny and surprisingly poignant. It is a perfect read for those who love their romance with a side of sharp social commentary. The book’s powerful, confident energy is as captivating as a classic rock anthem, a theme we explored in our list of the Top 10 Elvis Presley Songs of All Time.
Book Details: Bee is a plus-size adult film star, a job she loves. When she is accidentally cast in a Hope Channel Christmas movie, she sees it as a chance to break into mainstream acting. The only problem? The male lead is her childhood boy-band crush, Nolan, a man who is trying to rehab his own bad-boy image. When Nolan recognizes Bee, they are forced to keep her identity a secret, a situation that leads to a lot of hilarious and very steamy close calls.
How to Enjoy It: This is the perfect book to read while you are hate-watching (or genuinely loving) your own favorite cheesy Christmas movies. The behind-the-scenes perspective will give you a whole new appreciation for the genre. For a full list of new holiday movies, you can check out guides from publications like Entertainment Weekly.
🔹 Buy it here on Amazon before it sells out! → A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone
5. One Day in December by Josie Silver
The Vibe: A sweeping, decade-spanning, and deeply emotional love story that all begins with a single, magical moment. One Day in December is a story of love at first sight, missed connections, and the messy, beautiful, and often heartbreaking complexities of love and friendship. It’s a book that will make you swoon, make you ache, and stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page. It is a true epic of the heart.
Why It's a Perfect Holiday Read: This book is a perfect, immersive, and emotionally satisfying read for the holiday season. The story begins and ends in the festive month of December, and the London setting is beautifully atmospheric. This is not a light, fluffy rom-com; it is a deeper, more poignant exploration of love that feels incredibly real and earned. It is a masterclass in the friends-to-lovers and right-person-wrong-time tropes. The journey of the three main characters—Laurie, Jack, and Laurie's best friend, Sarah—is a complex and beautifully rendered portrait of a decade of life. It’s a book that will make you feel everything, a perfect, cathartic read for a long winter's night. The powerful, epic love story is a theme we also celebrated in our review of 14 Epic Fantasy Films That Feel Like Winter Escapes.
Book Details: Laurie is on a bus one snowy day in December when she sees a man at the bus stop. Their eyes meet, and in a single, magical moment, she knows he is the one. A year later, her best friend and roommate, Sarah, introduces her to her new boyfriend: the man from the bus stop. What follows is ten years of friendship, heartbreak, and missed opportunities as Laurie and Jack navigate their undeniable connection and their loyalty to Sarah.
How to Enjoy It: This is a book that requires a box of tissues and a quiet afternoon. The emotional depth is reminiscent of a classic, sweeping film score, a theme we explored in our review of 10 Best Movies on Disney+ For A Cozy Winter Day.
🔹 Shop this deal now on Amazon → One Day in December by Josie Silver
4. In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren
The Vibe: The dynamic duo of Christina Lauren deliver a holiday romance with a brilliant, magical twist. In a Holidaze is a festive and funny take on the "time loop" trope, a Groundhog Day-esque story that is full of heart, humour, and a whole lot of Christmas cheer. It’s a story about fate, second chances, and the courage it takes to finally go after what you truly want.
Why It's a Perfect Holiday Read: This book is pure, imaginative, holiday fun. The setting of a cozy, snow-covered cabin in Utah, where a group of family friends have gathered for their annual Christmas trip, is the perfect, isolated backdrop for the time-loop shenanigans. The book is a wonderful exploration of the friends-to-lovers trope, with a fantastic cast of lovable characters and a truly swoon-worthy hero. The time-loop premise is a clever and effective way to explore the heroine's journey of self-discovery and to build the romantic tension. It’s a funny, sweet, and incredibly charming read that will leave you with a warm, happy feeling. The theme of reliving a moment until you get it right is a powerful one, a journey we also see in our review of the film About Time.
Book Details: Maelyn is at her breaking point. After a series of mishaps at her favorite holiday getaway, she makes a desperate plea to the universe to show her what will make her happy. She wakes up on a plane, heading back to the beginning of the disastrous holiday, and she finds herself stuck in a time loop, reliving the same Christmas week over and over again. She decides to use this magical do-over to finally kiss her long-time crush and to figure out the true meaning of happiness.
How to Enjoy It: This is the perfect book to binge-read in a single, cozy afternoon. The fast-paced, addictive nature of the plot will have you hooked from the very first page. For more on the authors and their extensive backlist, you can visit their official website.
🔹 Buy it here on Amazon before it sells out! → In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren
3. The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss
The Vibe: A delightful, charming, and utterly British holiday romance that feels like a modern-day Bridget Jones's Diary. The Twelve Dates of Christmas is a fun and festive story about a woman who, tired of being single, agrees to go on twelve dates with twelve different men in the twenty-three days leading up to Christmas. It’s a story that is full of humour, heart, and a wonderful cast of quirky, small-town characters.
Why It's a Perfect Holiday Read: This book is a perfect, cozy escape into a charming English village at Christmastime. The "twelve dates" premise is a fantastic and fun narrative device that keeps the story moving at a brisk, entertaining pace. The heroine, Kate, is incredibly relatable—she’s funny, she’s a little bit of a mess, and her dating adventures are often hilariously disastrous. The book is a celebration of community, friendship, and the idea that love often shows up when you stop looking for it so hard. It’s a sweet, funny, and deeply heartwarming read that is the perfect, low-stakes comfort for the holiday season. The journey of self-discovery through dating is a theme we also explore in our 10 Ways to Celebrate and Appreciate Each Other Daily article.
Book Details: Kate is a talented baker in her thirties who is happy with her life, but she is tired of her friends and family trying to set her up. She signs up for a "Twelve Dates of Christmas" matchmaking event, determined to embrace the dating world. What follows is a series of dates, from disastrous to delightful, all while she navigates her friendships and her growing feelings for the handsome and reclusive local hunk, Matt.
How to Enjoy It: This is the perfect book to read in small, delicious chunks throughout the month of December. Read one "date" each night in the lead-up to Christmas to fully immerse yourself in the festive countdown.
🔹 Shop this deal now on Amazon → The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss
2. The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
The Vibe: A unique, heartfelt, and beautifully unconventional romance with a paranormal twist. The Dead Romantics is a story about a ghostwriter for a famous romance novelist who, after a bad breakup, no longer believes in love. It is a profound, funny, and deeply moving exploration of grief, family, and the surprising ways that love can find us, even in the most impossible of circumstances.
Why It's a Perfect Holiday Read: While not strictly a "Christmas" book, the story is set during the winter, and the cozy, quirky, small-town setting is the perfect atmospheric backdrop for a holiday read. The book is a masterclass in blending humour and heartbreak. The protagonist, Florence, is a wonderfully complex and relatable character, and her journey of rediscovering her belief in love is incredibly moving. The central romance—with the handsome ghost of her new editor—is one of the most unique, tender, and swoon-worthy you will ever read. It is a book that will make you laugh, make you cry, and leave you with a deep sense of hope. It’s a perfect, cathartic read for the introspective winter season. The book’s beautiful, almost cinematic quality is a theme we also explored in our review of 14 Epic Fantasy Films That Feel Like Winter Escapes.
Book Details: Florence Day is a ghostwriter who is facing an impossible deadline, but she has a huge problem: she doesn't believe in love anymore. When she has to return to her small hometown for a family emergency, she feels completely lost. Then, a ghost appears: her new, infuriatingly handsome editor. Now, she has to navigate her eccentric, undertaker family, confront her past, and help the ghost of the man she was just beginning to fall for.
How to Enjoy It: This is a book to be savored. The beautiful prose and the deep emotional journey are best enjoyed in a quiet, contemplative setting. The powerful, emotional storytelling is as moving as a classic ballad, a theme we explored in our list of the Top 10 The Beatles Songs of All Time.
🔹 Buy it here on Amazon before it sells out! → The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
1. Faking Under the Mistletoe by Ashley Shepherd
The Vibe: Taking the top spot on our list is a book that is pure, unadulterated, holiday rom-com perfection. Faking Under the Mistletoe is a hilarious, steamy, and incredibly charming story that is packed with all of the best and most beloved romance tropes. It’s a book that is designed to be a pure, joyful, and completely satisfying escape, a perfect embodiment of the "Hallmark movie but spicy" trend that is so popular on BookTok.
Why It's a Perfect Holiday Read: This book is a masterclass in the fake dating and enemies-to-lovers tropes, all set against the perfect, cozy backdrop of a Christmas-obsessed small town. The banter between the two leads is sharp, witty, and laugh-out-loud funny. The chemistry is electric, and the slow-burn to lovers is incredibly rewarding. The book is full of classic, cozy holiday activities, from Christmas tree shopping to ugly sweater parties. It is a book that knows exactly what its readers want and delivers it with a huge dose of heart, humour, and steam. It is, quite simply, the perfect holiday romance to get lost in.
Book Details: Olivia is in desperate need of a date for her family's Christmas gathering to avoid the endless questions about her love life. She makes a deal with her infuriating and ridiculously handsome co-worker, Asher: if he pretends to be her boyfriend for the holidays, she’ll help him with a major work project. They are polar opposites who can barely stand each other, but as they are forced to share a cozy cabin and navigate a series of festive family events, their fake relationship starts to feel surprisingly real.
How to Enjoy It: This is the ultimate "one-sitting read." Clear your schedule, grab a cozy blanket and a hot chocolate, and prepare to be completely charmed. The joy and comfort of this book are a perfect match for a feel-good TV series, and for more recommendations, you can check out our list of 14 Feel-Good Series That Feel Like a Warm Blanket.
🔹 Shop this deal now on Amazon → Faking Under the Mistletoe by Ashley Shepherd
Conclusion
In the quiet, magical heart of the holiday season, there is no greater comfort than a great love story. The 14 books on this list are more than just festive reads; they are portals to worlds of warmth, humour, and heartwarming connection. They are a testament to the enduring power of the holiday rom-com, a genre that offers a much-needed dose of joy, optimism, and the soul-deep satisfaction of a happily ever after.
From the quirky small towns to the magical time loops, these stories are a celebration of love in all its forms. They are the perfect companions for the long winter nights, a source of light and warmth that will stay with you long after the final page is turned. So, as the festive season unfolds, we encourage you to embrace the magic, choose your next escape, and get lost in one of these unforgettable tales of holiday love.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the most popular tropes in holiday romance books? A: The most popular tropes include small-town romance, enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, forced proximity (often due to a snowstorm or a shared cabin), second-chance romance, and the grumpy/sunshine dynamic. These tropes create instant conflict and chemistry.
Q: Are these books spicy or clean romances? A: This list contains a mix. Books by authors like Tessa Bailey and Chloe Liese are known for their explicit, "open-door" scenes. Others, like The Holiday Swap, are sweeter, "closed-door" romances. It's always a good idea to check specific reviews on platforms like Goodreads for spice ratings.
Q: Do I need to read these books in a series? A: Most of the books on this list are standalones or part of a series of interconnected standalones (like the Bromance Book Club series), meaning you can jump in and read them without having read the previous books.
Q: What is "BookTok"? A: "BookTok" is a popular community on the social media platform TikTok where users create and share videos about books they are reading and recommending. It has become an incredibly powerful force in the publishing industry, capable of making books go viral.
Q: I love the feel of Hallmark movies. Which book on this list is most similar? A: The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox is the book that most closely captures the sweet, charming, and low-stakes feel of a classic Hallmark Christmas movie.
Q: Are there any books on this list that are not Christmas-centric? A: Yes! The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer is a beautiful Hanukkah romance, offering a wonderful and important alternative to the Christmas-dominated holiday genre.
Q: I'm new to the romance genre. Which book is a good place to start? A: In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren is a fantastic starting point. It’s funny, charming, has a unique and engaging plot, and is a perfect introduction to many of the genre's most beloved tropes.
Q: What does "Grumpy/Sunshine" mean? A: This is a popular romance trope featuring a pairing where one character is brooding, moody, or cynical (the grumpy one), while the other is optimistic, cheerful, and sees the best in people (the sunshine). The dynamic is beloved for its heartwarming and often humorous development.
Q: Where is the best place to buy these holiday romance books? A: You can find these books at your local independent bookstore, or through online retailers. For a wide selection of physical books, ebooks, and audiobooks, you can explore platforms like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Audible.
Q: I've read all of these! Where can I find more recommendations? A: Following your favorite authors and "bookstagrammers" on social media is a great way to find new reads. You can also explore the Romance Book Recommendations section of our site for more in-depth reviews and lists.
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