The Best Christmas Romance Books for 2023

Wrapped With a Beau by Lillie Vale

Elisha, a film liaison, is determined to revive her town. So when she has a chance to film a sequel to Sleighbells, she finds herself tangled in a charming predicament when she clashes with the handsome Ves over the historic Christmas house.

With frosty attitudes and warm hearts, they embark on a journey that proves love and the magic of the season can melt even the chilliest of hearts. This is one of our favorite romance Christmas books of 2023. #gifted

Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews

In this holiday tale, Kerry finds herself selling Christmas trees in Greenwich Village, living in a vintage camper with her brother and his dog. As she embraces the charm of the city and falls for a single dad and his adorable son, Kerry’s Christmas takes an unexpected turn when she becomes entangled in the search for a missing neighbor.

I fell in love with the little street Kerry finds herself on at Christmas, as well as her love interest, the rivalry with the tree yard across the street, and her cute little camper van. I was swept away by this magical Christmas romance novel for 2023. #gifted

Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle

If you only read one Christmas book this holiday season, let it be Just Like Magic. I adored this funny Christmas romance book from Sarah Hogle. The premise is amazing. Down-on-her-luck Bettie Hughes accidentally summons the magical Holiday Spirit, who can’t leave her until he raises her spirit level.

So going by the name of Hal, he poses as her boyfriend for her week-long family Christmas vacation. His use of magic throughout the week is hysterical. It also helps that the chemistry between Hal and Bettie crackles. It’s unlike any other Christmas story I’ve read in the best way possible!

I think this is my favorite 2022 Christmas book.

One Last Gift by Emily Stone

Emily Stone’s last book was my favorite Christmas book of 2021, so I knew I would love her newest book. This story is heartbreaking as well, but not in the same way.

Cassie has relied on her brother, Tom, since they were orphaned when she was 5. Each year, Tom creates a Christmas scavenger hunt for her, but after a sudden accident kills Tom, Cassie is left bereaved and celebrating Christmas without him.

Until she finds his final scavenger hunt. As she begins to solve the clues, her heart begins to heal, and love forms as well. This book is like the Christmas version of P.S. I Love You in the best possible way. I adored this Christmas romance novel about grief.

Once Upon a December by Amy E. Reichart

I adored this Christmas romance novel with a magical premise. It’s all about a Christmas market and its residents who travel from town to town each Christmas. The baker, Jack loves to visit Milwaukee the most because he’s drawn to Astra, an average girl.

I loved hearing about each Christmas Jack and Astra met and how their loved formed. I also loved the magical elements of the market and how it played a crucial role in their story. This holiday book would be a great Christmas book for book clubs to discuss.

In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

Do you love Christmas movies? Are you obsessed with Christmas Romance books? Do you need to swoon? ⁣ If you answered yes to any of those questions, stop everything and order In a Holidaze. This is possibly my favorite Christmas novel of all time and was a must for best holiday books. ⁣

I adored Mae and Andrew’s love story. It’s set up like Groundhog’s Day with Mae repeating the same Christmas vacation until she gets it right. Time travel romance at its best. And man… does she get it right.⁣ Peppermint kisses, sexy sledding, snowball fights, Christmas Tree trimming… this book oozes cheer-filled holiday goodness with a few scenes that are steamier than a cup of cocoa.⁣

There is a reason this time travel book made our Best Books of 2020 list! This is an adorable magical realism book and a real must-read.

A Court of Frost and Starlight (A Court of Thorns and Roses Book #4) by Sarah J. Maas

This short novel bridges the gap between the #ACOTAR trilogy and the next three books set in the same universe. It saw us catching up with all of our favorite characters during the Winter Solstice.

This Christmas romance book is cute and fun with no real plot – just some stage setting for the next book. Think of it as an extended epilogue to A Court of Wings and Ruins. You can find our complete guide to ACOTAR as well.

Duke, Actually by Jenny Holiday

The sequel to A Princess for Christmas, this Christmas romance novel is the love story of Leo and Marie’s man of honor (Max) and best woman (Dani). Dani is going through a divorce and Max begins to help her get over her ex in a strictly platonic way.

But as their friendship grows, their feelings for each other deepen. The beginning and end of the story feature lots of Christmas scenes in NYC and Eldovia. Plus we get to see Leo and Marie’s wedding!

I also loved the bi-racial relationship portrayed. It was fun to learn about Christmas traditions from Mexico.

Royal Holiday (The Wedding Date #4) by Jasmine Guillory

Looking for a last-minute Christmas Read, New Year’s book, or the perfect holiday book? Royal Holiday was the perfect first read for winter break.

When Maddie gets Kirsten’s dream gig (styling a Royal or let’s face it, hanging out with a Royal), she brings her mom, Vivian, with her to England. ⁣Vivian meets a very handsome gentleman who happens to be the Queen’s private secretary.

Sparks fly but will this be more than just a holiday romance? This adorable read is a perfect holiday/vacation read, especially for those who love a royal romance, and is a must-read for anyone who loves Emily Henry Books. Whether or not you are reading the Jasmine Guillory books in order, this Christmas romance book will be a perfect holiday read.

A Princess for Christmas by Jenny Holiday

I loved this book from Jenny Holiday. It was one of the few holiday royal romance novels I’ve read. The charming setting of Eldovia in the snow with its various festivities made for a wonderful Christmas romance novel.

The male lead from NYC and his charming younger sister made for a good balance to the sheltered princess. I wasn’t expecting such a steamy book based on the description. This one is definitely not for children and is the spiciest pick from this list of books about royalty.

Along Came Holly by Codi Hall

This rom-com story had me laughing and swooning in equal measure. It’s all about Holly Winters, a lover of all things Christmas, and Declan, the man who owns the hardware store next door and can’t stand the holiday.

They start a prank war which eventually leads to friendship and then well…love. It’s one of my favorite romance Christmas books of 2023. I just fell hard for both of them. *Gifted by Sourcebooks

Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey

This is a perfect holiday romance. Melody and Beat’s mothers were in a band together – one that fell apart before each of them was born. They’ve only met once when they were teens, but now they are teaming up to reunite their mothers in time to perform on Christmas Eve.

Except they decide to do it via a live stream because Beat needs the money and Melody needs to break out of her sheltered life. I ADORED both of these characters and fell hard for their love story – crazy antics and all. #gifted

A Very Merry Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams

Technically this steamy Christmas romance novel is the 5th in the Bromance Book Club series, but it can be read as a standalone (which I know because I’ve never read any of the others!)

Jackie loved the first book in this series, so I knew I would probably want to dive into the Christmas tale. It’s all about Colton, a country star and total sweetheart, who is head-over-heels for Gretchen, a grumpy immigration attorney.

It was steamy and swoony and I loved every minute of this Christmas story that fulfills the grumpy sunshine trope with Christmas joy!! Gifted by Berkley Romance

Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone

This is one steamy Christmas romance novel that is unlike any other. The premise alone is hysterical – a female adult film star is accidentally cast in a cheesy Christmas movie. As Bee tries to keep her identity under wraps, she falls hard for reformed boyband member, Nolan.

The kinky things these two get into while working on the film made me blush. Add in a film crew that is half regular industry and half secretly adult film industry and you have a book that is absolutely hysterical.

Do NOT read this one if you are faint of heart. It’s definitely not a romance for your grandma…or maybe it is for the right grandmom. 😉 Gifted by Avon Books

Mistle Text by Whitney Dineen and Melanie Summers

When handsome, billionaire Archie is told he needs to go to his Godfather’s for Christmas, he hires Holly to be his personal Christmas shopper.

Holly is happy to accept the extra money as she’s been strapped for cash since her sister and brother-in-law died, leaving her to raise her 5 year-old-niece, Faith.

When Archie finds out his godfather is planning to announce the new head of the company, and he wants to name a family man the new heir, Archie begs Holly to be his fake girlfriend.

In The Event of Love by Courtney Kae

Morgan is headed back to her hometown to lick her wounds and restart her career. She’s agreed to help throw a Christmas festival to save the town – unwittingly signing up to work with her ex-best friend and former crush, Rachel.

While Morgan works to save the town and Rachel’s tree farm, sparks fly. I enjoyed watching Morgan gain self-awareness and learn to communicate with her old friends and family.

You’re a Mean One, Matthew Prince by Timothy Janovsky

Matthew Prince is young, rich, and selfish. After buying an island, his parents cut him off and banish him to his grandparents for the holidays. The problem is Hector, a grumpy local is living there too and getting under Matthew’s skin.

Soon these enemies need to put their differences aside while they work to host the town’s Christmas fundraiser. I loved the holiday seasons and the way the boys went from enemies to friends to more. This is one of the sweetest Christmas romance books for teens.

Lovelight Farms by B. K. Borison

Set on a Christmas tree farm, this Booktok favorite is such a sweet Christmas romance novel. It’s a friends-to-lovers, fake-dating story that will charm everyone.

Stella wants to save her farm and enters an Instagram contest to help. The caveat? She told the influencer she owns the farm with her boyfriend. Now her best friend Luka is posing as her boyfriend but the lines are blurred and Stella isn’t sure their friendship will ever go back to normal. It’s the first in a series of season-based love stories set in the same small town.

The Christmas Wager by Holly Cassidy

In this delightful enemies-to-lovers romance, Bella is a real-estate developer who has her eye on a Christmas shop. Jesse, the owner’s grandson wants nothing to do with her.

To settle the deal, they agree to compete in the Maple Falls Holiday games where the winner takes all, but when they start to feel a spark, will they be able to admit their feelings?

This reminds me of a Hallmark Christmas movie. Big-time developer falls in love with a small town and the person who lives there. It’s everything I look for in a new romance Christmas book for 2023. #gifted

Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox

When Charlie Goodwin gets a concussion, and cannot smell or taste, she doesn’t know what to do. Her job as a chef and the promotion she has been working toward is on the line.

She begs her twin sister Cass to switch places like they did when they were kids. She will take over the bakery and Cass will pretend to be her.

This adorable holiday romance is just the book to brighten your day and put a smile on your face. How could we not put it on a list of novels about food? This is one of the best Christmas romance books we have read!

One Day in December by Josie Silver

December 2018 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

This is one of my favorite Christmas romance novels! This second chance love story takes place over 10 years and you’ll be rooting for this couple the entire time. 

The perfect winter romance – this one is a bit steamy – that will have you smiling from ear to ear. I listened to this one from my local library, but it would be just as good in print. We love this pick from books about New Year’s.

The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer

A Chanukah romance? Yes, please!!! I mean, I would have been happy to read this book based only on that but the fact Rachel is a Rabbi’s daughter who is secretly a best-selling author of Christmas romances hooked me. This is a hilarious spin if you are looking for holiday romantic comedy books.

Add in a splash of romance with Jacob, Rachel’s first kiss from summer camp/ arch nemesis and this book is the perfect light romance. I loved the humor and sweetness of this book. And I would not turn down food from Jacob’s Bubbie. I wish more Jewish writers would write Hanukkah romances! This is a definite must for any holiday book list.

Pride and Prejudice and Mistletoe by Melissa De La Cruz

I picked up this book because I adore Pride and Prejudice and all things Jane Austen. I actually saw the Hallmark version of this book but be warned, the movie and the book are nothing alike!

Our female lead, Darcy Fitzwilliam is a workaholic, while Luke Bennett is the boy she grew up next to in their hometown of Pemberly, Ohio. As easy as it was to predict this Christmas romance story, there were a few surprises along the way.

A Winter Wedding at Willowtree Hall by Alison Sherlock

This charming story is being released as an audiobook this year and it’s a sweet Christmas romance book for 2022.

Will is back at Willowtree Hall after his recent tabloid scandal and loss of his job. He thinks he can move into the Willowtree Lodge he’s expecting to inherit until Skye shows up claiming she owns the Lodge too.

Soon Skye is being welcomed into the community and Will is catching feelings – even if he wants the Lodge for himself. As they work together to help Will’s older brother get the Christmas wedding of his dreams, their romance blooms in a delightful way. If you are looking for holiday books, this is a must-read. Gifted by Saga

The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan

Jenny Colgan is back with a stand-alone Christmas romance book about a failing bookshop and the woman that saves it. Carmen is stuck with no boyfriend, no job, and living at home, while her sister Sophie seems to have it all – a beautiful house, a great husband, a killer job, and 3 kids with one more on the way.

When she realizes her client is going to lose his bookshop and home, she overs Carmen up for the job of turning the shop around, offering her a room at her house to boot.

But the long-standing rivalry between the sisters is out in full force, Carmen seems to sabotage her own happiness in the romance department, and her bookstore boss might be hiding some family secrets that need uncovering.

A charming contemporary fiction Christmas tale in true Jenny Colgan fashion, this heartwarming holiday book also has some appearances from beloved characters from previous books.

We Met in December by Rosie Curtis

This charming Christmas romance novel gave me One Day in December vibes because of its friends-to-lovers Christmas plotline. Set over the course of a year, Jess falls in love with her roommate, Alex.

I could see this book being made into a Hallmark movie- it’s got all the right ingredients and the perfect dose of romance and finding yourself. 

Meet Me Under the Mistletoe by Jenny Bayliss

Nory, a used bookstore owner, is back in her hometown staying in a castle for her posh friend’s wedding. Reunited after years apart, this group of high school friends have lots of secrets and shared memories.

But during the week-long festivities, Nory is drawn to her former childhood nemesis, Isaac, who now runs the castle grounds and gardens.

I thought this would just be a charming Christmas romance novel, but it deals with the fallout from one of the friends in their group who had committed suicide a few years prior. Mental health, adultery, and classism are just a few of the heavier topics discussed in this book.

This one is the perfect Christmas book club pick for 2022. Gifted by Penguin Random House

Always, in December by Emily Stone

I was blown away by this tear-jerking story. It was a romance story for the first 30% of the book, but then it becomes something much deeper.

Josie mails a letter to her deceased parents every Christmas, but this Christmas she accidentally hits a stranger named Max with her bike on the way to the post box.

As she explored the holiday season with Max her feelings start to grow, but when he leaves unexpectedly, she’s left to deal with the aftermath of the impact he had on her heart. But fate isn’t done with their story yet as they bump into each other throughout the year.

Probably my favorite Christmas romance book of 2021, this one is a tear-jerker for sure. I sobbed for the entire last 10% of the book and it will most likely, emotionally wreck you. This book is a testament to the healing power of love and the kind of impact each of us can make on each other.

I don’t want to spoil anything, but if you are looking for a Christmas book that ends with a bow and smile, you may want to look elsewhere. Despite this, we needed to include this on our list of best holiday books.

25 Days ‘Til Christmas by Poppy Alexander

I read 25 Days ‘til Christmas because I wanted a lovely, Christmas romance novel. The contemporary fiction story is about a single mother who decides to do an advent calendar of activities in the hopes of bringing life back to her home. 

A cute guy befriends them and I thought I was getting the romance I was looking for.⁣ In actuality, the book takes a dark turn and deals with loneliness, depression, childhood disabilities, and grieving. 

It was so much deeper than I thought when looking at the peppy cover. ⁣I loved it. Truly. I wanted to personally walk into the pages of the book and lift her up when life knocked her down. 

I got the happy Christmas ending I wanted, but in a more meaningful way than I initially expected.⁣ I can’t recommend this one enough. 

Blame It on the Mistletoe by Beth Garrod

This is such a cute YA Christmas book. It’s a teenage version of The Holiday. In this story Holly and Noelle swap homes for a week around Christmas.

Holly wants to escape her ex-boyfriend (who is also her neighbor) and Noelle is out to win a social media challenge and prove herself as a teen influencer.

But as they get to know each other’s friends and family, their connection to each other grows too. And they learn a few Christmas lessons in the process. It’s one of our favorite Christmas romance books for teens.

So, This is Christmas is by Tracy Andreen

A cute YA Christmas romance novel about Finley, who is home from boarding school and her classmate, Arthur, who shows up at her grandmother’s inn for Winter break.

Why is there? Because Finley told everyone all about the quaint town of Christmas, Oklahoma where she is from… but she exaggerated and now Arthur wants her to create a Christmas he and his aunt will remember.

The Holiday Switch by Tif Marcelo

In this YA Christmas book, two teenagers work at an inn where a famous holiday movie was filmed. Each is hiding secrets from their families but confiding in each other.

This enemies-to-lovers romance is a charming and innocent, PG-appropriate story for teenagers. I loved all the cute Christmas scenes these two experience together.

It’s the perfect pick for our Christmas romance book round-up.