Are you looking for some holiday reading inspiration? Do you love a good romance with a festive twist? Then we have you covered with a few suggestions for books that we have not only read, but that have garnered four and five-star reviews.
From dating the billionaire boss to a good old hockey romance, these Christmas romances are more than just festive reads, they are also perfect for people who love a variety of tropes. And if you like things spicy, we have that covered too.
So what are we reading or maybe even rereading this holiday season? Check out the five Christmas romances we can't resist reading next to the tree this season.
5 Christmas romances perfect for feeling a little festive this season
Season's Schemings by Katie Bailey
This hockey romance with a Christmas flare is perfect for anyone who likes a bit of fake dating turned real. And when we say real, we mean these two not only end up married, they end up in love. From a food TV show gone wrong to a whole new romance, this book was spicy and fun.
There were definitely some moments and characters that were less than ideal, but overall this was a fun holiday read that was actually quite entertaining. Maddie was an enjoyable leading lady, with enough backbone to make me believe that while she fell into this weird relationship to prove a point to her family and her ex, she also needed it for herself. And Seb was more than just a star hockey player, he was a leading man worth rooting for. I zipped through this book and immediately added the second book in the series to my TBR for even more holiday hijinks.
My Favorite Holidate by Lauren Blakely
Honestly, the billionaire boss trope is not usually my go-to romance read, but somehow it works in My Favorite Holidate. There were a few moments that made me cringe in this one, but honestly, I expected them and they didn't detract from the overall enjoyment of the story.
The fact that this one also included fake dating, a cute and sassy 11-year-old, and plenty of sweet moments that made you love both characters a little bit more was just the icing on the cake for this one. It also helps that it really leans into the Christmas aspect of the story with a Christmas wedding, Christmas competitions, and plenty of decorating and baking means that this is perfect for any seasonal reading.
25 Reasons to Hate Christmas and Cowboys by Elle Thorpe
Elle Thorpe has become one of my go-to authors over the last few years and I was surprised and excited to learn that she had a Christmas romance as part of her backlist. Released in 2019, this book features an Aussie in Wyoming, dealing with her disdain for all things Christmas right in the heart of the holiday season. There she meets a cowboy who is Christmas-obsessed and determined to show her the true magic of the holidays.
Honestly, I wasn't sure if I was going to love this one, but I should have known better. I enjoy Thorpe's writing style and her characters always keep me coming back for more. 25 Reasons to Hate Christmas and Cowboys was no exception and I definitely see myself rereading this one in the future.
A Very Marian Christmas by Lucy Lennox
I have to admit that this is book seven in the Made Marian series. And while it is best to read this series in order, I am not going to lie and say that I did that. I actually read the first three books and then skipped ahead and read this one to get into the festive season. This series is a fun ride from the very beginning and there is no denying that the Christmas hijinks in this book are a great way to decide if you want to go back and read the full series.
This book truly has it all, holiday shenanigans, men in love (this is an MM series), grannies who are beyond nosy, drag queens and so much more. In fact, if you check out the book description it will literally tell you nothing and everything about this story. This holiday season, if you are looking for some laughs with your Christmas romances, you may want to give this one a try.
Three Second Chances for Christmas by Rebel Bloom
If you are looking for a spicy Christmas romance and you enjoy why choose (Reverse Harem) books, then you are in luck. Three Second Chances is a fun and festive read that has some drama, some spice and everything nice. From a Christmas bridezilla to a struggling small business owner, this book has some interesting characters and we haven't even touched on the men.
All three men on their own are a catch, but put them together and we are talking heat levels that will leave Santa looking for a cold glass of milk. This was definitely one of those books that I would come back to again, and while it may not be what one would consider top-tier romance, it definitely kept me entertained.