Romance reads are like the Hallmark Channel movies of the literary world: a little cheesy, kind of predictable, and oh-so-satisfying. Unlike mind-bending mysteries or complex science fiction, romance novels don't require a lot of time or brainpower to enjoy. Instead, they're ideal for a quiet evening at home or a plane ride distraction. Whatever the setting, these short, heartwarming stories offer the perfect escape from reality—which is necessary amidst the chaos of the holiday season.
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Complete with punny titles and festive covers, holiday romance books are the perfect addition to your TBR list this winter. Whether it's former high school sweethearts reuniting over a hot cocoa competition or a fake relationship turned real under the mistletoe, these stories bring the holiday magic to life. But striking the balance between corny and cute is no easy feat. That's why we turned to the internet's most trusted romance novel aficionados: BookTok.
As the temperatures start dropping and stores start lining their shelves with Santa, #BookTok creators are taking to the platform to share their favorite winter-based love stories. From chart-topping favorites to lesser-known gems, we compiled a list of the holiday romances BookTok can't get enough of. So pour yourself a mug of peppermint hot chocolate and get ready to fall in love with these charming reads.
Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey
Amazon
Stella unexpectedly lands a job at a famous department store after (accidentally) dissing its window display to the owner—who just so happens to be very attractive. She can't afford to lose this gig, but can she resist the temptation of her new boss?
Meet Me Under the Mistletoe by Jenny Bayliss
Amazon
This feel-good story follows the classic trope of a small-town girl going back to her roots and rekindling an old flame. Only in this read, that old flame just so happens to be Nory's childhood enemy.
Nick and Noel's Christmas Playlist by Codi Hall
Amazon
Fresh out of the military—and going through an unexpected breakup—Nick takes solace in working at the family Christmas tree farm with his best friend, Noel. It would be a typically nostalgic time, except one night, they kiss.
All I Want for Christmas by Maggie Knox
Amazon
Sadie and Max are competing for the opportunity of a lifetime on a reality singing show, and their undeniable on-stage chemistry just may be what wins them the grand prize. Can they fake a romance off-stage long enough to win—or will their phony connection turn into something real?
The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox
Amazon
Another Maggie Knox hit, this novel follows two identical twins who switch lives 12 days before Christmas. But when they find themselves falling for two men who think they're someone else, things get a little complicated.
Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory
Amazon
When Vivian tags along with her daughter to England, she doesn't expect to fall for the Queen's personal secretary. But sparks fly between her and Malcolm as they navigate royal duties, high teas, and the ever-present paparazzi.
In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren
Amazon
This book is a classic time-loop story with a holiday twist. After asking the universe to reveal what will make her happy, Mae wakes up to find herself reliving Christmas vacation over and over again until she can get her one true love under the mistletoe.
The Mistletoe Pact by Jo Lovett
Amazon
When two friends drunkenly follow through with the marriage pact they made eight Christmas Eves ago, they find themselves rethinking their feelings for each other. When their fake relationship starts feeling like the real deal, they must decide if they're willing to take the risk of losing each other.
The Holiday Switch by Tif Marcelo
Amazon
After her boss's frustratingly cute nephew starts working at the inn with her, Lila has to accept that she'll spend her last winter break of high school butting heads with his laissez-faire attitude. But when a snowstorm traps them together, they find a common ground—and maybe something more.
Merry Ex-Mas by Courtney Walsh
Amazon
A light-hearted read perfect for the holidays, this story follows a woman who runs into her ex-boyfriend while pursuing a new TV host job. Despite the heartache he once put her through, can he win her back with a little Christmas magic?
A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone
Amazon
When an adult film star gets cast in a family-friendly Christmas movie, she has to work hard to keep her other identity under wraps. It doesn't help that her leading man is an ex-boy band member she had a major crush on in the past—and major chemistry with now.
One Day in December by Josie Silver
Amazon
The ultimate slow-burn romance, this novel follows Laurie and Jack, who have a "meet-cute" moment at a bus stop in December. But fate has other plans, and they don't see each other again until several years later—when Laurie discovers that he's now her best friend's boyfriend.
Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand
Amazon
The queen of summer romances' first-ever Christmas novel follows the dysfunctional Quinn family as they gather together in at their Nantucket inn for the holidays. But when one of the wives is literally caught kissing Santa Claus, chaos erupts, and the heartwarming festivities they were supposed to enjoy threaten to go up in smoke.
The Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrews
Amazon
When Ivy Perkins finds a decades-old Christmas wish tucked into the pocket of a Santa suit that was left behind in the farmhouse she just bought, she sets out on a mission to fulfill it. However, her quest may lead the new divorcee to something she didn't see coming: a second chance at love.
I'm Dreaming of a Wyatt Christmas by Tiffany Schmidt
Amazon
Noelle Partridge is bored of her small town. So when a family she babysits for invites her on a ski trip over winter break, she gladly accepts. There's only one problem—she ruins their eldest son's plan to surprise his parents by joining the trip. But as the vacation goes on and they spend more time together, Noelle and Wyatt find themselves closer than ever.
Once Upon a December by Amy E. Reichert
Amazon
Still feeling the sting of her recent divorce, Astra Noel Snow is all too happy to eat and drink her way through the Milwaukee Market. Even more so when she runs into a handsome baker who is more than happy to accompany her. But can their Christmas romance weather all the seasons, or is it just a brief holiday rebound?
My Knight Before Christmas by Amanda P. Jones
Amazon
After being ghosted by Liam, Avery is understandably reluctant to pick back up where they left off when he hits her up right before Christmas. But as she struggles to manage the holiday rush at the bakery she works at, she can't afford to turn down his help. Will their relationship be rekindled over the smell of freshly baked Christmas cookies?
Duke, Actually by Jenny Holiday
Amazon
What do you get when you mix a royal who's been dumped by a princess and a no-nonsense New Yorker who's given up on men? A recipe for a seriously sweet friend-to-lovers Christmas romance.
The Christmas Clash by Suzanne Park
Amazon
This Young Adult novel puts you at the center of Chloe and Peter's rivalry. With their families running competing restaurants, their relationship is initially anything but sweet. But when a developer threatens to buy the mall both of their families' establishments are located in, they join forces to save their businesses—and maybe even fall in love.
Snowfall on Haven Point by RaeAnne Thayne
Amazon
Described as a "clean and wholesome romance," this novel follows a widow who's asked by her best friend to keep an eye on her brother, who's recovering from a hit and run over the holidays. Despite his grumpy demeanor, she accepts—and a blizzard forces them to get to know each other a lot better than they originally planned.
