The Best Christmas Romance Books to Read by the Fire
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Over the last year, I have quickly become a mood reader, especially with romance books. So, I absolutely had to bring you my list of Christmas romance books I either have read or am incredibly excited to read this year.
Something about me is I used to not be a big fan of Christmas. I always thought it was too much pressure, especially with the gift-giving aspect. But, maybe I’ve been watching a little bit too much Hallmark, but I was reminded that Christmas is so much more than what you can give to others, but it’s more so about spending time with the ones you love.
Keeping that in mind, I am much more comfortable celebrating this time of year with a whole lot less stress involved. It’s actually been so nice to have this switch and feel a bit more holiday spirit rather than going full Scrooge.
With all that in mind, let’s get into some good holiday romances!
Wedding Witch by Erin Sterling
This book is actually book three in the Graves Glen trilogy, book one being the pretty well-known The Ex Hex. Funny enough, I had no idea this was a Christmas book when I picked it up, although I should’ve guessed by the cover alone. Once again, it’s probably my fault for not reading the back of books.
I had to start with this one as this series has been one of my favorites. I am a book fan of witchy books, but more specifically, I love a witchy romance book. One thing I love about this series is the sheer amount of witchy puns that seem to pop up all the time.
Summary
Bowen Penhallow has been mostly guilt-tripped by his best friend Colin, who also happens to be a ghost, to attend the wedding of his ex-fiance. Incredibly reluctantly, Bowen agrees to go since Colin cannot be there.
Funnily enough, Bown has hired Tamsyn Bligh, a procurer of magical items (while not being a witch herself), to find artifacts he struggles to get his hands on. She takes a side job which ultimately lands her at this wedding as well, the reward for this item would set her up for life.
Bowen and Tamsyn find themselves transported back to 1958 and they now have to find their way back to the present, all the while trying not to fall in love in the process.
Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey
Window Shopping was a book we read in the Barely Book Club! I really enjoyed this book, plus, it always helps when it’s a little spicy.
I really like Stella as a character. She’s super hard-working, which I appreciate. This is also grumpy x sunshine, with our girl Stella holding her own on the grumpy factor.
This is a standalone and is pretty fast-paced, so if you’re looking for a last-minute read this holiday season, I think this will be perfect for you.
Summary
Stella is down on her luck and two weeks before Christmas, she’s standing outside and looking in the windows of a famous department store. While she’s looking at the display, a handsome man stands beside her and asks her what her opinion of the display is.
When she’s brutally honest, he asks what she would change. Turns out, he runs it and she ends up with a brand new job which is truly the opportunity of a lifetime for her. Now, she has to resist the temptation of her incredibly hot boss while also making the most of her new career.
All I Want is You by Falon Ballard
Now, I will not lie, you will be HARD PRESSED to get me to skip over a book with my favorite tropes. I love professional rivals and the one-bed trope. Now, put those together? I am absolutely in.
I also think there’s a little bit of holiday magic in stories about being snowed in, even though it’s legitimately one of my greatest fears (living in Florida, it’s also something I would literally never have to face).
Summary
Jessica is a romance writer, crafting happily ever afters to fill the void left by her Ex, Nick, who is also a romance writer, but not nearly as interested in happy endings in his works. He has found quite a bit of success in this avenue, while Jessica remains a bit more small time.
Both Jessica and Nick end up at the inn a few days before Christmas and when they’re ultimately snowed in and there’s one bedroom left… What are they to do but turn all this friction into their stories?
One Day in December by Josie Silver
Undoubtedly, you’ve seen this on a Christmas book list or two at this point, but I am bringing it back to the front and center! This is a love story of epic proportions, with a ton of missed opportunities and chances not taken with a romance ten years in the making.
Summary
Laurie saw a stranger from her spot on the bus and when their eyes met, she suddenly believed in love at first sight. The entire year following, she’s been keeping an eye out, hoping she’ll catch a glimpse of him again.
Then, at a Christmas party, she is introduced to her best friend’s new boyfriend, Jack, and you’ll never guess who it is…
This story follows Sarah, Laurie, and Jack over the next ten years as their lives unfold.
In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren
You’re telling me I can get both a holiday rom-com and a time loop in one book? Absolutely, I am in! Something about this feels very Hallmark Christmas to me, I couldn’t quite tell you why, but I love it.
Summary
Nothing is going right for Maelyn Jones. She’s stuck living with her parents, working at a job she hates, and to top it off, her love life is in shambles.
When she’s leaving her family’s cabin, she sends a wish out into the universe to show her what will make her happy. Suddenly, tires a screeching, headlights flashing, and she finds herself back on a plane, several days prior, heading to her family’s cabin in the woods.
Maelyn has to figure out how to get out of this time loop, but maybe more importantly, how to find her true love.
Pride and Prejudice and Mistletoe by Melissa de la Cruz
You’re going to have to hear me out on this one. This book is the epitome of Hallmark Christmas. It’s incredibly cheesy, but I really enjoyed it. It’s fully one of those that you need to enjoy in the way that you enjoy a Hallmark movie.
This book is also a gender-swapped retelling, which is always a favorite of mine. Also, after you enjoy the book, you can enjoy the movie over on the Hallmark channel.
Summary
Darcy Fitzwilliam is a successful working woman in a gorgeous high-rise apartment. She is honestly living the life, being a bit of a workaholic. When her mom gets sick, she has to go back to Pemberley, Ohio to spend the holidays with her family.
When her family throws their annual Christmas party, she meets Luke Bennet and mostly writes him off as a bit of a slacker. However, they end up having a bit of a one-night stand and now she can’t get him off her mind.
I hope you find your next read right in time for Christmas! If you are a fan of spicy books, make sure to check out my list of spicy BookTok books.
