As the temperature drops and the nights grow longer, the idea of a date night with a good romance novel sounds like an ideal plan. So grab a glass of wine or cup of hot cocoa and curl up in front of the fireplace with one of these holiday reads.
You won’t be the only one.
“I love holiday romances! What could be better than being snowed in at a remote cabin with your work nemesis – or needing a fake date for your work holiday party?” says Leah Koch, co-owner of the Culver City (and now Brooklyn) romance bookshop, The Ripped Bodice.
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With romance novels booming — sales were up 34.6% in the first half of 2023, according to “Publishers Weekly” — and a bounty of subgenres catering to virtually any interest, there’s no shortage of holiday-themed stories of love and adventure.
Along with Koch, we turned to local romance experts for guidance, including Wendy Crutcher, head of collection development for L.A. County Library, Thomas Murtland, co-owner of Monrovia’s Underdog Bookstore and Sara Hatakeyama, digital media coordinator at Vroman’s in Pasadena. Their picks, which we requested and they emailed back to us, feature a rich variety of holidays, winter fun and love connections from new and recent releases, which range from a rock ’n’ roll rom-com to a riff on the film “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.”
Chances are, you’ll fall in love with one of these choices.
“A Merry Little Meet Cute” by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone
“A body-positive romance? Say no more. You’ll feel like you’re behind the scenes of the making of a Christmas movie on your favorite holiday channel. The twist? The ingenue is a plus-size adult film star who keeps sneaking off set with her former pop bad-boy co-star. Look behind the snowy curtain and get a backstage pass to this steamy romance.” – Thomas Murtland, Underdog
“Lose yourself in the pages of “A Merry Little Meet Cute” by Sierra Simone and Julie Murphy, where an accidental encounter leads an adult film actress into the enchanting world of a Christmas movie.” – Leah Koch, The Ripped Bodice
“Emergency Contact” by Lauren Layne and Anthony Ledonne
“Diagnosed with a concussion, the hospital calls Katherine’s outdated emergency contact, her ex-husband. Unable to be left alone, Katherine reluctantly agrees to travel to Chicago with him for the holidays, but thanks to a blizzard, what should have been a quick plane ride turns into an antagonistic overnight misadventure that stirs up old feelings even as Tom prepares to propose to his girlfriend on Christmas Eve. The holiday movie classic, ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’ gets a romantic spin in a banter-filled second-chance romance.” – Wendy Crutcher, Los Angeles County Library
“Fancy Meeting You Here” by Julie Tieu
“Julie Tieu’s third book is a spectacular introduction to the romance genre for newbies. It follows a charming florist in a ’27 Dresses’-esque plot while hosting diverse characters in a politics-rich subplot. It’s definitely a great recommendation for anyone pining for a winter wedding.” – Murtland, Underdog
“Love, Holly” by Emily Stone
“Part of a lonely-hearts writing club for the holidays, Holly receives a grief-filled letter from a woman named Emma and becomes determined to reunite her with her estranged grandson — a mission that leads to unexpected romance and the true meaning of family. A heartfelt, tearjerking romance, keep a box of tissues handy!” – Crutcher, Los Angeles County Library
“Mistletoe & Mishigas” by M.A. Wardell
“If you loved the movie “Single All the Way,” you’ll love this classic “fake dating” holiday book with an inclusive and diverse set of characters. For an indie published title, Wardell’s second novel feels like a blockbuster book filled with mayhem, holiday traditions, and lots of spicy scenes.” – Murtland, Underdog
See also: 17 must-read romances for when things heat up
“Seasons of Love” by Helena Greer
“Happy Holidays from Carrigan’s, your favorite Jewish-run Christmas tree farm. This sapphic romance novel crosses religious borders and delves into massive emotions including the loss of a parent and a festive enemies-to-lovers plot.” – Murtland, Underdog
“The Christmas Swap” by Talia Samuels
“Posing as Ben’s girlfriend over the holidays, Margot, newly single after a breakup with her long-term girlfriend, finds herself drawn to Ben’s sister Ellie, who believes their relationship is a sham, and must decide whether to keep the charade up or risk the chance at something real. Mix-ups and misunderstandings make for a lighthearted read with a cozy Christmas feel.” – Crutcher, Los Angeles County Library
“The Holiday Trap” by Roan Parrish
“Roan Parrish’s ‘The Holiday Trap’ beautifully weaves together Christmas and Hanukkah, urban and rural landscapes, and a tapestry of queer love, creating a heartwarming celebration of the season and the diversity of love.” – Koch, The Ripped Bodice
“The Trouble with Tinsel “ by Juliet Giglio & Keith Giglio
“A few years after they broke up professionally and personally, ex-screenwriting team Kerri and Jon find their lives turned upside down when an old script is greenlit and they have to write together again. Now, for the month of December, Kerri must leave behind her life as a teacher in Brooklyn to return to sunny Hollywood and work with the man she used to love. The authors, married screenwriters, mine personal experience for some holiday romantic comedy fun.” – Crutcher, Los Angeles County Library
“Three Holidays and a Wedding” by Uzma Jalalludin and Marissa Stapley
“Uzma Jalalludin and Marissa Stapley’s ‘Three Holidays and a Wedding’ invites readers on a journey as two strangers cross paths on a flight, intertwining their destinies in unexpected ways throughout the holiday season.” – Koch, The Ripped Bodice
“Strangers Maryam and Anna bond and share their hopes and fears during a turbulent flight to Toronto. ‘Snowmageddon’ and an emergency landing strands them in Snow Fall, Ontario, where Maryam discovers her lifelong crush, Saif, was on the same flight and Anna gets her head turned by handsome actor Josh, in town filming a holiday movie. Set in 2000 when Christmas, Hanukkah and Ramadan all overlapped, this is a charming multicultural, multifaith romance with a cinematic feel.” – Crutcher, Los Angeles County Library
“Wrapped with a Beau” by Lillie Vale
“’Wrapped with a Beau’ by Lillie Vale transports you to a cozy small town, echoing the charm of Christmas movies, promising a delightful mix of romance and festive cheer.” – Koch, The Ripped Bodice
“Wreck the Halls” by Tessa Bailey
“Tessa Bailey’s books are a romance reader’s bookshelf staple. ‘Wreck the Halls’ is a fun holiday rom-com about two adult children of two former rock stars who have to convince their arch-nemeses mothers to play a Christmas Eve concert together. In true Tessa Bailey fashion, this book is a steamy fun read, perfect for the holidays.” – Hatakeyama, Vroman’s.