Whether you’re dreaming of snowy small towns, festive meet-cutes or a Paris getaway, ’tis the season for holiday romance! I’ve paired six of this year’s most-anticipated holiday reads with a special treat and adventure. So pour yourself a peppermint mocha, queue your favorite holiday playlist and let these light-hearted romcoms remove any threat of the winter blues.
A Ruff Royal Christmas by Karen Schaler
Royal romance + holiday hijinks + a runaway pup = Pure holiday bliss
When a duty-bound princess escapes her palace to chase down her mischievous pup, she collides with a rugged dog trainer who has zero interest in royalty. Between snow-covered castles and English holiday markets, this romp is brimming with warmth, humor and tail-wagging charm.
Perfect Pairing: Enjoy a serving of buttery shortbread cookies and take your fur-friend on a walk through your local holiday lights display. Nothing says “royal Christmas” like sugar, sparkles and a sweet canine companion.
Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animal by Meghan Quinn
Enemies to lovers + Christmas tree farm = Snark, sparks and sleigh bells
Two rival tree-farm owners call a truce to save their small town’s holiday festival, but tangled lights and tangled feelings quickly follow. Expect rapid-fire banter, peppermint schnapps and mistletoe moments galore.
Perfect Pairing: Spike your hot cocoa with peppermint liqueur and head to a real Christmas tree farm for some festive chaos of your own. Bonus points for ugly-sweater selfies.
Good Spirits by B.K. Borison
Paranormal rom-com + cozy mystery = Ghostly holiday magic
At a historic inn in a snow-draped New England town, a new owner finds herself falling for a charming ghost who refuses to cross over until he finishes “one last romance.” You’ll enjoy this witty, luminous story about love that lingers.
Perfect Pairing: Toast fresh marshmallows or make S’mores before taking a night tour of a local historic site. You’ll discover an evening that’s spooky and sweet with just the right amount of goosebumps.
This Is Not a Holiday Romance by Camilla Isley
Snowed in + cozy cabin = Enemies to lovers in a blizzard
Two childhood rivals find themselves trapped in a rural mountain cabin when a Christmas storm blows in. With no Wi-Fi, limited firewood and plenty of friction, this one’s as warm as it is witty.
Perfect Pairing: Sip hot toddies by the fire and savor a weekend cabin getaway — even if it’s just in your living room with flannel pajamas and fuzzy socks.
Christmas Fling by Lindsey Kelk
One fake romance + a magical Christmas = A rare chance to fall in love
Laura was all set for a quiet, solo Christmas flat sitting for a stranger. But when the stranger’s parents mistake her for his mystery girlfriend, she’s swept off to the snowy Scottish Highlands with Callum and his whole family. Think cozy sleeper train, charming pubs and breathtaking views, with “fake” chemistry that’s off the charts.
Perfect Pairing: Serve a Scottish cheese board and a pour of whisky while listening to Celtic holiday music after a night of ice skating or wassailing under the stars.
The French Effect by Patricia Sands
Winter in Paris + holiday lights = A luminous second act
When Nora, a novelist in her 50s, accepts a dog-sitting gig in Paris, she rediscovers her voice … and her heart. From Montmartre cafés to Christmas in Provence, she finds renewal, love and courage under the City of Light’s holiday glow.
Perfect Pairing: Indulge in a flaky pain au chocolat and a twilight stroll through your town’s prettiest neighborhood. Pretend it’s the Champs-Élysées, and let the lights work their magic.
