THE BEST CHRISTMAS ROMANCE NOVELS

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Ah, my favorite time of the year!!!!

I love this season, not just because it’s December and my birthday month, and not because I almost turned out to be a Christmas present myself. I love this season, because of the music, the atmosphere. And yes, also because of the hot chocolate, the gingerbread cookies, open fireplaces and snow covered roofs. But most of all I love it that I have time to sit down and relax with a good book!!

That’s right!! It’s the season to be merry and have an epic book haul. And I got you covered. Also if you are looking for bookish gifts, or if you are a coffee table and memoir loving fiend like me, I have the perfect lists for you.

But let’s get back to Christmas Romance books.

I’m a BIG romance reader, and when I get closer to the merriest season of all, I’m looking for romance books that get me into the holiday spirit.

Below are Christmas romance novels that will get you started. These books will make you want to snuggle up with a cozy blanket and a warm drink, and forget the outside world for a couple hours. Let’s turn on some Christmas music and forget everything else.

THE BEST CHRISTMAS ROMANCE NOVELS

THE BEST CHRISTMAS ROMANCE BOOKS

In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

It’s no secret that I enjoy Christina Lauren books. Love and Other Words is still one of my most favorites romance books, and Josh & Hazel are still one of my favorite rom-com couples – and then there is In A Holidaze which will probably be on everyone’s Christmas tbr this year. So, don’t miss out on this wonderful and sweet romance novel, that will give you all the holiday spirit you might want to wish for. And btw, don’t you just love the cover?

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year…but not for Maelyn Jones. She’s living with her parents, hates her going-nowhere job, and has just made a romantic error of epic proportions.

But perhaps worst of all, this is the last Christmas Mae will be at her favorite place in the world—the snowy Utah cabin where she and her family have spent every holiday since she was born, along with two other beloved families. Mentally melting down as she drives away from the cabin for the final time, Mae throws out what she thinks is a simple plea to the universe: Please. Show me what will make me happy.

The next thing she knows, tires screech and metal collides, everything goes black. But when Mae gasps awake…she’s on an airplane bound for Utah, where she begins the same holiday all over again. With one hilarious disaster after another sending her back to the plane, Mae must figure out how to break free of the strange time loop—and finally get her true love under the mistletoe.

Jam-packed with yuletide cheer, an unforgettable cast of characters, and Christina Lauren’s trademark “downright hilarious” (Helen Hoang, author of The Bride Test) hijinks, this swoon-worthy romantic read will make you believe in the power of wishes and the magic of the holidays.

Miracle on 5th Avenue by Sarah Morgan

I read this book a couple years ago and just LOVED it. It had everything I adore about a romance, witty writing, fun characters (a strong heroine, and a broody and grumpy hero) and it’s set in NYC during December – my favorite place to be – without the tourists – lol. Honestly there is nothing better than NYC decked out in Christmas decor.

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Hopeless romantic Eva Jordan loves everything about Christmas. She might be spending the holidays alone this year, but when she’s given an opportunity to house-sit a spectacular penthouse on Fifth Avenue, she leaps at the chance. What better place to celebrate than in snow-kissed Manhattan? What she didn’t expect was to find the penthouse still occupied by its gorgeous—and mysterious—owner. 

Bestselling crime writer Lucas Blade is having the nightmare before Christmas. With a deadline and the anniversary of his wife’s death looming, he’s isolated himself in his penthouse with only his grief for company. He wants no interruptions, no decorations and he certainly doesn’t appreciate being distracted by his beautiful, bubbly new housekeeper. But when the blizzard of the century leaves Eva snowbound in his apartment, Lucas starts to open up to the magic she brings…This Christmas, is Lucas finally ready to trust that happily-ever-afters do exist?

THE BEST CHRISTMAS ROMANCE NOVELS

25 Days ‘Til Christmas by Poppy Alexander

This book was much more emotional than expected, and it had the most adorable advents calendar idea ever!!! If you are in the mood for a British romance, with a single mom, and lots of heart, check it out. The book will get you into the holiday spirit – but maybe keep your tissues close.

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Kate Potter used to love Christmas. A few years ago, she would have been wrapping her presents in September and baking mince pies on Halloween, counting down the days and hours to Christmas. But that was before Kate’s husband left for the army and never came home. Now she can hardly stand December at all.

Kate can’t deny she’s lonely, yet she doesn’t think she’s ready for romance. She knows that her son, Jack, needs a Christmas to remember—just like Kate needs a miracle to help her finally move forward with her life. So she’s decided if there isn’t a miracle on its way, she’ll just have to make her own.

As Kate’s advent countdown to the best Christmas ever begins, she soon realizes that even with the best laid plans, you can’t plan for the unexpected. For when the path of the loneliest woman in town crosses with that of the loneliest man, these two destined hearts might find a way to save the holiday for both of them. 

A Princess for Christmas by Jenny Holiday

This book had me hooked just by looking at the cover. In the end, it was a sweet romance between a commoner and a Princess. Set in NYC for the first half of the book, second half is set in Europe. If you love Hallmark movies – you NEED to read this book!!!

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Leo Ricci’s already handling all he can, between taking care of his little sister Gabby, driving a cab, and being the super of his apartment building in the Bronx. But when Gabby spots a “princess” in a gown outside of the UN trying to hail a cab, she begs her brother to stop and help. Before he knows it, he’s got a real-life damsel in distress in the backseat of his car. 

Princess Marie of Eldovia shouldn’t be hailing a cab, or even be out and about. But after her mother’s death, her father has plunged into a devastating depression and the fate of her small Alpine country has fallen on Marie’s shoulders. She’s taken aback by the gruff but devastatingly handsome driver who shows her more kindness than she’s seen in a long time. 

When Marie asks Leo to be her driver for the rest of her trip, he agrees, thinking he’ll squire a rich miss around for a while and make more money than he has in months. He doesn’t expect to like and start longing for the unpredictable Marie. And when he and Gabby end up in Eldovia for Christmas, he discovers the princess who is all wrong for him is also the woman who is his perfect match.

THE BEST CHRISTMAS ROMANCE NOVELS

Faking Under the Mistletoe by Ashley Shepherd

I ADORED this book!!!! It’s an enemies to lovers/office Christmas romance, which rocked!!! A debut novel that was incredibly well written and had everything I love about this trope. Don’t miss out on this one – you won’t regret it!!! Also, it’s set in NYC – what can I say, I love NYC during Christmas.

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Olivia Langley is the human embodiment of Christmas cheer, and she has absolutely no problem spreading it around for all to hear.

Christmas sweaters? She has twenty. Christmas cookies? She’ll take three dozen. Christmas movies? Yeah, she’s seen them all. 

So it’s no surprise when she’s put in charge of Loveridge & McGowan’s holiday festivities. Secret Santas? Yep. Ice skating? Of course. Holiday trivia? Duh. Christmas-themed bar crawl? That’s one big jingle bell hell yes.

Kissing her boss at a Christmas tree lighting in front of his ex-girlfriend? Well… it is the season of giving. 

And Olivia does not come with a gift receipt. No exchanges. iNo returns. No refunds. All sales are final.

In an effort to ungrinch the grinchiest man she’s ever met, Olivia enlists herself, Santa’s Executive Helper, to scheme up a plan that includes sleigh rides, snow days, and one too many mistletoe kisses, which certainly gets Asher’s tinsel in a tangle. 

She’s pretty sure that she sleighed this whole fake dating thing.

Well… until she realizes there’s nothing fake about her feelings for Asher, and suddenly tangled tinsel, unsolicited Christmas trees, and celebrity heartthrobs are the least of her worries.

The Mistletoe Kisser by Lucy Score

I just read this book and fell madly in love with the quirky town, and the grumpy hero. One of my greatest weakness has always been grumpy heroes, and Ryan was DARLING. I’m not kidding when I say that I smiled my way through this novel. It was adorable, funny, sweet, but never too much. A perfect Christmas novel for this season.

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“Just because I don’t run around with a stupid grin on my face all day every day doesn’t mean I’m grumpy.”

Ryan Sosa, grumpy former corporate accountant, has had it up to here with surprises. He didn’t see getting fired coming. And he certainly didn’t anticipate flying across the country to the world’s hippie-est, happiest, most annoying town to save his great-uncle from some mysterious emergency.

Not only is there actual snow on the ground, but the town of Blue Moon appears to have decked its halls with elves on psychedelics. But he doesn’t have time to be snarky about the impending Winter Solstice and Multicultural Holiday Celebration—whatever the hell that is. Not when he’s got a farm to save, a free-range sheep that he may or may not have nudged with his stupid microscopic rental car, and some small-town veterinarian telling him she can’t take the animal off his hands.

Dr. Sammy Ames has a practice to manage and a fundraising crisis to attend to. She doesn’t have time to deal with a big-city grouch who doesn’t remember being her first kiss ever. Especially not since he wants to dump a sheep named Stan on her. So not happening. No matter how cute—and naked—Ryan is when he’s drunk.

Besides, as soon as he solves his uncle’s problem, he’ll be on the first flight out of Blue Moon, never to return again.

It will take a Winter Solstice Miracle or perhaps some matchmaking interference from the Beautification Committee to get these two to see eye-to-eye under the mistletoe…unless they got the Wrong Ryan after all.

Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor by Lisa Kleypas

If you haven’t read any books by Lisa Kleypas yet, you are MISSING OUT!!! Her writing is impeccable, and she is known as the Queen of historical romance, but she also writes contemporary, and this first book in the Friday Harbor series is perfect for Christmas. Also, her TRAVIS series is my favorite – just saying 😀

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ONE LITTLE GIRL NEEDS A FAMILY 
One rain-slicked night, six-year-old Holly lost the only parent she knew, her beloved mother Victoria. And since that night, she has never again spoken a word.
ONE SINGLE MAN NEEDS A WIFE 
The last thing Mark Nolan needs is a six-year-old girl in his life. But he soon realizes that he will do everything he can to make her life whole again. His sister’s will gives him the instructions: There’s no other choice but you. Just start by loving her. The rest will follow.
SOMETIMES, IT TAKES A LITTLE MAGIC… 
Maggie Collins doesn’t dare believe in love again, after losing her husband of one year. But she does believe in the magic of imagination. As the owner of a toy shop, she lives what she loves. And when she meets Holly Nolan, she sees a little girl in desperate need of a little magic.
…TO MAKE DREAMS COME TRUE 
Three lonely people. Three lives at the crossroads. Three people who are about to discover that Christmas is the time of year when anything is possible, and when wishes have a way of finding the path home…

THE BEST CHRISTMAS ROMANCE NOVELS

Christmas at the Island Hotel (Mure #4) by Jenny Colgan

If you are looking for something sweet, funny and festive and this book will get you ready for Christmas in no time. It can be read as a standalone, and is a happy and cozy read. It makes you want to sit in front of an open fire, sipping on some hot chocolate and just enjoying the season.

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On the tiny, beautiful, and remote island of Mure, halfway between Scotland and Norway, a new hotel opening is a big event. New mother Flora MacKenzie and her brother Fintan are working themselves half to death to get it ready in time for Christmas. 

The new hotel’s impressive kitchens throw together two unlikely new friends: Isla Gregor is the hardworking young girl who has been a waitress in the island’s cafe, dreaming of a bigger, better life now that she’s at a proper fancy hotel. Konstantin Pederson is working his way up in the hotel’s kitchens too…but he is also, secretly, the only son of the Duke of Utsire. Konstantin has been sent to learn what it is to work hard for a living, before receiving his inheritance. Although he’s initially resentful, the place grows on him; he has never met anyone quite like Isla and her fellow Murians before. 

As the island’s residents and special VIP guests gather for the hotel’s grand opening gala, Christmas is in the air. But so are more than a few small-town secrets…

The Boss Who Stole Christmas by Jana Aston

Ooh, if you want something fun and sexy – you better grab this one. With witty dialogues, a fun story and lots of chemistry this one is the perfect read for a wintery afternoon.

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Dear Santa,

Please bring me a new boss for Christmas. Mine is the worst. The worst, hidden in a six foot tall package of male perfection. It’d be easier if he looked like an old Scrooge, wouldn’t it? 

Nick Saint-Croix doesn’t look like an old scrooge. He’s hot as-

Um, never mind. Just bring me a new boss. Please. 

Sincerely,
Holly Winter

THE BEST CHRISTMAS ROMANCE NOVELS

My Kind of Christmas by Robyn Carr

If you haven’t read her books yet, you might have watched the Netflix show, either way I can only recommend her books. The author is a fantastic writer, who excels at small town romances, and this one will give you all the jolly Christmas feelings you might be looking for. BUT, if you want to start from the beginning – grab yourself the book that started it all – Virgin River.

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PATRICK RIORDAN ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT NOTHING COULD MATCH THE ADRENALINE RUSH HE GETS FROM HIS JOB. BUT THIS CHRISTMAS, PATRICK’S PULSE IS REALLY RACING…

The Riordan brothers may have a reputation for being rough-and tumble, but Patrick has always been the gentle, sweet-natured one. These days, his easygoing manner is being tested by his high-octane career as a navy pilot. But for the Riordan brothers, when the going gets tough…the tough find the love of a good woman. Except the woman who has caught Patrick’s attention is Jack Sheridan’s very attractive niece.

Angie LeCroix comes to Virgin River to spend Christmas relaxing, away from her well-intentioned but hovering mother. Yet instead of freedom, she gets Jack Sheridan. If her uncle had his way, she’d never go out again. And certainly not with rugged, handsome Patrick Riordan. But Angie has her own idea of the kind of Christmas she wants—and the kind of man!

Patrick and Angie thought they wanted to be left alone this Christmas—until they meet each other. Then they want to be left alone together. But the Sheridan and Riordan families have different plans for Patrick and Angie—and for Christmas, Virgin River–style! 

The Christmas Sisters by Sarah Morgan

Ahh, this author does Christmas novels so well!! Most of her books are set during winter, and many are set in my favorite place on earth during Christmas – NYC. But this book is set in Scotland, my second favorite place on earth 😀 – and just look at this cover!!!!! Sweet, charming and enchanting!!!!

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In the snowy Highlands of Scotland, Suzanne McBride is dreaming of the perfect cozy Christmas. Her three adopted daughters are coming home for the holidays and she can’t wait to see them. But tensions are running high…

Workaholic Hannah knows she can’t avoid spending the holidays with her family two years in a row. But it’s not the weight of their expectations that’s panicking her—it’s the life-changing secret she’s hiding. Stay-at-home mom Beth is having a personal crisis. All she wants for Christmas is time to decide if she’s ready to return to work—seeing everyone was supposed to help her stress levels, not increase them! Posy isn’t sure she’s living her best life, but with her parents depending on her, making a change seems risky. But not as risky as falling for gorgeous new neighbor Luke…

As Suzanne’s dreams of the perfect McBride Christmas unravel, she must rely on the magic of the season to bring her daughters together. But will this new togetherness teach the sisters that their close-knit bond is strong enough to withstand anything—including a family Christmas?

THE BEST CHRISTMAS ROMANCE NOVELS