7 Warm and Festive Holiday Romances
The holiday season is one of my absolute favorite seasons for reading a cozy romance. Is there anything better than reading a feel-good book while next to a roaring fire? Maybe if that fire is also in view of a Christmas tree. Give me a good book, a spot by the fire, and a view of the Christmas tree, and I’m living my best life. In the spirit of the season, I’ve compiled a few of my favorite festive reads. Here are 7 warm and festive holiday romances perfect for when you’re craving a little extra Christmas cheer.
Three Holidays and a Wedding by Marissa Stapley and Uzma Jalaluddin
Maryam Aziz and Anna Gibson are strangers turned confidants when extreme flight turbulence has them confessing their deepest secrets. It’s the holiday season, with Maryam headed to her sister’s wedding, and Anna headed to meet her new boyfriend’s family. When the flight is diverted due to inclement weather, Maryam and Anna find themselves stranded in a small town full of holiday spirit. With an indefinite stay at the Snow Falls Inn, love is in the air for Maryam and an old flame, and for Anna with a new one.
Told on a rare occasion when Hanukkah, Ramadan, and Christmas overlap, this story follows the lives of two women given the chance to make drastic life changes.
10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston
After a break up with her boyfriend, and in much need of a break from her parents, Sophie flees to Louisiana for Christmas with her grandparents. What she hopes will be a low-key Christmas with family quickly transforms into 10 days of blind dates, with each family member selecting a different suitor. When her ex-boyfriend asks to get back together, Sophie has to decide what she wants. To get back with an old flame, or to start something with someone new.
This is a fun YA tale perfect for fans of The Bachelor franchise.
A Very Merry Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams
Country music superstar Colton Wheeler has fallen hard for immigration attorney Gretchen Winthrop. The problem? Gretchen isn’t interested in anything more than a one night stand. When she finds herself in need of Colton’s help in a deal with her parents, he can’t say yes quick enough– as long as she agrees to three dates.
This is a part of the Bromance Bookclub series, but can easily be read as a standalone.
Readers should note, this one is Rated R.
Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
Everyone’s favorite shopaholic, Becky Brandon, loves the traditions of her family Christmas. Every year, friends and family gather at her parents house for quality time and delicious food. It’s like a Christmas card come to life. That is, until her parents decide to move and make Becky the new holiday hostess. In typical Shopaholic fashion, hilarity and chaos ensue as Becky finds her footing and creates traditions of her own.
This is an old favorite of mine. Any of the Shopaholic novels make me laugh out loud, and this one is no exception!
Let it Snow by John Green, Lauren Myracle, and Maureen Johnson
Told in three separate novellas, Let it Snow follows the comings and goings of a handful of teenagers when a snowstorm hits their town on Christmas Eve. Each story is connected, and follows different teenagers as they encounter first love, new friends, and family dynamics, all while celebrating the magic of Christmas.
This YA novel was made into a Netflix movie, and although the movie adaptation is very cute, there’s nothing like the book!
In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren
Maelyn Jones has spent Christmas at the Utah cabin every year for as long as she can remember. It’s a shared tradition between her family and those of her parents’ best college friends. Christmas at the cabin is a place where Mae finds respite from her boring life, and where she finds herself romantically caught between two brothers. When it’s announced that this year is the final holiday at the cabin, Mae is desperate for a sign that there is more still out there for her. Immediately after throwing the thought out into the void, her car crashes and she wakes up back on the plane– on the way to Utah. Before long, Mae finds herself caught in a time loop. As she relives her vacation over and over, she has the opportunity to find true love and joy.
If you’re a fan of Groundhog Day, or you love time loop stories, this one from Christina Lauren is full of festive humor and heart.
Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Lily leaves a red notebook full of dares on the shelf at her favorite bookstore in hopes that the right boy will come along to accept the challenge. When Dash stumbles upon the book of dares, so begins a back and forth of vulnerability, hopes, and self discovery. As they travel across NYC accomplishing each task, it isn’t long before Dash and Lily find themselves falling for each other.
This cute YA romance was developed into a Netflix show a few years ago, and is perfect for those looking for a sweet story of first love.
Did I forget to mention your favorite holiday romance? Drop the title in the comments!
P.S Looking for more romance? Check out my list of 19 of the Best Romance Novels
Xx, M
