Festive Romance Book Recommendations

The holiday season is a magical time filled with joy, togetherness, and festive cheer. As the weather turns chilly and snow begins to fall, curling up with an enchanting Christmas romance novel amplifies the cozy, heartwarming spirit of the season. 

Festive romance books allow readers to fully immerse themselves in charming love stories filled with passion, humor, and holiday magic. These seasonal reads provide the perfect wholesome escape during the most wonderful time of the year.

With the holidays right around the corner, now is the ideal time to pick out some merry and bright festive romance book recommendations. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best new and recent Christmas themed love stories sure to fill your heart with the special feeling only a festive tale can provide. From snowy small towns to London Christmas markets, these love stories will make you believe in the magic of the season.

Festive Romance Book Recommendations for 2023

Delight in seasonal romance novels with a festive touch with these recent festive romance book recommendations for 2023.

1. Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle

Fans of You’ve Got Mail will adore this charming romance about an online flirtation that turns into something more. When inheriting half of a bookstore threatens Abby’s online business, she must work with her anonymous romantic rival “BookGuy” to save it. This enemies-to-lovers romance captures the cozy joy of books and winter.

2. The Christmas Wish by Lindsey Kelk

This heartwarming story follows event planner Penny as her firm is hired to organize an extravagant celebrity Christmas wedding in a small village. To pull off the job, she must team up with the best man, her childhood friend whom she feels betrayed by. This funny and festive read explores grief, trust, and second chances.

3. The Plight Before Christmas by Kate Stewart

For a steamy and passionate holiday tale, read this romance about a down-on-her-luck diner waitress who agrees to be an escort for a handsome billionaire during the holidays to make money for her sick mother. Expected rivalry soon turns into unexpected attraction between them.

4. An Ex for Christmas by Lauren Layne 

This second chance romance follows a couple who broke up before Christmas seven years ago and keep meeting unexpectedly during the holidays. When a massive snowstorm hits, stranding them together, they are forced to re-confront their unresolved issues.

5. Christmas From Hell by R.L. Mathewson

Readers who enjoy quirky humor will laugh out loud reading this story about a Christmas Eve dinner gone very wrong. When chaos ensues thanks to uninvited guests, a surly host, and a bad turkey, it will take a Christmas miracle to set things right again.

6. Charming Co-Worker by Lauren Runow and Jeannine Colette

For an office holiday romance, pick up this book about a woman who needs to impress her boss by winning an office Christmas party contest. The problem? She doesn’t have a date. Fortunately, her kind, charming co-worker offers to pretend to be her boyfriend for the night.

7. A Very Bossy Christmas by Kayley Loring

The perfect read for fans of Grumpy/Sunshine romances! This hilarious enemies-to-lovers story follows a cheerful Christmas enthusiast who dares her grumpy, Scrooge-like billionaire boss to embrace the Christmas spirit. His competitive nature means he can’t back down from the holiday challenge. 

8. Kiss Her Once For Me by Alison Cochrun

A museum curator receives a Christmas letter from her late grandfather asking her to fulfill his mistletoe tradition by kissing someone under the mistletoe. She reluctantly agrees, only to find herself falling for the handsome stranger she shares the kiss with.

9. Once Upon A December by Amy E. Reichert 

Fate brings a woman to a beautiful Scottish castle during Christmas where she begins uncovering secrets about its mysterious yet charming owner and her own family history. This romantic time-slip novel alternates between the 1920s and the present day.

10. In The Event of Love by Courtney Kae

For a merry and bright romance reads, check out this book about a woman hired to organize weddings at a quaint small-town inn who butts heads with the inn’s handsome chef, even as they feel an irresistible spark. Opposites attract amidst the backdrop of mistletoe and snow. 

11. One Last Gift by Emily Stone

In this heart-tugging second-chance romance, estranged spouses reunite for their daughter’s sake on one last family Christmas at their former home. As they decorate and celebrate together, they are reminded of the love they once shared. Can the holiday spirit re-kindle their romance?

12. The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss

Follow Kate Bloom in Kate’s quest to move on from heartbreak by going on 12 festive-themed dates leading up to Christmas. From ice skating to Christmas markets, Kate opens her heart again amidst all the holiday magic. But could date number 12 actually lead to true love? 

13. A Cosy Christmas In Cornwall by Jane Linfoot

For an escape to snowy Cornwall, check out this delightful holiday tale. A woman plans to spend Christmas alone after a bad break-up, but her best friend has other plans. She sends her to a cozy Cornish Inn run by a handsome but brooding owner, bringing these polar opposites together.

14. 10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston

This YA Christmas romance follows a teen girl whose big-hearted family sets her up on 10 blind dates the week before Christmas to help her get over her ex-boyfriend. One of those mysterious dates just might end up sweeping her off her feet in this festive, feel-good read.

15. A Princess for Christmas by Jenny Holiday

An American woman visits the Alpine kingdom of Eldonia to spend time with her boyfriend Prince Leo over the holidays, only to get dumped by him upon arrival. She decides to stick around anyway and butts heads with handsome yet grumpy palace chef, Maxim. Sparks fly amidst all the Christmas magic.

16. Duke, Actually by Jenny Holiday 

This charming romance follows a New York social influencer who heads to the English countryside for Christmas where she unexpectedly runs into the Duke of Rothesay. He mixes up her life in humorous and heartfelt ways as he shows her the true spirit of the holidays. 

17. In A Holidaze by Christina Lauren

Get whisked away on a time loop adventure in this inventive romance. After getting dumped right before Christmas, Mae asks the universe for a do-over but keeps waking up on the same day. She slowly begins to realize the mistake she really needs to fix is letting go of the one that got away.

18. The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox

Two strangers agree to a house swap and end up spending the holidays in each other’s homes, surrounded by each other’s families and lives. This funny and heartwarming read follows them as they form a connection amidst the chaos of Christmas.

19. Meet Me In London by Georgia Toffolo 

The perfect book for Anglophiles! Follow a woman dreaming of a proposal during Christmas in London who breaks up with her lackluster boyfriend and has a magical fling with a handsome Brit. When her ex wants her back, she learns to take charge of her own happily ever after.

If you are interested, also read the 23 Top Trending Books Set on Holiday!

Conclusion

Curling up with enchanting holiday love stories allows readers to feel a sense of joy and nostalgia during the most wonderful time of the year. With snow falling, candles lit, and carols in the air, turning pages brings the magic of the holidays alive. The enchanting love stories on this curated festive romance list offer the perfect read to immerse yourself in during this season of comfort and cheer. 

Whether you’re looking for an emotional second chance romance, a light-hearted enemies-to-lovers tale, or just a cozy winter wonderland setting, you’re sure to find a book to stir your Christmas spirit. 

So grab a mug of hot cocoa, snuggle under your favorite blanket, and let these passionate, charming reads fill your heart with the merriment of the holidays. This curated list of festive romance book recommendations is sure to help readers find the perfect holiday-themed love story to cozy up with this Christmas season.

FAQ’s

Are there any classic festive romance novels worth exploring?

Absolutely! Explore timeless gems such as “Pride and Prejudice and Mistletoe” and “The Holiday Switch” for a nostalgic touch.

How can I find diverse festive romance books to suit different tastes?

Look into anthologies like “Christmas in the City” and “Season of Love” that offer a variety of festive romance stories.

Any recommendations for those who prefer contemporary festive romance?

Yes! Dive into modern love stories like “One Day in December” and “The Twelve Dates of Christmas” for a contemporary festive vibe.

Can you suggest festive romance novels suitable for a quick holiday escape?

Certainly! Enjoy a brief getaway with novellas like “A Christmas Carol” or “The Christmas Train” for short and sweet festive tales.

Where can I find Festive Romance Book Recommendations beyond bestseller lists?

Explore online book communities, blogs, and social media platforms to discover hidden gems and unique festive romance book suggestions.