There’s something about December that makes reading feel softer. Maybe it’s the twinkling lights or the cozy nights in, but this is the time of year when holiday romance books hit different. I love stories that feel warm, comforting, and just a little magical, the perfect escape when life gets busy.
And the best part?
Every single book on this list is available on Kindle Unlimited, so you can binge on them without spending extra.
Psst, if you’re looking to get Kindle Unlimited, now is the best time to get it! It’s .99 cents for the first 3 months and then goes to the normal price of $11.99 a month!
If you’re looking for festive reads to curl up with this Christmas, here are five holiday romance books that deliver all the cozy vibes.
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1. The Christmas Tree Farm — Laurie Gilmore
This one feels like stepping straight into a small-town Christmas movie, but written with warmth, charm, and heart. Laurie Gilmore gives us a cozy community, gentle romance, and enough festive details to make you want to drink hot cocoa immediately.
Currently, I am tearing up the Cinnamon Bun Book store book, which is book number 2 in this series, and I cannot wait to read this one! This series is just so cute. It’s not spectacular, but it delivers all the feels in such a nostalgic and hallmark-y way. You don’t have to read them in order since they are intertwined standalones, but I highly recommend you do.
Expect:
- small-town charm
- soft winter romance
- warm friendship and community vibes
Perfect for: cozy winter nights and readers who crave soft, wholesome holiday romance.
2. Holiday Romance — Catherine Walsh
If you want humor, chaos, and childhood friends-to-lovers energy, Holiday Romance is the perfect pick. Catherine Walsh writes banter so good it feels like watching a Christmas rom-com unfold in real-time.
I’ve had this book on my shelf for the past two years and I am determined to tackle it this Christmas. I am not usually in the Christmas feels but this year feels different and I am eating up all the holiday cheer and joy. I read a bit of it and it was super comical in the first chapter so I’m excited to dig into this funny rom-com Christmas book.
You’ll get:
- airport + travel chaos
- Irish winter vibes
- festive slow-burn chemistry
Perfect for: readers who love fun, flirty stories with a touch of Christmas magic.
Also if you’re shopping for someone else this holiday season, check out my bookish gift-giving guide!
3. Bittersweet — Christina C. Jones
Every holiday reading list needs some Black romance. Bittersweet is set around the holiday season, and it feels like a winter romance in the best way: warm, grown, intimate, and comforting.
This is book 4 of the equilibrium series. You don’t have to read the full series AT ALL to understand this one.
This is a book that has been sitting on my shelf for a while now. It’s a very short novella, so it’s perfect for this time of year when you want a quick holiday romance. I read the first book in the series, thought it was cute, and wanted to give this one a try. Christina C. Jones’ books can be hit or miss for me since sometimes I feel the pacing can be a little slower than I would like, and the stakes aren’t always very high. She gives more mature and well-paced romance.
It’s a soft, emotional love story that feels like sinking into a warm blanket.
And of course, it’s available on Kindle Unlimited.
Perfect for: readers who want realistic, heartfelt romance that still feels cozy and soothing.
4. Merry Inkmas — Talia Hibbert
Let me be clear me and Talia Hibbert books go together real bad!! And once I heard she wrote a spicy Christmas novel … oh I was all the way in!
A holiday must-read. Talia Hibbert brings humor, spice, and softness in this quick and heartwarming Christmas romance. It’s the type of book you can finish in one sitting and smile through the entire time.
Expect:
- a soft cinnamon-roll hero
- found family warmth
- a heroine who deserves love
- flirty, joyful writing
Perfect for: a warm drink, fuzzy socks, and a cozy two-hour read.
5. The Holly Dates — Brittainy C. Cherry
Brittainy C. Cherry always tugs at the heart, but The Holly Dates is lighter, sweeter, and wrapped in holiday warmth.
I haven’t read anything by this author yet, so I’m really excited to dive into this one. It comes highly recommended all over BookTok. And the premise? A girl going on a bunch of dates, only to have the owner of the restaurant she keeps visiting give her advice and coach her through it? Extremely intriguing. It feels like the perfect mix of cozy, chaotic, and cute — exactly what I love in a holiday romance.
You’ll find:
- gentle healing
- soft emotional depth
- a feel-good December romance
- the sweetest found family moments
Perfect for: readers who want emotional connection without heavy heartbreak.
Final Thoughts: Let December Be Soft
There’s something magical about reading holiday romance books in December. They’re cozy, warm, and remind you to slow down and savor the season. Whether you’re spending the holidays with family, traveling, or curled up on your couch, these stories add a little extra sparkle to the month.
If you pick up any of these, let me know, I’d love to hear which one becomes your favorite.
Happy reading, nerdy babe. ✨📚❤️
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