Revisiting the Best Holiday Romance Books
I revisit my Best Holiday Romance Book list from last year, plus highlight some recent holiday romance best sellers to consider adding to your TBR this season.
Are you deep into your holiday romance reading yet? I usually am, but I’ve been rather distracted by Heated Rivalry (the books, the show, the fandom). I’m kicking off my holiday reads with Good Spirits by B.K. Borison, which I’m madly trying to finish in time for my romance book club tonight (shout out to my local romance bookstore Perfect Match Bookshop!).
Last year, I compiled a pretty epic Best Holiday Romance Books list based on an analysis of 53 best holiday romance book lists. After reviewing 1,011 rows of data, 36 books rose to the top, each appearing on 6 or more best holiday romance book lists. I review those below.
To update the list for 2025, I’m also sharing the holiday romance best sellers from my recent November Amazon Kindle Store Romance Best Sellers Analysis.
Giddy-up, giddy-up, giddy-up, let’s go!
Note: Commissions may be earned from the links on this page. These lists has been compiled based on research and should not be considered my own personal recommendations or endorsements.
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Love Me Merrily by Alyssa Jarrett
Summer McKenzie hates the holidays. But even Scrooges have to do their jobs, and this year, the Yosemite hotel manager is determined to throw the lodge’s merriest masquerade yet. She’s not expecting anyone to get her out of her bah-humbug funk. She definitely isn’t expecting John Beecher. As one party-planning catastrophe after another brings Summer and John closer, they fall for each other like a surprise Sierra Nevada snowstorm—hard, fast, and totally unplanned.
Available on Kindle Unlimited
Current Holiday Best Sellers
The Amazon Kindle Store Monthly Top 100 Best Sellers in Romance for November included 12 holiday books. I personally haven’t read any of these yet (I’m still trying to work through last year’s list!), but they are proving popular with readers.
Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animal by Meghan Quinn
Nothing says I love you like trespassing, public humiliation, and a town-wide Christmas spectacle to win your crush back.Yours for the Season by Uzma Jalaluddin
For an ambitious attorney and a rising-star chef, a cross-cultural fake romance takes an unexpected detour in a heartwarming and funny novel by the author of Much Ado About Nada and Ayesha at Last.How My Neighbor Stole Christmas by Meghan Quinn
A winter holiday, enemies-to-lovers romance, from the undeniably funny and always spicy, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Meghan Quinn.Sleigh Bells and Snowstorms by Claire Kingsley
From USA Today bestselling author Claire Kingsley, the stand-alone small-town/romcom/romantic suspense/Christmas romance you didn’t know you needed.Snow Place Like Home by Laura Pavlov
After a devastating breakup, a sunny veterinarian goes home to the mountains to lick her wounds—and savor a holiday snack—in this heartfelt story from Laura Pavlov, author of the Blushing series.Merry Little Kissmas by Lauren Blakely
I should’ve known better than to make a Christmas bet with my brother’s best friend. Six-foot-three, grumpy, and allergic to mistletoe and feelings.Christmas Fling by Lindsey Kelk
One fake romance. One magical Christmas. One chance to fall in love.
My Favorite Holidate by Lauren Blakely
Wanted: hot billionaire to pose as my Christmas boyfriend. Must be willing to make my cheating ex jealous by kissing me under the mistletoe at holiday parties. Bonus if you make him cry.Theirs for the Holidays by Eva Ashwood
I didn’t mean to tell my entire family that I’m dating my ex’s three older brothers…Elf on the Edge by Alina Jacobs
Hire a hitman to take out my cheating ex? It was an eggnog-fueled mistake, I swear!Cruel Winter with You by Ali Hazelwood
For two former childhood friends, a blustery winter storm stirs some frosty—and scorching—memories in a delightfully sexy short story by #1 New York Times bestselling author Ali Hazelwood.Holiday Unscripted by Natasha Madison
From the Something So Series comes a second chance, enemies-to-lovers, brother’s best friend, holiday romance.
36 Best Holiday Romance Books
I won’t rehash all the details about my process for compiling the Best Holiday Romance Books list, as you can read those in the original blog post. But I will share a few relevant links:
The directory version of the list on my website, which you can filter by representation, decade published, spice level, Kindle Unlimited availability, etc.
The StoryGraph Challenge for the list—I’m currently at 61%!
And now here is the list!
Given that there are numerous ties on the list, the books are ranked alphabetically by title within each tied group for the sake of simplicity.
Definitions
For each book, I've indicated which holiday(s) it features, whether it has BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+ representation, and whether it's part of a series.
☑️ BIPOC rep: At least one of the main characters is identified as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Colour) on the page.
☑️ LGBTQIA+ rep: At least one of the main characters is identified as LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, or another diverse gender identity) on the page.
1. In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren (2020)
Appeared on 32 lists | Christmas
Caught in a time loop, Maelyn relives her holiday with family and friends until she figures out what—and who—makes her truly happy. Festive, funny, and full of heart.
2. Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory (2019)
Appeared on 24 lists | Christmas | ☑️ BIPOC rep | ☑️ Series
Vivian’s Christmas vacation to London turns magical when she meets and falls for the Queen’s charming private secretary, proving romance can spark at any age.
3. One Day in December by Josie Silver (2018)
Appeared on 20 lists | Christmas
Laurie spots the love of her life through a bus window, but fate has other plans. A decade of chance encounters, friendship, and heartbreak unfolds.
4. Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison (2021)
Appeared on 19 lists | Christmas | ☑️ Series
A woman fakes a relationship with her best friend to save her Christmas tree farm. Along the way, holiday magic transforms their pretend love into something real.
5. The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox (2021)
Appeared on 18 lists | Christmas
Twin sisters switch lives to escape holiday stress. With new roles and unexpected romances, they discover more about themselves and the spirit of Christmas.
6. Kiss Her Once for Me by Alison Cochrun (2022)
Appeared on 15 lists | Christmas | ☑️ LGBTQIA+ rep
A woman agrees to a fake engagement with her landlord but reconnects with her holiday fling, discovering a second chance at love, laughter and warmth.
7. Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley (2023)
Appeared on 14 lists | Christmas, Diwali and Hanukkah | ☑️ BIPOC rep
Two strangers stranded by a snowstorm in Istanbul during Christmas, Hanukkah and a wedding, discover love across cultures in a heartwarming holiday romance.
8. The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss (2020)
Appeared on 13 lists | Christmas
To find love, Kate agrees to go on twelve festive blind dates, each more chaotic than the last, leading to unexpected feelings and holiday magic.
9. Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey (2023)
Appeared on 11 lists | Christmas
A rocker and a small-town baker team up for a Christmas concert, clashing and connecting in this festive, flirty enemies-to-lovers romance.
10. Holiday Romance by Catherine Walsh (2022)
Appeared on 10 lists | Christmas | ☑️ Series
Best friends endure holiday travel chaos together each year—until this Christmas, when they realize love may have been just one snowstorm away.
11. A Winter in New York by Josie Silver (2023)
Appeared on 10 lists | Christmas
In New York City, a woman mourning her mother’s death stumbles upon romance and her family’s past through an Italian gelato shop during a wintry season.
12. Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle (2022)
Appeared on 9 lists | Christmas
When Bettie accidentally summons the holiday spirit, they embark on a whirlwind, hilarious Christmas adventure, helping her find love, forgiveness and joy.
13. The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer (2021)
Appeared on 9 lists | Hanukkah
A Jewish woman with a Christmas obsession writes holiday romances. Her last chance at a Hanukkah event brings love, laughs and a celebration of identity.
14. Once Upon a December by Amy E. Reichert (2022)
Appeared on 9 lists | Christmas
An enchanted holiday market reappears each year, connecting two star-crossed lovers through holiday magic, baked treats and cozy romance.
15. Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey (2021)
Appeared on 9 lists | Christmas
A quirky girl lands a job decorating a Manhattan store window, falling for her charming boss and finding love amidst New York's holiday glitz.
16. A Holly Jolly Ever After by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone (2023)
Appeared on 8 lists | Christmas | ☑️ Series
A former child star and a hunky actor fall for each other while filming a holiday romance movie, navigating sizzling chemistry and real feelings.
17. Meet Me Under the Mistletoe by Jenny Bayliss (2022)
Appeared on 8 lists | Christmas
A bookstore owner reconnects with her past at a snowy holiday reunion, finding healing, friendship and love in the English countryside.
18. Merry Inkmas by Talia Hibbert (2017)
Appeared on 8 lists | Christmas | ☑️ BIPOC rep
A tattoo artist and a sweet barista share a steamy holiday romance full of charm, warmth and Christmas spirit.
19. The Christmas Fix by Lucy Score (2017)
Appeared on 7 lists | Christmas
A grumpy mayor clashes with a disaster-prone TV host trying to save his holiday town, leading to unlikely love and festive charm.
20. Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella (2019)
Appeared on 7 lists | Christmas | ☑️ Series
Becky navigates holiday mayhem, family demands and shopping frenzies in this hilarious, feel-good Christmas adventure.
21. Duke, Actually by Jenny Holiday (2021)
Appeared on 7 lists | Christmas | ☑️ Series
A proper professor and a charming Duke become unexpected friends, leading to a slow-burn holiday romance in a wintery, royal setting.
22. Mangos and Mistletoe by Adriana Herrera (2019)
Appeared on 7 lists | Christmas | ☑️ BIPOC rep | ☑️ LGBTQIA+ rep
Two Dominican chefs clash in a Christmas baking competition, sparking culinary rivalry and steamy romance against a festive, spicy holiday backdrop.
23. A Princess for Christmas by Jenny Holiday (2020)
Appeared on 7 lists | Christmas | ☑️ Series
A cab driver helps a royal princess on a diplomatic visit, leading to a magical New York Christmas romance that proves fairy tales can come true.
24. This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens (2020)
Appeared on 7 lists | New Year's Day
Minnie and Quinn share the same birthday but opposite luck. A New Year’s journey of missed connections and second chances brings them together.
25. A Very Merry Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams (2022)
Appeared on 7 lists | Christmas | ☑️ Series
A country star and a jaded immigration lawyer fake a holiday relationship, discovering real sparks with help from his romance-loving friends.
26. All I Want for Christmas by Maggie Knox (2022)
Appeared on 6 lists | Christmas
Two country singers fake a relationship for a career boost, but holiday spirit—and undeniable attraction—bring real love to the stage.
27. Always, in December by Emily Stone (2021)
Appeared on 6 lists | Christmas
A woman mourning her parents meets a stranger one December, leading to an unforgettable, bittersweet romance filled with holiday magic and heartache.
28. Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews (2023)
Appeared on 6 lists | Christmas
A woman selling Christmas trees in New York finds love and community while navigating festive misadventures, city life and family ties.
29. The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan (2021)
Appeared on 6 lists | Christmas | ☑️ Series
A woman helps save a failing bookstore during Christmas, rediscovering herself, family bonds and love in the snowy, magical streets of Edinburgh.
30. The Christmas Orphans Club by Becca Freeman (2023)
Appeared on 6 lists | Christmas | ☑️ BIPOC rep | ☑️ LGBTQIA+ rep
A group of strangers find family and healing by spending Christmas together, sharing laughs, heartwarming moments and a sense of belonging.
31. A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone (2022)
Appeared on 6 lists | Christmas | ☑️ LGBTQIA+ rep | ☑️ Series
An adult film star and a boy band member star in a holiday movie, finding unexpected love, laughs and festive mischief on set.
32. The Mistletoe Motive by Chloe Liese (2021)
Appeared on 6 lists | Christmas | ☑️ LGBTQIA+ rep
Two rival bookstore employees must work together during the holiday season, with mistletoe, banter and unspoken attraction leading to love.
33. The Plight Before Christmas by Kate Stewart (2021)
Appeared on 6 lists | Christmas
A holiday cabin brings a woman face-to-face with her first love, rekindling romance, hope and holiday dreams.
34. The Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrews (2021)
Appeared on 6 lists | Christmas
A woman discovers love, mystery and community in a small town after finding a vintage Santa suit with a hidden note, sparking festive adventures.
35. Wrapped with a Beau by Lillie Vale (2023)
Appeared on 6 lists | Christmas
A Christmas-loving woman returns to her hometown, reconnecting with her high school rival in a cozy, festive romance filled with love and second chances.
36. You're a Mean One, Matthew Prince by Timothy Janovsky (2022)
Appeared on 6 lists | Christmas | ☑️ LGBTQIA+ rep | ☑️ Series
A spoiled rich kid finds redemption and romance in a small town while spending Christmas in forced humility and discovering holiday joy.
Honourable Mentions
As mentioned above, the Best of the Best list reflects a very straight, white Christmas in terms of representation. It also includes only contemporary romances, even though there are a numerous historical romances in this subgenre.
To provide a few more diverse options, here are some honourable mentions that were nominated but didn't make the final list:
The Christmas Clash by Suzanne Park (2022)
Appeared on 5 lists | Christmas | ☑️ BIPOC rep
Kari and her long-time rival, Jae, clash as their families’ businesses in a mall face closure. Amid festive chaos, these frenemies join forces to save their family legacies, uncovering hidden feelings and holiday cheer along the way.
The Holiday Switch by Tif Marcelo (2021)
Appeared on 5 lists | Christmas | ☑️ BIPOC rep
Lila swaps shifts with her bookstore crush, Teddy, but when they accidentally swap phones, they uncover each other’s secrets. Navigating the holiday rush, they find themselves drawn together in this charming tale of love, family, and cozy Christmas vibes.
The Holiday Trap by Roan Parrish (2022)
Appeared on 4 lists | Christmas and Hanukkah | ☑️ LGBTQIA+ rep
Greta and Truman, strangers stuck in holiday ruts, decide to swap homes in New Orleans and Maine. In their new settings, they find adventure, friendship, and the courage to take romantic risks just in time for Christmas.
A Holly Jolly Diwali by Sonya Lalli (2021)
Appeared on 4 lists | Diwali | ☑️ BIPOC rep
Niki ditches her careful life to attend a friend’s wedding in India, where Diwali lights and a spontaneous romance awaken her adventurous side. This holiday journey brings self-discovery, joy, and a chance at true love.
Lighting the Flames: A Hanukkah Love Story by Sarah Wendell (2014)
Appeared on 4 lists | Hanukkah
Former camp friends turned lovers, Genevieve and Jeremy reunite during Hanukkah for a winter camp celebration. As old sparks fly amidst dreidels and latkes, they must decide if their connection is meant to be more than a holiday fling.
Season of Love by Helena Greer (2022)
Appeared on 4 lists | Christmas and Hanukkah | ☑️ LGBTQIA+ rep | ☑️ Series
When Miriam inherits her estranged family’s Christmas tree farm, she finds herself entangled in holiday traditions—and falling for the headstrong farm manager. As they navigate grief and family feuds, the magic of the season opens Miriam’s heart to love and new beginnings.
A Wallflower Christmas by Lisa Kleypas (2008)
Appeared on 4 lists | Christmas | ☑️ Historical Romance | ☑️ Series
Rafe Bowman, a wealthy American, arrives in London to find a proper bride. But his heart is captivated by an unsuitable wallflower, forcing him to choose between duty and passion in this sparkling Victorian Christmas romance.
How the Dukes Stole Christmas by Joanna Shupe, Tessa Dare, Sophie Jordan and Sarah MacLean (2018)
Appeared on 2 lists | Christmas | ☑️ Historical Romance
This collection of Regency-era novellas follows four dukes and their holiday adventures, with each finding romance through the magic of Christmas. Filled with snowball fights, mistletoe kisses and unexpected love, it’s a holiday treat of passion and charm.
Kwanzaa by Kismet by Layne Daniels (2021)
Appeared on 1 list | Kwanzaa | ☑️ BIPOC rep | ☑️ Series
In this Kwanzaa romance, two childhood friends reunite and discover their feelings have grown as strong as their shared traditions. With each principle of Kwanzaa, they navigate family, faith and the beauty of falling in love.
Happy holidays!