The Best Christmas Rom-Com Books Of The 2020s (So Far)

Get ready for some Christmas goodness. We love reading all kinds of books, but there's something indulgent about escaping into a wintry romance novel. The bibliophiles at Women have a deep appreciation for a well-crafted love story, and when it follows certain specific themes, even better. As we leave the heat of summer behind us, we're revving our engines for some Christmas rom-com books, and there's a lot to choose from. We're after cozy vibes, snowy snuggles, and passion on those cold, dark, winter nights.

If you think that's specific, brace yourself because the world of romance novels offers really niche categories for every reader. We've compiled a list of the essential hockey romance books to check out if you're new to that genre. If a particular niche isn't necessary to you, but you want a little NSFW content, we've also put together a list of the 16 spiciest books. Or you can become a devoted fan of certain authors. One of our favorites is Ana Huang, particularly her steamy new release "King of Sloth," which features a will they/won't they couple, a billionaire, and emotional endurance. While there's something for every reader in the wonderful universe of rom-com books, we're hankering for some Christmas spirit, and all of the absurdly naughty puns that our favorite authors come up with in their holiday hits. 

Ah, yes. "Big Nick Energy" by Morgan Elizabeth gets right to the point. But don't be fooled by the funny title. Elizabeth's Christmas romance is stuffed full with warmth, tenderness, and a lot of heart. Single mom Shae is navigating life with her two daughters after her divorce. Connor Finch, a long-ago Tinder match, invites Shae and her girls over for Thanksgiving at his dad's house, where the Finch family gets really into teaching the young girls about the elf on a shelf tradition. What follows is Connor working above and beyond to help Shae, and kick off this new Christmas tradition. 

First published in October 2023, the novel is part of Elizabeth's Seasons of Revenge Series, so fans of hers are well aware of her writerly charisma. On GoodReads, "Big Nick Energy" scored 4.06 stars out of 5. What locked readers in was the toasty, holiday energy of the novel. "Big Nick Energy is a warm, cozy, and fluffy read with spice," a reader began. "This book is so heartfelt and will make you smile, laugh, and cry ... such a great Christmas feel-good book with Hallmark vibes." That sounds absolutely perfect to us. Another reviewer listed some of the best sub-genres within the book. "Big Nick Energy is a sweet and steamy holiday romance featuring he falls first and harder, reverse grumpy x sunshine, single parent, cowboy, and age gap tropes," they wrote. Yummy! 

Abiola Bello's "Love in Winter Wonderland" is a scrumptious Christmas rom-com. The book is perfect for anyone who loves romance and literature, as it's set in a London bookstore named Wonderland. Love interest Trey Anderson works at the bookstore (owned by his family) and all is going along uneventfully when Ariel Spencer shows up, looking for a job. The two begin working together and join forces when they find out that Wonderland is in danger of closing. The novel is full of chemistry and Christmas cheer. What's not to love? 

Readers on GoodReads adored the holiday novel. Since it was first published in October 2023, fans have had some time to grow acquainted with the leading couple and adore them. "Love in Winter Wonderland" veers on the more chaste side of romance novels, so for those looking for a little spice, this may not be the ticket. Nonetheless, readers resonated with it. "This was a sweet YA Christmas romance and I was living for the Black British rep! I loved how wholesome this storyline was in terms of 2 teens coming together and using the power of social media to help save a Black-owned indie bookshop from closure," a reviewer wrote. Another noted how the YA factor was not an issue: "This book is a perfect reminder for me of why I still pick up some YA novels even as a woman in her thirties." Sign us up! 

One of the newest releases on our list of favorite Christmas books is Debbie Macomber's "A Christmas Duet," hitting shelves on October 15, 2024. Hailey Morgan was an aspiring songwriter, but the practicalities of life as an assistant high school band teacher have pulled her away from her passion. She borrows a friend's cabin in the Oregon wilderness to get a little solitude over Christmas, but unfortunately, several wild animals decide to also use the cabin as a shelter. Hailey then has to ask Jay, a local former musician, to help her. Sure enough, the two pursue their joint musical interests and navigate some hurdles as well. 

The sweet Christmas rom-com was an absolute hit on GoodReads, earning a whopping 4.47 stars out of 5. (Those romance readers are tough critics, so this is very high praise!) "Debbie Macomber is a master at writing small-town, feel-good romances with lots of emotion," one reviewer wrote. Another reader loved the holiday-specific vibes of Macomber's novel. "For me, this book is a slam dunk winner in the Christmas romance genre! With characters that spoke (and sang) their ways into my heart, and a delightful story of a young woman who wants to pursue her dream of writing songs, this novel captured my heart from the beginning," they wrote. Sounds like Macomber knows how to deliver romance and Christmas! 

First published in November 2022, Brittainy Cherry's "The Holly Dates" is a cute Christmas rom-com. Cherry expertly combines humor, romance, and some serious Christmas cheer in this beloved novel. Bubbly Holly Jackson is undeterred in looking for love and uses a local restaurant as her go-to spot for meeting new dates. Grumpy restaurant owner Kai Kane notices this and, partially out of exasperation, helps Holly meet a suitable man. Unfortunately for Kai, his pick is a success and he's suddenly faced with unexpected feelings of jealousy and competitiveness. It's absolutely delightful, packed with emotions and delicious turmoil. 

Fans on GoodReads devoured "The Holly Dates," awarding the book a 4.20 out of 5. In large part, it's because readers have come to know that a Cherry novel is top-notch. "What a wonderful Christmas story! Christmas romances always make me so happy and when I saw Brittainy Cherry was releasing one I was thrilled," a reviewer began. "This was such a fun rom-com but also had the emotion that I love and expect from a Cherry novel." Another wrote: "Wow! Wow! Wow! I don't know if I have ever rated a holiday book this high. This was such a great book and I immediately ordered more books from this author!" That sounds like a great idea.

First published in September 2024, Melody Carlson's "The Christmas Tree Farm" is essentially a warm, second-chance holiday rom-com read. The novel centers on lead Madison McDowell, who returns to her family's Christmas tree farm in Oregon after years away. Her sister, Addie, has neglected the farm and is considering selling it. Madison can't accept this, so she works extra hard on reviving her family's Christmas tree farm and repairing her relationship with her sister. Naturally, she finds romance along the way where she least expects it. 

Readers on GoodReads consistently appreciated Carlson's masterful handling of Christmas themes. "Gavin and Maddie were the perfect pair, and I devoured this book. NO ONE does a touching Christmas book like Carlson. I HIGHLY recommend this book!" they wrote. Readers also loved how layered Carlson's novel was. "Melody Carlson's The Christmas Tree Farm is a heartwarming hug of the Christmas season, intricately wrapped in the complexities of family dynamics," another added. A Christmas enthusiast wrote, "I love Christmastime. And I love the way this author can draw you into her sweet, heart-tugging stories." Sounds like a must-read!