12 Holiday Romance Books (Fun & Festive Rom-coms!) | 2024

Best Holiday Romance Books

‘Tis the season for holiday romance! Curl up with these festive love stories that’ll warm your heart in this booklist of new releases!

If you’re looking to escape reality for a while and are in the mood to indulge in the joy and warmth of the holiday season, there’s no better way than with a holiday romance!

With the festive magic in the air and the promise of love and happiness, this merry booklist of new release holiday-themed rom-coms is just what you need to get into the spirit of the season. These delightful tales of holiday romance will leave you feeling merry and bright!

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Listen to your favorite holiday romances as you wrap gifts or in the car traveling this holiday season with Audible. Not sure what to buy that difficult person who has everything? Give them the gift of Audible!

Best New Release Holiday Rom-Coms

The Merry Matchmaker by Sheila Roberts

The Merry Matchmaker, by Sheila Roberts

Frankie Lane has a knack for matchmaking, even when her intentions go hilariously awry. Set during the holiday season, this charming story, inspired by Jane Austen’s “Emma,” follows Frankie as she tries to find love for everyone around her, including her divorced sister, her shy employee, and her best friend, all while blissfully ignoring her own romantic needs. 

Along the way, she enlists the help of her longtime friend, Mitch, a kind-hearted guy who’s been through his own tough times. As their lives intertwine amidst the holiday hustle, Frankie learns that sometimes, the best happily-ever-after is the one you never saw coming.

My Thoughts: The perfect pick for your December reading! It has warmth, humor, and fun matchmaking mishaps and romantic surprises. (Well, maybe surprises for Frankie, but I’m sure you guess who she ends up with! Gotta love a promised happy ending!)

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org | Books-A-Million

How My Neighbor Stole Christmas by Meghan Quinn

Childhood pals Cole and Storee reconnect when she returns to Kringletown (can you get any more Christmas-y?) to help her aunt. With a holiday competition brewing, Cole can’t let an outsider steal the Kringle crown, so he jumps into the festive fray alongside Storee. What unfolds is a delightful mix of laughter, heartfelt moments, and plenty of witty banter between the two characters.

My Thoughts: This fun and flirty enemies-to-lovers romance captures the festive holiday chaos with humor and heart-warming moments. Bestselling author, Meghan Quinn, knows how to write a rom-com that’ll keep you entertained!

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org | Books-A-Million

A Winter Wish by Emily Stone

A Winter Wish, by Emily Stone

Lexie is thrust into a whirlwind of emotions when she discovers her estranged father has left her half of his holiday travel company. Teaming up with Theo, the infuriatingly handsome but grumpy executive, Lexie must navigate their differences as they embark on a work trip. In sunny Spain, sparks fly, making Lexie reconsider her plans to walk away after a year.

My Thoughts: This heartwarming tale is great for a cozy escape from the winter chill! It combines family drama with the thrill of romance and invites you to travel along vicariously to festive destinations!

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org | Books-A-Million

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Best Christmas Rom-Coms and Holiday Romance

‘Tis the season for romance! These books have all the festive vibes.

Catherine Walsh Christmas romcoms

Kick-off this season of holiday romance with a writer who knows how to bring joy and laughter to the season. You may not know Catherine Walsh, but you’ll likely be glad you found her. Her books offer up likable characters and that oh-so-satisfying Hallmark movie storyline. Check out these Catherine Walsh Christmas romcoms!

Holiday Romance by Catherine Walsh

“A totally hilarious and unforgettable Christmas romantic comedy!

Holiday Romance: A totally hilarious and unforgettable Christmas romantic comedy Catherine Walsh Author

Meet Molly and Andrew and join them on a flight to Dublin, Ireland, a ritual they’ve repeated for over ten years. In fact, sitting next to each other on this 7-plus hour flight from Chicago is the only time they spend together each year. 

When a snowstorm grounds this year’s flight, Molly and Andrew are about to spend much more time together on many forms of transportation. As they embark on this misadventure, their hearts may also travel – from just friends to lovers!

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org | Barnes & Noble

 Snowed In by Catherine Walsh

“A completely hilarious fake dating, forced proximity romantic comedy!” 

Snowed In: A completely hilarious fake dating, forced proximity romantic comedy Catherine Walsh Author

This new release treats us to a merry love triangle between Megan, Isaac, and Christian. Home again for the holidays, Megan is navigating Isaac, whom she left on the alter four years ago to pursue her big dreams in the city, and Christian, who physically bumps into a local Dublin pub.

As Megan and Christian try to survive the holiday madness as “fake dates,” everything gets a little messy in the best way!

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million

The Twelve Dogs of Christmas by Susan Wiggs

“Dogs, romance, and Christmas combine in this heartwarming story–the ultimate feelgood festive tale.” — Sarah Morgan, bestselling author of Snowed In For Christmas

The Twelve Dogs of Christmas: A Novel Susan Wiggs Author

Brenda Malloy, who had a traumatic Christmas break-up last year involving her dog and a pair of women’s lacy underwear that were not hers, is determined to avoid Christmas. Instead, she’s transported rescue dogs two thousand miles from her home in Houston to a small town in the Catskills of New York.

While in New York, a snowstorm strands Brenda in the town just long enough to meet Adam Bellamy, single dad and paramedic. As Brends delivers each rescued dog to their new home,  she starts to feel the warmth and joy of Christmas again. (I’m guessing Adam may have something to do with Brenda’s newfound festive feelings!)

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million

Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan

“Literary hot chocolate with a bourbon shot: hot, sweet but with a surprising emotional kick.” — The Times (UK)

Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop: A Novel Jenny Colgan Author

Step into McCredie’s little Old Town bookshop in Edinburgh, Scotland, and get to know the owner, Carmen. As Carmen tries to make ends meet with her little bookshop, she’s trying even harder to keep her personal life together in this delightful, cozy read. 

Jenny Colgan is becoming a Christmas tradition on my December booklists. Last year, I featured The Christmas Bookshop, which you may want to read first.
If you love Jenny Colgan, cozy up to Jenny Colgan’s Christmas Book Set: A sweet holiday collection including Christmas at Rosie Hopkins’ Sweetshop & Christmas at Little Beach Street Bakery.

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org | Barnes & Noble

Good Elf Gone Wrong by Alina Jacobs

“This standalone holiday romantic comedy has all the Christmas cheer you can fit in your stocking and a happily ever after, guaranteed!”

Gracie, the “good elf,” has finally been pushed over the edge when her fiance-stealing sister cuts up her cherished grandmother’s wedding dress that she had planned to wear. Now, she’s seeking to sabotage her sister’s plans to marry her ex-fiance this holiday season by pretending to date a hot guy who’s precisely her sister’s type.

If you’re a fan of these rom-coms, then you know fake dating often leads to real dating (or at least, into bed!). 

Get ready to be entertained, but be warned that this novel spans an estimated 589 printed pages! At that length, it may be the only book you’ll need this holiday season. (Also, can I say how much I love the little pug on the cover?)

Buy on Amazon

Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews

“Nobody does Christmas like Mary Kay Andrews.” ―Debbie Macomber

Bright Lights, Big Christmas: A Novel Mary Kay Andrews Author

I can’t disagree with the above statement! In this exciting new release novella, you’ll enjoy the sweet story of Kerry Tolliver, who left her family’s North Carolina tree farm to sell trees at the family stand on a corner in Greenwich Village.

Mix in Patrick, a single dad who lives in the neighborhood, and an elderly neighbor who goes missing, and you have the recipe for Christmas magic with a dash of romance.

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million

Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley

“Combines two budding romances, a massive snowstorm, unlikely friends, meddling family members, and one magical small-town for the most festive book you’ll read this year.” —Carley Fortune, author of Every Summer After

Three Holidays and a Wedding Uzma Jalaluddin Author

When severe turbulence terrifies Maryam and Anna, strangers and seatmates on a flight to Toronto, they divulge their deepest hopes and fears. Little did they know that Maryam’s ex-boyfriend, Saif, was sitting nearby and overheard everything. 

When the plane makes an emergency landing, Anna, Saif, Maryam, and her bridal party find themselves snowbound at a charming inn, where fate brings Anna’s actor crush, and love blossoms unexpectedly for both women.

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million

Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey

“Tessa Bailey’s writing stands out in all the right sexy ways.” — Buzzfeed

Wreck the Halls: A Novel Tessa Bailey Author

In this sexy, hilarious holiday rom-com, Beat Dawkins may be Melody Gallard’s exact opposite, but they share one thing: their rock-star moms who used to play for the same band. 

Now reunited as adults, Mel and Beat head quickly and chaotically into a dramatic Christmas Eve. At least they have each other!

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million

Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison

“Sweetly cozy and charming in a way that you won’t ever want to stop reading it.”—Book Riot

Lovelight Farms B.K. Borison Author

Stella wants to save the Christmas tree farm she’s loved since she was a kid. To do it, she enters a contest that’ll get her the publicity she needs and a $100,000 cash prize. The catch? Stella lied on the contest form to make it seem like a romantic location.

With no romance in her life to sell this lie, Stella takes advantage of an old friend, Luka Peters, who stopped by for a hot chocolate. 

Can Stella and Luka create a fake relationship to win the contest? Or the better question is, does Stella and Luka end up together? I’ll wage $100,000 that they do!
Enjoy this novel as part of the 4-book Lovelight series that you can read all year long!

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million

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Audry Fryer is an author and professional freelance writer from Pennsylvania. Formerly a teacher, Audry wrote her first novel while her toddler son and twin babies napped. As her children have grown into teenagers, she has continued to expand her writing career. Audry lives with her family and a pug named Pickles in a quiet corner of Southeastern PA.
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