10 Christmas romance books to read this holiday season

The official state Christmas tree after the annual Christmas at the State Capitol celebration event Monday, Nov. 27, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn.
The official state Christmas tree after the annual Christmas at the State Capitol celebration event Monday, Nov. 27, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. /
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It’s time to put on your coziest pajamas, grab some hot cocoa, and bask in the warmth of being at home, reading some Christmas romance books.

While Christmas isn’t until the end of December, it’s never too early to start reading Christmas books. There are SO many good ones out there and I wanted to showcase some of my favorite Christmas romances.

I feel like there are so many authors out there, writing such fun and unique Christmas stories so I’m going to try to feature a wide variety of different authors and tropes. I did end up reading a ton of good books though so don’t mind if I end up, talking about how good they are.

Whether you’re trying out a new author or just want some holiday spirit this year, these Christmas romance books are sure to get you hyped for the upcoming holiday.

These 10 Christmas romance books will help deck your halls!

Wrapped With A Beau
Wrapped With A Beau by Lillie Vale. Image Credit to G.P. Putnam’s Sons. /

1. Wrapped With A Beau by Lillie Vale

Wrapped With A Beau is a book I’ve already talked about so I’m featuring it first. This is a romance between Elisha who is her town’s film liaison and Ves, a city boy who inherited his aunt’s house and it’s delicious. These two don’t have the best meeting but they quickly become friends and the attraction between them is simmering.

While the plot does play out a lot like the Hallmark movie, this one is so much fun and is easily one of my favorites I’ve read this year. If you haven’t picked this book up yet, then you’re doing yourself a holiday disservice.

10 Things That Never Happened
10 Things That Never Happened. Image courtesy Sourcebooks Casablanca /

2. 10 Things That Never Happened by Alexis Hall

If you’re craving a Christmas rom-com, then 10 Things That Never Happened by Alexis Hall will fit the bill. This book follows Sam, a well-meaning furniture store manager who is on the cusp of being fired. He goes to meet his boss, Jonathan Forest and from there, shenanigans ensue.

To put it simply: Sam fakes having amnesia so he won’t be fired and tries to save Christmas for himself and his employees. He doesn’t count on falling for his grumpy boss in the meantime though. This book made me laugh, smile, and cry all on the same page but I just adored it so I had to recommend it.

Faking Christmas
Faking Christmas by Kerry Winfrey. Image Courtesy of Berkley. /

3. Faking Christmas by Kerry Winfrey

If you’re looking for some fake dating in your Christmas romances, then look no further than Faking Christmas by Kerry Winfrey. Laurel is the social media manager for a popular Ohio magazine but things go awry when her boss invites himself to her Christmas celebration. Did I mention that Laurel has been pretending to be her twin sister?

From there, it gets even wackier as Laurel must fake-date her brother-in-law’s friend Max. What could go wrong? Of course, things inevitably turn hot for both Max and Laurel’s relationship along with Laurel’s deceit. It’s as fun and dramatic as you might imagine so you won’t be able to put it down.

A Valentine For Christmas
A Valentine For Christmas by Reese Ryan. image Courtesy of Harlequin. /

4. A Valentine For Christmas by Reese Ryan

I mean how could I not put a Harlequin on my list?! A Valentine For Christmas is a part of Reese Ryan’s Valentine Vineyards series. Each book follows a different Valentine sibling and the first book follows Chandra Valentine who has an unlikely romance with the town doctor.

A Valentine For Christmas has so many great tropes including May-December, caretaking, some steam, and even an unexpected ending. While you might be able to guess what happens, I couldn’t get enough of this book and it’s the perfect read if you’re looking for something short, steamy, and sparkling with Christmas cheer.

Lovelight Farms
Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison. Image courtesy Berkley /

5. Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison

I’ll keep this one short as I’ve already featured Lovelight Farms on Culturess enough this year but I do love this one. It’s a fake dating romance between two best friends, one of whom owns a Christmas tree farm. This is so soft and sweet while also being steamy and sexy in the best way. I truly adore Luka and Stella so if you haven’t picked this one up, you really need to.

6. Seasons of Love by Helena Greer

The next book is one I don’t have an image of but I read it this year and adored it. The story begins with Miriam’s great-aunt passing away and her returning to the Christmas tree farm she owned but once she gets there, it’s clear she’s unwelcome by the manager.

Noelle isn’t looking to be upstaged by someone who disappeared and the two get off the wrong foot until they start to work together. This book is tough to read at times, but truly feels like a love letter to family, friendship, and Christmas. Plus it’s a fun twist as the characters are Jewish so it makes for a unique take on the traditional Christmas romance.

The Holiday-Mix Up
The Holiday Mix-Up by Ginny Baird. Image Courtesy of Sourcebooks Casablanca. /

7. The Holiday Mix-Up by Ginny Baird

For my final recommendation of Christmas romance books, The Holiday Mix-Up is a fun one. The latest from author Ginny Baird, this book is a twist on the classic holiday story as we follow Katie who decides to fake-date Juan ahead of his family’s Christmas dinner. Things get tangled when Juan ends up in the hospital after an accident and his family thinks he and Katie are more serious than they are.

In addition, things get even more complicated when Katie starts falling for Juan’s brother, Mateo and the family drama is off-the-charts. This book is equal parts funny and festive so you’ll want to make sure you grab this one before Christmas comes.

Moving onto the final three romance books, I wanted to include 3 Christmas romance books that aren’t necessarily recommendations but are on my Christmas TBR for 2023.

  • Secret Heir for Christmas by LaQuette
  • A Holly Jolly Ever After by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone
  • Clued in Christmas by Mia Heintzelman

Which Christmas romance books are you picking up this year? Let us know your holiday TBR. 

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