As snow starts to blanket the landscape and holiday spirit fills the air, there’s nothing cozier than snuggling up by the fire (or the space heater) with a Christmas romance novel.
To make your Winter reading even more delightful, I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 must-read holiday romance books for Winter 2023. There’s something really special about reading a story set in the same season as ‘real life’. Get ready to immerse yourself in tales of love, joy, and the magic of the season!
The Allure of Holiday Romance Novels For Adults
The holiday romance genre has a timeless charm that captures readers’ hearts, young and old alike. These stories often revolve around themes of love, family, second chances, all with the enchanting backdrop of the festive season. From cozy small towns blanketed in snow to bustling cities adorned with twinkling lights, the holiday romance genre is a delightful escape into worlds filled with warmth, hope, and love. It’s the best kind of escapism, especially after the dumpster fire that was 2023!
With that, let’s dive in to some of this year’s best new holiday romance reads!
Best Holiday Romance Books for adults this year
1. “A Holly Jolly Ever After” by Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone
Star Rating on GoodReads: 3.6/5
Steaminess Level: 4/5
Synopsis: Kallum, a former boy band member, and Winnie, a poised actress, reunite as co-stars for a Christmas film after both have public scandals. As their unexpected on-screen chemistry sparks real feelings, they navigate past history, authenticity, and the lure of opposites attracting in this holiday romance.
2. “A December to Remember” by Jenny Bayliss
Star Rating on GoodReads: 3.7/5
Steaminess Level: 1/5
Synopsis: Three feuding half sisters reunite at their late father’s antiques shop for an unusual inheritance challenge. Facing hilarious mishaps and heartwarming moments, Maggie, Simone, and Star navigate a cozy holiday season to discover love, hope, and reconciliation.
3. “Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop” by Jenny Colgan
Star Rating on GoodReads: 3.7/5
Steaminess Level: 0/5
Synopsis: An American film crew turns Edinburgh’s Old Town bookshop into a Christmas movie set, bringing unexpected opportunities for manager Carmen Hogan. Amidst holiday chaos and a breakup aftermath, new possibilities emerge for the bookstore and Carmen’s own life.
4. “The Christmas Fix” by Lucy Score
Star Rating on GoodReads: 4.2/5
Steaminess Level: 4/5
Synopsis: When a hurricane cancels Merry, Connecticut’s Christmas Festival, TV star Catalina King arrives with plans to restore holiday cheer. But city manager Noah Yates opposes her efforts, igniting a clash that might just spark Christmas magic in this spirited tale.
5. “Wreck the Halls” by Tessa Bailey
Star Rating on GoodReads: 3.6/5
Steaminess Level: 3.5/5
Synopsis: A holiday rom-com unfolds as Melody and Beat, children of former rock stars, join forces to reunite their estranged mothers for a Christmas concert. Amidst chaos and sparks flying, they navigate past feuds and newfound attraction while risking it all for a legendary reunion.
6. “A Merry Little Meet Cute” by Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone
Star Rating on GoodReads: 3.4/5
Steaminess Level: 2.5/5
Synopsis: Bee Hobbes, cast in a romantic Christmas movie, sets strict rules: no on-set romances and no revealing her unconventional career. Filming in Christmas Notch with co-star Nolan Shaw, sparks fly between them. However, Bee harbors a secret identity, and Nolan, her fan, knows it. As their affair heats up, they must keep it hidden to protect everything.
7. “The Ex-Mas Holidays” by Zoe Allison
Steaminess Level: 3/5
Synopsis: Maya dreads facing her ex during Christmas in the Scottish Highlands. Unexpectedly, she discovers Sam, her heartbreaker from eight years ago, working alongside her. While rekindling old sparks, they uncover misconceptions about their past, forcing them to seize their second shot at love.
8. “12 Dates of Christmas” by Jenny Bayliss
Star Rating on GoodReads: 3.6/5
Steaminess Level: 1/5
Synopsis: Kate, a career-driven designer in Blexford, England, feels content without romance. However, her best friend signs her up for a holiday dating agency, leading to twelve disastrous dates. Amidst the chaos, Kate discovers that love might be closer than she ever imagined.
9. “Snowed In” by Catherine Walsh
Star Rating on GoodReads: 4.2/5
Steaminess Level: 4.5/5
Synopsis: Megan, the village pariah, runs into Christian, tired of spending Christmases alone. They make a pact to be fake dates during the holidays to dodge family pressures. But as they navigate family gatherings, old flames, and unexpected feelings, their pretend romance might turn into something real with a touch of Christmas magic.
10. “A Cat Cafe Christmas” by Codi Gary
Star Rating on GoodReads: 3.8/5
Steaminess Level: 0/5
Synopsis: Veterinarian Kara struggles to save her struggling cat café at Christmas. When marketing whiz Ben offers a plan to rescue the café, their clashing personalities and shared goal might lead to more than a thriving business – a chance at a purr-fect holiday romance.
Conclusion
The winter season offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in these captivating Christmas romance books. Whether you’re curled up by the fireplace or enjoying a hot cup of cocoa, these novels are going to add a touch of magic to your winter reading list.
Which of these holiday romance novels are you most excited to read? Share your thoughts and let me know your favorite Christmas romance stories. Happy reading and Merry Christmas!
