2026 Holiday Romance Books: 49 Holiday Reads for Your TBR
Happy fall book friends! Here in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin we have not even had our first frost yet and as I’m typing, I’m sitting in my overwarm office sweating bullets as summer refuses to relax her grip (but I refuse to turn on the A/C in October!). So, it feels a bit silly to be talking holiday reads already. But, there are sooooo many great holiday reads coming up that you’re going to want to get a head start on building that holiday TBR list.
This list has taken a long time to come together. I’ve combed Goodreads, publishers newsletters and NetGalley to see what holiday romance reads we can expect this year. This is by no means an all-inclusive list (there are so many!), but, I’ve tried to gather a wide variety from some of our favorite authors and some newbies. If you feel that there is an amazing holiday romance that is missing from this list, please let me know so I can add it! I tried to limit this holiday romance roundup to books that were published this year. Some of these haven’t been released yet but will be coming out soon.
I’m hoping my Dance Mom’s Book Club will choose one of these for our next book club book. There are so many great choices. I’ll let you all know what we pick.
Check out last year’s holiday romance book list.
Okay, now let’s dive in…
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Cozy Small-Town Christmas Romances
If you want a feel-good, cozy holiday read with a guaranteed happy ending, start here.
Mingle All the Way
by Susan Mallery
This one gives you two love stories in one book. In The Christmas Wedding Guest, our FMC Reggie comes home for her parents' vow renewal and runs into Toby, her first love. The bonus novella from the Wishing Tree series follows Dena, who is pregnant (by choice) and on her own, and the grieving songwriter widower who checks into her inn.
Cozy Little Christmas
by RaeAnne Thayne
Hannah has a full life, and she steps in to care for a friend's children when that friend needs help. Then she runs into Wes Kenner, the K9 officer she once loved, who has come home to help his grandfather. Features a second chance romance, a loyal K9 partner named Kodiak, and plenty of holiday warmth.
The Holiday Mix Tape
by Liberty Stowe
After a failed pitch at her Chicago ad agency, Erika lands in Blitzen, Kentucky, and finds a mix tape at a flea market that points her straight to the town's most eligible bachelor. He is a basketball coach and assistant fire chief who is not thrilled about it. Together they plan an old-fashioned Christmas festival to raise money for a new firetruck.
Mistletoe All the Way
by Lauren Blakely
If you love a grumpy/sunshine dynamic, this one is for you. Dr. Noah Lennox is follows three holiday rules. Avoid his hometown, cheerful people, and Christmas. Then his grandfather announces he will hand over the family sleigh-ride farm to either Noah or his slick cousin, and Noah has to come home. Eloise, a sunny tourism hopeful, takes on the job of turning this grumpy cowboy vet into a small-town favorite for the Mr. Holiday Competition.
Falling Like Snow
by Misty Wilson
Sloane Sullivan finally has some downtime after the Falling Leaves Festival, until Bramble Falls announces its first ever Falling Snow Festival. While helping her family prep for the new festival, Sloane develops a flirtation with a hockey player named Micah. But there’s something growing with her best friend Asher as well. If you like love triangles and a best friend who might be something more, this one is for you.
Have Yourself a Merry Little Meltdown
by Sheila Roberts
Jordan Frost wrote a novel about her wonderfully odd family under a pen name, and it comes out just as she heads home to Holly Bay, Washington. She even wore a wig and glasses for her author photo. Her old friend Charles, who works at the bookstore shelving her book, recognizes her right away, and he has been hoping for a chance to be a little something more.
Christmas at the First Sip Coffee Shop
by Emma Bennett
Lucy built her coffee shop in Castle Cove from nothing, so when her landlord decides to sell the building, she is facing the loss of her business and her home. Dylan, the cocky man who drives her mad, offers to help her buy it, and he refuses to be a silent partner. He has proposed twice. She has said no twice. I’m guessing this one definitely delivers that witty banter we all love.
The Best Christmas Ever
by Sarah Morgan
Reclusive author Mabel Miller plans to spend Christmas alone with her cats, until a New England snowstorm sends two cars into the wall around her cottage. Suddenly she has a houseful of strangers, including two small children who expect Santa to come down the chimney. This is being promoted as a feel-good women's fiction book about friendship, love, and new beginnings. This one may lean a bit more toward found family than a swoony romance.
Light Up My Life
by Kasie West
Jasmine Costa's family has feuded with the Moreno family next door for as long as she can remember. When the town holds a house-decorating contest, the rivalry heats up, and so does the chemistry between Jasmine and Ryan. This is a Romeo and Juliet inspired story with teenage characters, so if you love teen reads and YA, this one is for you.
Some Like It Spiced
by Stevie Green
Mia never planned to stay in Honey Springs, and she definitely never planned to fall for anyone. Then charming single dad Adam walks into her newly relaunched bookshop holding her favorite novel, and a Christmas blizzard traps them inside. If you’re a fan of Bookshop romances, you’ll love this one.
Fake Dating and Forced Proximity Christmas Romances
Nothing says the holidays like pretending to date someone and then catching real feelings. These stories have fake boyfriends, mixed-up rentals, and a lot of shared space.
A Knight Before Christmas
by Cara Stout
Juliet Ripley agrees to help run a dating show even though she knows the whole thing is a lie. Garrick Walsh plays a knight at his family's fairytale theme park. When the two meet, they both have to face what is fake and what is real. This definitely sounds like a fun, quirky read.
The Christmas Getaway
by Debbie Mason
After her ex invites her to his Christmas wedding, librarian Charlotte Webb decides she needs a perfect, fake Scottish boyfriend. On the flight from New York to Edinburgh she befriends a twelve-year-old girl whose father is Ewan, a very handsome duke with no sense of humor. When Ewan agrees to play along with the boyfriend ruse, Charlotte starts to wonder if it could be real. (Okay, this one is absolutely going on my list. I’m a sucker for a Scottish MMC)
Snow Strings Attached
by Gia Stevens
Getting dumped at the town tree lighting was the last thing Willa expected. Not wanting to show up to her family's cabin week single, she brings her best friend Mason, a firefighter who volunteered to play her fake boyfriend. It is friends to lovers and it sounds like it is steamy. If you read this one, let me know. I’m intrigued.
Not Home Alone
by Kayley Loring
Merrily Tucker is thrilled to spend Christmas in the most Christmas-y rental house in town, until she finds Grant Moody already there. He is the Christmas hating grump who once turned her down in front of the whole town, and he says he owns the place. A rental mix-up means neither of them will leave, so they fight over the music and haul Christmas trees in and out of the house. This one has gotten rave reviews online.
Bad Elf Steals a Man
by Alina Jacobs
Okay, this one sounds like a hilarious read. Our heroine starts the season by running over a man with her grandfather's Cadillac, and things do not calm down from there. After stuffing him into the trunk, Lawrence thankfully survives. He is (understandably) moody and extremely attractive, and he is not interested in her plan to fake date him so she can save her family's failing Christmas inn.
Christmas Check-In
by Audrey Evanston
Kennedy Hart quit the job that made her everyone's emergency contact, and booked a week at Evergreen Peak Lodge to do absolutely nothing. Then she meets Walker Hale, the charming owner who is buried under holiday chaos, and she knows exactly how to fix his problems. This one asks whether there is a difference between being needed and being wanted.
The Naughty List Agreement
by Katherine Garbera
Cora Quill's Winter Wonderland festival is in trouble when her toy supplier falls apart, and her only hope is the grumpy toymaker she already fired. Nick Bari needs a wife by Christmas Eve if he wants to stay Santa Claus, so he makes her a deal. It might be a Christmas miracle, or it might be the most festive disaster ever.
Spicy Christmas Romances for 2026
Fair warning, these are the ones that belong on the naughty list. Check the details on each before you pick one up, because a few go dark and some have special content notes.
The Plight Before Christmas
by Kate Stewart
Whitney is having the worst three weeks of her life, and her mother wants the whole family at a grandparents' cabin for Christmas. Then her ex shows up on the doorstep on the first day. This is a full-length second chance romance with Kate Stewart's humor. This one is towards the top of my holiday TBR list.
They Know If You’ve Been Bad or Good
by Alta Hensley
This is a dark, forced proximity, why choose Christmas stalker romance, and it is the sequel to He Knows When You're Awake, so start with that one first. Hailey is dragged back to the Canadian wilderness to find a stolen diamond, then trapped in a luxurious cabin with her ex, a security guard obsessed with her, and an unhinged billionaire. The tropes include M/M/F, stalking, and one last job.
A Crimson Ridge Christmas
by Elliot Rose
This deluxe limited edition collects two interconnected holiday novellas, Bouquets & Buckles and Saddles & Snowfall, set in the Crimson Ridge world. Expect forbidden relationships, age gaps, cheating exes, a snowstorm, and maybe a drunken three-way (gasp!).
Head Over Skis
by Sophie Davies
Lottie's group ski trip finally made it out of the group chat, and then her boyfriend cheats on her. She decides a hot hookup with a stranger will help, but the stranger turns out to be her ski instructor, Rory. The publisher lists this at three peppers, with a cinnamon roll hero, a jealous ex, and forced proximity.
The Christmas Clause
by Sharon Ibbotson
Mrs. Claus wants a divorce, and she hires London lawyer Somer Henshaw to win it. Somer ends up in an ice palace at the North Pole arguing the strangest case in legal history against Reuben Winter, a ruthless lawyer who has never lost a negotiation. It is advertised as a spicy romcom for fans of Meghan Quinn, Tessa Bailey and Ali Hazelwood. Sounds like its right up my alley.
A Lucky Little Christmas
by Sophie Snow
Killian arrives in town to confront his father about an affair and finds Scarlett, a tired single mom with two kids and a job that does not pay the bills. They end up living under one roof, which makes it hard to hide their feelings. This one sounds perfect for those who love forced proximity with spice.
Christmas Staycation
by Meghan Quinn
You all know I am a HUGE Meghan Quinn fan. She is known for delivering spicy romcoms with witty banter, and this new holiday romcom from Meghan Quinn sounds like it will not disappoint. Nolan is a baseball player with a filthy mouth and a big ego, and Taran has agreed to a fake wedding with her ex to keep her family's Christmas from falling apart. The problem is that her ex is Nolan's brother and Nolan is on to her. Let the chaos begin…
Magical, Paranormal, and Quirky Holiday Romances
If your idea of a good Christmas story includes ghosts, vampires, time loops, or Santa's backstory, this section is for you.
Christmas in Austenland
by Shannon Hale
If you’re a fan of the Austenland series, or love the idea of a regency era Christmas experience set in modern day, this one is for you. Kestrel Klein is recovering from a broken heart and itching for a change. She enters a contest and wins a Christmas vacation at Pembrook Park, an immersive Austen experience. Surrounded by fireplaces, gentlemen who try to woo her under the mistletoe, and instant friends, she starts to soften. Then an unexpected visitor arrives.
Merry Spooky Christmas
by Josie Silver
This paranormal holiday romance sounds very unique. Melody has the ability to connect with ghosts. When the owner of the beloved Libertines department store dies, her nephews plan to sell, and her ghost decides to stop them by hiring Melody. That puts Melody on the opposite side from her ghost-hunting on-and-off boyfriend, Fletcher Gunn, who still does not believe in her abilities. If the store is not saved, it closes on Christmas Eve.
Mistletoe & Horns
by Ruth Cantu
This fantasy romance novella from indie author Ruth Cantu follows Paige Hernandez, who is just trying to get through the holidays when a fae warrior bursts into her small town. Nickolas has spent centuries guarding a portal, one that let Santa Claus slip through to the human realm. Nickolas seeks Paige's help to repair the portal before monsters come through.
Blood and Bells
by CJ Holmes and Michael Ashwood
In the snowy town of Willow Creek, rogue elves have stolen the holiday centerpiece. Event planner Holly Frost has to team up with vampire Nick Draven, the infuriatingly charming leader of the local coven. It is a paranormal enemies to lovers romance that delivers that holiday magic.
The Santa Claus Con
by Lauren Kung Jessen
Two FBI agents who both hate Christmas are the only ones who can stop a threat against New York's Santa Claus Con, after a cryptic letter arrives from someone claiming to be Santa. Scarlett Payne has to work with the rival who broke her heart to try to save the day.
Merry Ex-Mas
by C. C. Dador
Marygrace Silva wants a date to impress her big, boisterous family. Instead a slip on the ice sends her into a time loop where she relives Christmas Eve with a different ex each time (think the movie Groundhog’s Day but the Christmas version). There is a finance bro, a rising music star, and a fitness influencer, but her ex-best friend Robbie keeps showing up too.
Snow This Is Love
by Christina Lauren, Julie Murphy, Jasmine Guillory, Zoraida Córdova, Jesse Q. Sutanto
Five authors from the Disney Meant to Be collection are back with new holiday romances that reimagine beloved Disney tales as contemporary love stories. The stories span Christmas, New Year's Eve, and Lunar New Year, each with a dusting of holiday magic.
Advent Calendar and Countdown Christmas Romances
These stories are built around a countdown, so they are perfect for reading one day at a time through December.
Counting Down to You
by Emily Stone
Ali's best friend Robyn is gone, but she left behind one last Advent calendar full of challenges. The first one sends Ali to a ski lodge in the Alps, where a misunderstanding makes her coworkers think she is dating her boss, Leo. He agrees to play along, and she learns he is grieving too.
25 Dates of Christmas
by Kathryn Freeman
After the death of her brother, Anna is not feeling festive. Then she learns his last request was that she work with Luke, his handsome but arrogant best friend, on a series of daily adventures leading up to December 25th. The story unfolds day by day in the weeks before Christmas.
The 12 Dates of Christmas
by Ruby Winter
A jaded New York journalist spends December in London, where Jake Frost proposes twelve dates to change her mind about Christmas and love. Ice skating, mulled wine, and late-night walks are all on the schedule.
Who Needs Mistletoe
by Sarah Estep
This deluxe paperback is divided into twelve embellished, individually sealed sections that you open one day at a time. Ten years ago Ivy left town after a confession meant for her crush, Austin, landed with his older brother, Grant instead. After his reaction left her devastated, she left town and never looked back. Now, after ten years, she is home for Christmas, Austin is interested and Grant is realizing that maybe he should’ve never let her go.
Cosy British and Scottish Christmas Romances
If you want your holiday read to feel like a trip across the Atlantic, pick from this group.
Cosy Up In Seahaven Bay
by Nicola May
Rita Jory is engaged to a farmer, has brand-new twins at forty-seven, and has both grown children back home in Cornwall, all while trying to host the cosiest Christmas retreat the bay has ever seen. A mysterious newcomer is setting up the harbor market, and Rita cannot shake the feeling that she has met him before.
A Magical Scottish Christmas
by Ellie Henderson
Lily Thomas found a fresh start at a cozy inn on the shores of Loch Lomond, and now the owners are selling to a hotel chain. She has until the New Year to save it, and she knows exactly who to ask: Hamish Galbraith, who runs the village whisky distillery and volunteers with a mountain rescue. He is also her closest friend, which is why she has tried so hard not to fall for him.
A Kilt for Christmas
by Tricia O’Malley
Maisie Barron makes a wish at Loren Brae's ancient standing stones, and it sets off a chain of events that threatens the town's Christmas Book Festival. Weston Smith, a burned-out professor, arrives for a winter break and finds the woman he has been waiting for, helped along by a spirited book club. I am a sucker for a Christmas plaid. I may have to pick up the deluxe paperback just for the sprayed edges.
The Little Lodge in Lapland
by Annabel French
Though not actually set in the British Isles, this one still delivers that cozy, magical cottagey Christmas setting that we love. Event planner Violet wins a trip to a woodland lodge in Lapland, hoping to get back to the painting she has neglected. Her quiet is interrupted when Rasmus storms in, mistaking her for the lodge's troublesome owner. After an awkward start he offers to show her his favorite spots for painting, and the slow burn begins. There is a ticking clock, because she has to go home soon.
Snowflakes Over Micklewick Bay
by Eliza J. Scott
When her Aunt Colleen dies, Hannah Merryweather has to return to the seaside town she fled years ago. On her very first day back she nearly collides with Lachie, the kilted, green-eyed Scotsman who stole her heart. As she uncovers what her aunt had planned for her future, including a life-changing surprise at the end of the pier, she has to find the courage to claim the life she deserves.
Christmas at Holly Grange
by Jackie Ladbury
Eve Halligan has loved Lucien Malikov for eighteen years, writing all of his hit songs without credit or royalties. When the band comes home for a Christmas fundraiser, her old friend Theo, the village baker, needs two hundred cupcakes, and Eve gets pulled into the kitchen to help. This one offers friends-to-lovers and unrequited love vibes.
The Christmas Competition
by Zoe Allison
Long-time rival neighbors Nisa Ansari and Kerr Murdoch go to war over their small highland town's house-decorating competition. Nisa's ex-husband left her for Kerr's girlfriend, and when their decorations turn out nearly identical, there are gaudy wreaths and too many reindeer to count.
Until Next Christmas
by Marie Knight
Bakery owner Ellie fell in love with Lucas Bennett at sixteen under the fairy lights of the Bramblewick Christmas market. Over twenty years of bad timing, deployments, engagements, and betrayals, the two have circled each other every Christmas. A Christmas Eve emergency pulls them back together, and Ellie has to decide whether Lucas was the love she lost or the mistake she never let go of.
Heartfelt Holiday Romances, Second Chances, and Suspense
This last group mixes emotional reads, road trips, a little danger, and one sapphic story that I am especially excited about.
Break the Ice
by Kristen Bailey
Phoebe has twenty-four hours to deliver a rescue puppy to her sister's family in Devon, but she does not have a car. Joshua, her sister's American house sitter, does. Between a howling dog, an impromptu snowball fight, and a night in a firelit shepherd's hut, this road trip turns into a love story.
Postmarked December
by Jenny Hale
A year after losing her husband, Toby, Heather Hart finds a red-and-white envelope in the mail with a message that seems to come from him with details only he could know. Each clue leads to another location and another envelope, taking her on a trip down memory lane. Along the way she meets Nicholas Monroe, who seems to appear at just the right moment.
The Christmas Yes List
by Melissa Ferguson
Chloe Hollis is done being a people-pleaser, so she plans to collect ten nos before Christmas by asking strangers for ridiculous favors. Then she meets James, a charming out-of-towner who says yes to everything, from Christmas karaoke to small-town traditions. His reason for saying yes might cost them both more than they expected.
The Holiday House Swap
by Lauren Appelbaum
Phoebe Keller gets fired right before the holidays and impulsively swaps homes with teacher Arden Torres, who is also desperate to escape the season. When Phoebe's protective brother learns Arden will spend Hanukkah alone, he invites her to the family celebration. Two love stories unfold across snowy Seattle and sunny Florida, and this one includes Hanukkah as part of the holiday setting.
The Tinsel Twist
by Rosie J. Potter
Chef Adelaide Burke returns to Tinsley Falls after her restaurant fails and gets roped into saving the town's Christmas feast. She is reunited with Jace Stanton, her best friend's brother and the secret love of her college years. Someone is determined to sabotage both the feast and their second chance, so this is a romance with real suspense. It is a debut for fans of Lucy Score and Maren Moore.
A Very Merry Detour
by Court Behr
Alaina has just been dumped and sets off on a cross-country road trip to win back her ex-boyfriend, until she drives into a snowbank. Priscilla, a terse bookstore owner with no interest in holiday cheer, rescues her. When Alaina makes a bucket list of festive adventures, Priscilla offers to join. This is a sapphic romance packed with small-town cheer.
Start Your Holiday TBR Now
So that is my Christmas romance roundup for 2026, phew. I need a nap now. There are so many enticing reads this year and I am sure I still missed a few. My plan is to pick a handful now, and try to get through them before the end of the year. The trouble is deciding which one to crack open first…
I would love to know what you are adding to your holiday romance reading list. Tell me in the comments which of these is going on your TBR, or which holiday romance I should have included. If you are a Kindle Unlimited reader, check the formats on each book, since availability can change.
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