6 Must-Read Romance Books of December 2025
- Joao Nsita
- 4 hours ago
- 9 min read
As the year draws to a close and the festive season beckons, there is no better time to escape into the warm, comforting embrace of a great romance novel. December is a month for indulging in happy endings, for curling up with a story that makes you swoon, laugh, and believe in the magic of love. The trends on TikTok and Pinterest for the winter 2025 season are all about "comfort reading" and "escapist fantasy." We are craving stories with high stakes, passionate connections, and tropes that deliver exactly what they promise—whether that’s the thrill of a fake dating scheme, the intense chemistry of an enemies-to-lovers arc, or the cozy, supernatural charm of a shifter romance.
This December, the romance genre is delivering in a big way. We have highly anticipated releases from some of the biggest names in the business, including Amy Lea, Lana Ferguson, and Lauren Blakely. From steamy sports romances to epic fantasy conclusions and hilarious rom-coms, there is a book on this list for every kind of romance reader. This guide is your definitive list of the six must-read romance books hitting shelves this month, presented in descending order of anticipation. These are the stories that will keep you company through the long winter nights.
We hope you find this article an inspiring and helpful guide for your winter reading list! If you enjoy our content, please consider supporting our work with a small donation or by sharing our articles with your friends and family. Your support helps us continue to create insightful and entertaining content.
6. A Curse of Ashes by Sariah Wilson
The Vibe: Epic, high-stakes fantasy romance with a "forbidden love" twist.
Synopsis: The breathtaking conclusion to The Eye of the Goddess trilogy is finally here. Princess Lia of Locris has evolved from a vengeful enemy of the nation of Ilion into its prophesied savior. But her destiny comes with a cruel price: she must never consummate her marriage to Xander, the prince of Ilion, or risk losing the divine magic needed to save her people. Bound together physically to share each other's pain, Lia and Xander's relationship has deepened from enemies to lovers to something profound and desperate. As war looms and enemies close in, they must navigate the goddess's impossible rules while fighting for their nation and their forbidden love.
Why It's a Must-Read: Sariah Wilson is a master of blending epic, world-ending stakes with deep, emotional romance. This book is perfect for fans of fantasy romance (or "romantasy") who love a slow-burn, high-stakes love story. The "forbidden love" and "prophesied savior" tropes are executed with a fresh, modern voice. It’s a sweeping, dramatic, and deeply romantic conclusion to a beloved trilogy. For more on epic storytelling, check out our list of 10 Movies That Capture Winter Magic in Every Frame.
Call to Action: Experience the epic conclusion to a magical love story.
🔹 Buy A Curse of Ashes on Amazon here →https://amzn.to/43J05ih
5. Love in Plane Sight by Lauren Connolly
The Vibe: A charming, high-flying "brother's best friend" romantic comedy.
Synopsis: Beth Lundberg has always dreamed of becoming a pilot, but cost has always been a barrier. When her brother's grumpy best friend (and her longtime nemesis), George Bunsen, offers her discounted flight lessons, she can't say no—even if he usually leaves the room the moment she enters. But after a terrifying emergency landing during her first ride-along sparks an adrenaline-fueled crush, the turbulence between them begins to clear. As they spend hours together in the cockpit, their mutual animosity turns into a soaring romance. But Beth knows the dangers of mixing business with pleasure, especially when her career is just taking off.
Why It's a Must-Read: This book is a delight for fans of the "brother's best friend" and "grumpy/sunshine" tropes. The unique setting of flight school adds a fun, adventurous twist to the classic rom-com formula. Lauren Connolly’s writing is witty, warm, and full of heart. It’s a perfect, feel-good read for anyone who loves a story about chasing your dreams and falling in love with the last person you expected. The tension of the "forced proximity" in the small plane cockpit is pure romance gold. This kind of charming, character-driven story is a hallmark of the best holiday rom-coms.
Call to Action: Take flight with this sweet and soaring romance.
🔹 Buy Love in Plane Sight on Amazon here →https://amzn.to/49vjQO8
4. In a Second by Kate Canterbary
The Vibe: A messy, emotional, and incredibly sexy "fake dating" second-chance romance.
Synopsis: Years ago, Audrey Saunders refused to run away with the rebellious Jude Bellessi on her wedding day. Now divorced and done with love, she runs into Jude again, only to find he's become a successful aerospace engineer and a devoted single dad. To comfort his sick mother, Jude has spun a lie that he and Audrey are engaged. When he asks her to play along for the summer, she reluctantly agrees. But as they navigate a summer of "fake" romance, meddling mothers, and one-bed hotel rooms, the unfinished business between them threatens to become very real.
Why It's a Must-Read: Kate Canterbary is a queen of the contemporary romance genre, known for her sharp banter and steamy love scenes. This book features a trifecta of beloved tropes: fake dating, second chances, and single dad. The "one bed" trope is the cherry on top. It’s a story about the messiness of life, the power of the past, and the beauty of finding love when you least expect it. It’s funny, sexy, and deeply emotional—everything you want in a contemporary romance. The complex history between the characters adds a layer of depth found in the best TV comedies of the 2010s.
Call to Action: Dive into a summer of secrets and second chances.
🔹 Buy In a Second on Amazon here →https://amzn.to/4pnSSwx
3. A Wild Card Kiss by Lauren Blakely
The Vibe: A flirty, fun, and steamy sports romance with a "single dad" hero.
Synopsis: Katie Madigan's wedding day ends in disaster when she catches her groom cheating. Seeking solace at a bowling alley bar, she meets local football hero Harlan Taylor. A drink turns into a steamy one-night stand, but when Katie learns that Harlan's football team has hired her yoga studio, he becomes officially off-limits. As they work together, the chemistry between the jilted bride and the sexy single dad becomes impossible to ignore, threatening to break all the rules.
Why It's a Must-Read: Lauren Blakely is a #1 New York Times bestseller for a reason. She writes fun, flirty, and incredibly sexy stories that are pure escapism. This book taps into the massive "sports romance" trend, featuring a hot football player and a strong, independent heroine. The "forbidden love" aspect adds a delicious layer of tension. It’s a fast-paced, feel-good read that is perfect for a weekend binge. The chemistry is electric, a quality shared by the best songs from Beyoncé.
Call to Action: Score a touchdown with this sexy sports rom-com.
🔹 Buy A Wild Card Kiss on Amazon here →https://amzn.to/4r9JPkz
2. The Mating Game by Lana Ferguson
The Vibe: A spicy, hilarious, and unique "omegaverse" rom-com.
Synopsis: Tess Covington, a contractor, is shocked to discover she is a late-presenting omega wolf shifter after a trip to the ER. Desperate for money, she must finish a renovation job for alpha wolf Hunter Barrett, despite the doctor's orders to stay away from alphas. Hunter, who has sworn off omegas, thinks it's a cosmic joke when Tess shows up. Forced to work together at his failing lodge, they try to avoid each other, but their primal attraction is undeniable. As they give in to their instincts, they realize they are playing a dangerous game with their hearts.
Why It's a Must-Read: Lana Ferguson has quickly become a must-read author for her ability to blend high heat with genuine humor and heart. This book takes the popular "omegaverse" (a subgenre of paranormal romance involving shifter hierarchies) and gives it a fun, rom-com twist. It features forced proximity, fated mates, and a lot of steam. Praised by authors like Ali Hazelwood and Ruby Dixon, this book promises to be addictive, spicy, and a breath of fresh air for the genre. It’s a perfect read for those looking for something a little different and a lot sexy. The unique world-building is as engaging as the 8 Winter Fantasy Shows Full of Magic.
Call to Action: Embrace the call of the wild with this spicy shifter romance.
🔹 Buy The Mating Game on Amazon here →https://amzn.to/4ppUaXW
1. The Bodyguard Affair by Amy Lea
The Vibe: A witty, modern, and swoon-worthy "fake dating" romance with a dash of political intrigue.
Synopsis: Andi Zeigler is the professional assistant to the Prime Minister's wife by day and a secret, bestselling romance novelist by night. When rumors swirl about an affair between her and the PM, she needs a solution fast. Enter Nolan Crosby, the PM's new bodyguard and Andi's failed one-night stand from years ago. To save their bosses' reputations, they agree to fake date for the summer. But as they play the part of a happy couple, the lines between fiction and reality begin to blur.
Why It's a Must-Read: Taking the top spot is the latest from international bestseller Amy Lea. This book is a perfect storm of beloved tropes: fake dating, workplace romance, and second chances. The premise of a secret romance novelist living out her own tropes is incredibly meta and fun. Amy Lea is known for her smart, relatable heroines and swoony heroes, and this book promises to deliver on all fronts. It’s a polished, witty, and deeply romantic story that is perfect for fans of The Hating Game or Red, White & Royal Blue. It is the ultimate holiday reading treat. The clever, meta-narrative is a joy, a quality shared by some of the best TV comedies of the 2020s.
Call to Action: Fall in love with the hottest fake-dating story of the season.
🔹 Buy The Bodyguard Affair on Amazon here →https://amzn.to/3X7F6C4
Conclusion
December is a month of magic, and there is no magic quite like getting lost in a great love story. The six books on this list represent the very best of the romance genre right now—stories that are diverse, exciting, funny, and deeply emotional. Whether you're in the mood for a high-flying adventure, a spicy shifter romance, or a classic fake-dating romp, there is a book here that will make your holiday season a little bit brighter and a lot more romantic. So, grab a blanket, pour a hot drink, and treat yourself to the gift of a happy ending.
We hope you found this article an inspiring and helpful guide for your winter reading list! If you enjoy our content, please consider supporting our work with a small donation or by sharing our articles with your friends and family. Your support helps us continue to create insightful and entertaining content.
For more on finding the perfect story to get lost in, check out these other articles from That Love Podcast:
FAQs
What is "romantasy"? "Romantasy" is a popular portmanteau of "romance" and "fantasy." It refers to a subgenre of fantasy fiction where the romantic relationship is central to the plot, often featuring magic, world-building, and high stakes alongside the love story. A Curse of Ashes is a perfect example.
Are all these books "spicy"? It's a mix. The Mating Game and A Wild Card Kiss are known for having explicit, "open door" scenes. The Bodyguard Affair and Love in Plane Sight likely have some heat but may focus more on the emotional connection. Always check reviews or content warnings if you have a preference.
What is the "omegaverse"? The "omegaverse" is a subgenre of speculative fiction, often erotica or romance, in which humans (or human-like shifters) are divided into a hierarchy of alphas, betas, and omegas, with specific biological traits and instincts related to mating. The Mating Game is a mainstream take on this genre.
Do I need to read the previous books in the series? For A Curse of Ashes, yes, you should read the first two books in the trilogy. For In a Second and A Wild Card Kiss, they are part of a series but often function as interconnected standalones about different couples, so you can usually jump in, though reading in order provides more context.
What is "fake dating"? "Fake dating" is a beloved romance trope where two characters agree to pretend to be in a romantic relationship for a specific reason (to make an ex jealous, to please family, for PR), only to fall in love for real. The Bodyguard Affair and In a Second both use this trope.
Are these books available on Kindle Unlimited? Availability on Kindle Unlimited (KU) changes frequently. Many indie authors and some publishers put their books on KU. It's best to check the Amazon listing directly.
I love "grumpy/sunshine" romances. Which book is best for me? Love in Plane Sight and The Mating Game both feature strong grumpy/sunshine dynamics, where a cheerful or optimistic character is paired with a stoic or grumpy one.
Where can I find more romance recommendations? TikTok (specifically "BookTok") and Instagram ("Bookstagram") are fantastic places to find trending romance recommendations. Websites like Goodreads and The StoryGraph are also great for tracking your reading and finding new books.
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