Christmas is the best time to curl up with a romance book and I’ve got all the new Christmas romance books releasing in 2023 so you can be reading for days this holiday season!
Of course, you’ll want to also check out my list of best Christmas romance books for the very best in holiday romance but I’m hoping a few of these new Christmas romance book releases for 2023 deserve a spot on that list.
This book list includes traditionally published and indie-published Christmas romance books as well as a Christmas romance novella to enjoy.
Happy reading and Happy Holidays!
*Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
The Most Anticipated New Christmas Romance Books of 2023:
A Holly Jolly Ever After
by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone
Kallum Lieberman is the funny one™. As the arguably lesser of the three former members of the boy band INK, he enjoyed his fifteen minutes of fame and then moved home where he opened a regional pizza chain called Slice, Slice, Baby!
He’s living his best dad bod life, hooking up with bridesmaids at all his friends’ weddings. But after an old one-off adult tape is leaked and quickly goes viral, Kallum decides he’s ready to step into the spotlight again, starring in a hot Santa biopic for the Hope Channel.
Winnie Baker did everything right. She married her childhood sweetheart, avoided the downfalls of adolescent stardom, and transitioned into a stable adult acting career.
But after her perfect life falls apart, Winnie is ready to redefine herself—and what better way than a steamier-than-a-steaming-hot-mug-of-cider Christmas movie?
With decade old Hollywood history between them, Winnie and Kallum are both feeling hesitant about their new situation as costars…especially Winnie who can’t seem to fake on screen pleasure she’s never experienced in real life.
She’s willing to do the pleasure research—for science and artistic authenticity, of course. And there’s no better research partner than her costar, Kallum.
But suddenly, Kallum’s teenage crush on Winnie is bubbling to the surface and Winnie might be catching feelings herself.
They say opposites attract, but is this holly jolly ever after really ready for its close-up?
OMG is it October yet because that’s when this AWESOME new Christmas romance book releases and I have to have it!
After reading A Merry Little Meet Cute, there was never any question I was going to read whatever Christmas romance Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone cooked up next but this book sounds too good to be true.
I love that it’s another costars-to-lovers romance but mixes in my favorite relationship coach trope since Kallum is going to be giving “lessons” to Winnie to improve her onscreen authenticity.
This is going to be so funny (and hopefully steamy) and just an all-around great romcom for the holidays!
Related: Best Relationship Coach Romance Books
Wreck the Halls
by Tessa Bailey
Melody Gallard may be the daughter of music royalty, but her world is far from glamorous. She spends her days restoring old books and avoiding the limelight (one awkward tabloid photo was enough, thanks).
But when a producer offers her a lot of money to reunite her mother’s band on live tv, Mel begins to wonder if it’s time to rattle the cage, shake up her quiet life… and see him again.
The only other person who could wrangle the rock and roll divas.
Beat Dawkins, the lead singer’s son, is Melody’s opposite—the camera loves him, he could charm the pants off anyone, and his mom is not a potential cult leader.
Still, they might have been best friends if not for the legendary feud that broke up the band.
When they met as teenagers, Mel felt an instant spark, but it’s nothing compared to the wild, intense attraction that builds as they embark on a madcap mission to convince their mothers to perform one last show.
While dealing with rock star shenanigans, a 24-hour film crew, brawling Santas, and mobs of adoring fans, Mel starts to step out of her comfort zone.
With Beat by her side, cheering her on, she’s never felt so understood. But Christmas Eve is fast approaching, and a decades-old scandal is poised to wreck everything—the Steel Birds reunion, their relationships with their mothers, and their newfound love.
I just adore Tessa Bailey for the unique storylines she comes up with her for books and I am loving this mom-band-themed Christmas romance book for 2023!
Plus, the hero’s name – Beat. OMG, I’m loving it!
I can guarantee that my Christmas holiday festivities do not involve rock star shenanigans or scandal but I’ll happily read about the Steel Birds and Mel and Beat’s happily-ever-after in this romance. Check out my book review of Wreck the Halls.
Related: Best Rock Star Romance Books
Three Holidays and a Wedding
by Uza Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley
As strangers and seatmates Maryam Aziz and Anna Gibson fly to Toronto over the holidays—Maryam to her sister’s impromptu wedding, and Anna to meet her boyfriend’s wealthy family for the first time—neither expect that severe turbulence will scare them into confessing their deepest hopes and fears to one another.
At least they’ll never see each other again. And the love of Maryam’s life, Saif, wasn’t sitting two rows behind them hearing it all. Oops.
An emergency landing finds Anna, Saif, Maryam, and her sister’s entire bridal party snowbound at the quirky Snow Falls Inn in a picture-perfect town, where fate has Anna’s actor-crush filming a holiday romance.
As Maryam finds the courage to open her heart to Saif, and Anna feels the magic of being snowbound with an unexpected new love—both women soon realize there’s no place they’d rather be for the holidays.
It wouldn’t be a Christmas romance book if you didn’t have people finding love in a quaint small town over the holidays, am I right?!
Hallmark has that set-up down for their movies and so do these authors in this hotly anticipated new Christmas romance book that I’m so excited to read.
I love when people finally admit their deepest desires and are placed in a position to act on them.
Plus, there’s nothing like a little forced proximity due to snow to help these two ladies find love this holiday.
And in this romance, you get not only Christmas, but Hanukkah and Ramadan holidays as well!
Related: Best Forced Proximity Romance Books
Emergency Contact
by Lauren Layne and Anthony Ledonne
Katherine, an ambitious NYC attorney, gets diagnosed with a concussion and must be monitored for 48 hours to make sure it doesn’t get worse.
Unfortunately, she forgot to update her emergency contact so the person they call is her ex-husband, Tom.
Unable to be left alone, Katherine reluctantly agrees to travel to Chicago with Tom 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.
Lauren Layne is partnering up with her husband to write a Christmas romance book?! Count me in!
It’s been way too long since I read a Layne book and I’m totally loving the set-up of this romance that is sure to have a lot of great banter between the exes!
Related: Best Second Chance Romance Books
Along Came Holly
by Codi Hall
Holly Winters owns the jolliest holiday shop on Main Street and this season is shaping up to be the best yet.
The only pit in her figgy pudding? Declan Gallagher, the owner of the hardware store next door. He’s the scroogiest man in all of Mistletoe, Idaho.
Then Holly’s revenge prank escalates into an all-out battle with her Grinchy neighbor, and the situation turns sticky when she realizes she needs his help.
Declan can’t believe the nerve of his oh-so-cheerful neighbor hiring him to set up her holiday lights display, but the money is too good to pass up.
Despite his utter loathing of excessive decorations, he throws himself into getting the job done, only to encounter sabotage at every turn.
To his astonishment, Declan finds himself championing the very woman who used to get under his skin. Then one rooftop kiss has him thinking maybe the season’s traditions aren’t as heinous as he believed.
Declan’s heart has grown three sizes since Holly came along, but how can he admit he’s falling for the one woman he shouldn’t want?
Christmas romance books are the perfect setup for enemies to lovers books and the grumpy sunshine trope, especially when one character is such a Scrooge!
I’ll never tire of reading holiday romance books where love is found between someone who loves the Christmas spirit and another who is quite the holiday humbug, so I cannot wait to read this book which is the third in Hall’s Mistletoe romance series.
Related: Best Grumpy Sunshine Romance Books
Offside Yuletide
by Victoria Denault
Some guys have all the luck. I’m one of them.
My entire life is a happy accident. Did I mean to become a professional hockey player? Nope.
I took the scholarship so I could go to Harvard and get my neuroscience degree for free. But, yet here I am playing for the Vancouver Comets.
My parents aren’t big on the fact that I picked hockey over becoming a doctor, like them. So when an injury starts my Christmas break early, the last place I want to spend it is at home hearing ‘I told you so’.
When our team captain invites me to spend the holidays at a cabin in the mountains with his family, I quickly accept.
What he failed to tell me is that his family consists of just his mom. His single mom, Hannah.
Hannah is hot, confident, and witty but it’s not like I would make a move on my teammate’s mom. That’s offside, as the refs would say.
But my life is a series of happy accidents, remember? So when we accidentally get snowed in together — alone — all I can say is… Oops.
Hockey romance books are my jam so mix that with a Christmas romance between a player and his teammate’s MOM and this book is going to be FIRE. 😊
I honestly cannot wait to see how the sparks fly in this Christmas romance novella from Denault who I will continually read ever since her release of Blindsided.
Let the steamy times begin!
Related: Best Steamy Romance Novels
The Christmas Wager
by Holly Cassidy
One rivalry. Eight days until Christmas. Let the holiday games begin.
When L.A.-based real estate developer Bella Ross arrives in the sleepy mountain town of Maple Falls, she has one mission: to acquire the local failing Christmas shop, Always Noelle, securing the promotion of her dreams.
Nothing can get in her way. Except the shop owner’s stubborn grandson, Jesse Harrison.
Both refuse to budge, until an unlikely wager is struck: Bella and Jesse will compete in the Maple Falls Holiday Games, an annual tradition of eccentric feats of strength and skills.
Winner decides the selling price. They’ll give each other a run for their money, but as the competition heats up, Bella and Jesse’s icy feelings toward each other begin to thaw.
It’ll take a Christmas miracle for them to admit there’s a spark, but what if it’s just another game?
I have high hopes for this Christmas romance book debut from Cassidy that sounds like such a fun, enemies to lovers romcom.
I cannot wait to see what these holiday games entail and whether the city-slicker heroine or the small-town hero comes out on top.
If you love opposites attract holiday romances, this may be the Christmas romance book for you.
Related: Best Enemies to Lovers Books
Claus & Effect
by Piper Rayne
Head out on a road trip with a heroine determined to have a second chance with a man from her past.
All she has to do is make it to Climax Cove, Oregon by Christmas to find him. Even if it means travelling cross-country with a man who drives her absolutely crazy.
It’s a simple trip. What could go wrong?
Answer: Everything.
I will be so happy if writing duo Piper Rayne gives us a Christmas romance book every year!
Last year they dazzled with Single and Ready to Jingle and this year they are back with another standalone Christmas romance.
But let’s be real…we’re going to add this to our TBR list because we want to learn more about Climax Cove 😊. Ha!
Related: New Christmas Romance Books of 2022
Faking Christmas
by Kerry Winfrey
Laurel Grant works as the social media manager for Buckeye State of Mind, an Ohio tourism magazine and website.
She most definitely does not run a farm . . . but one tiny misunderstanding leads her boss, Gilbert, to think she owns her twin sister Holly’s farm just outside of Columbus.
Laurel only handles the social media for the farm, but she’s happy to keep her little white lie going if it means not getting fired—she cannot be jobless again.
And keep it going she must when Gilbert, recently dumped by his wife, invites himself over for the farm’s big Christmas Eve Eve dinner (as advertised on Meadow Rise Farm’s Instagram, thanks to Laurel herself).
Laurel immediately goes into panic mode to figure out how she can trick Gilbert into thinking she’s basically the Martha Stewart of rural Ohio and keep her job in the process.
Laurel and Holly come up with the perfect plan—all Laurel has to do is pretend to own the farm for one dinner.
But Laurel shows up at the farm to find an unwelcome guest is waiting: Max Beckett, her nemesis since Holly’s wedding.
The annoyingly attractive man she hates will be posing as Laurel’s husband just for the evening, but when a snowstorm traps them all for the entire weekend, Laurel is going to have to figure out how to survive with her job and dignity intact.
Whatever the case, this promises to be the most eventful Christmas in ages. . . .
Winfrey’s latest is giving me similar vibes to Maggie Knox’s 2021 Christmas romance book, The Holiday Swap, where twin swapping makes for some delightful fun.
I think the real “fun” however will be the fake relationship between Laurel and Max. I’m super excited to read this one this holiday season.
Related: Best Fake Relationship Romance Books
Love, Holly
by Emily Stone
Ever since a car accident tore her family apart, Holly has been part of a lonely-hearts holiday letter–writing club.
Each December, she writes to a stranger who is also spending Christmas alone, and receives a letter from another lonely person in return.
Usually, the letters go unanswered. That’s the point—the letters are anonymous, and the senders write whatever is in their heart.
But this year, the letter Holly receives is different; not only is the letter full of a grief she knows all too well, but its writer, Emma, mentions a place that Holly has visited.
When she realizes that she might actually be able to find the letter’s author, Holly becomes determined to reunite Emma with the estranged grandson, Jack, with whom Emma is desperate to reconnect.
When Holly finally tracks him down, she remembers that she’s met Jack once before . . . and the connection was electric.
The spark between the two of them is still there—until a misunderstanding risks their burgeoning romance and his strained relationship with Emma, too.
But Holly is determined; if she can fix Emma’s family, she might also be able to fix her own. Though as it turns out, Holly might have less time to put things right than she thought.
This new Christmas romance book sounds like it’s definitely going to give a good tug on my heartstrings this holiday.
The lonely hearts letter club sounds like a really sweet endeavor and it’s always uplifting to read a Christmas romance that brings family back together.
This one will be tops on my list to read this holiday.
More New Christmas Romance Books for 2023
The Holiday Mix-Up
by Ginny Baird
Lonely-hearted waitress Katie Smith has nowhere to go for Christmas, and a huge crush on her gorgeous diner patron Juan Martinez.
So when Juan asks Katie to pose as his girlfriend for holiday festivities at his family’s winery, Katie leaps at the chance…that is, until an accident lands Juan in a coma right after giving his folks the “news.”
Katie knows she should tell the Martinezes the truth, but when they immediately embrace her, Katie is reluctant to let her fantasy of a family holiday go.
And then there’s Juan’s brother, Mateo, whose smile tugs at her heartstrings just right—and who tells her perfect Juan might not be everything he seems.
Second son Mateo Martinez loves his brother, but Juan’s plan to “rebrand and expand” Los Cielos Cellars has cost their family too much and put its entire tradition in jeopardy.
Katie seems to understand, but she’s still committed to Juan…even when Mateo starts to wish her gentle heart and beautiful smile were committed to him instead.
With the winery at stake, secrets on all sides, and Juan due to wake up any day, can Katie and Mateo follow their hearts to a Christmas miracle, or will this mix-up ruin their chances?
Ok, so I LOVED the movie, While You Were Sleeping with Sandra Bullock so this new Christmas romance book totally caught my eye because it has the exact same setup!
I love that Katie keeps up the fake dating façade despite Juan’s tragic state but I’m so excited to see the chemistry build-up with Mateo!!
Related: Best Fake Dating Romance Books
Wrapped With a Beau
by Lillie Vale
As a successful film liaison, Elisha Rowe has her heart set on one thing and one thing only: putting her hometown back on the map.
So, when she gets the chance to secure a sequel to Sleighbells, she’s willing to do whatever it takes to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Unfortunately, that includes claiming to have already secured permission to film at the historic Christmas house—permission she was very much denied by the gorgeous new owner.
Ves Hollins is only back in Piney Peaks long enough to sell the house he inherited from his great-aunt.
The holidays have always been tough for Ves, and it’s not any easier when he’s distracted by memories of a Christmas long, long ago, and the undeniable charm of neighbor Elisha.
Ready to return home to New York as quickly as possible, he has no plans to put down roots or fall in love…even if Elisha unravels his hesitations like a bad Christmas sweater.
There’s no question the two are opposites in every way. Ves is unquestionably frosty. Elisha is brimming with warmth. He doesn’t do commitment. She never runs from a challenge.
But as the two grow closer, they quickly realize that the growing spark between them may be just what the season calls for.
Make this new Christmas romance book your pick if you love opposites attract love stories! It sounds super cute with the small town and holiday film combo.
A December to Remember
by Jenny Bayliss
Wildly different half-sisters Maggie, Simone, and Star have hardly seen each other since their sprightly summers at Rowan Thorp, their eccentric father Augustus’s home.
Known for the fruitful ways in which his bustling knick-knack shop kept the tired town afloat, Augustus was loved by all and known by none, not even his daughters.
Now, years later, the three estranged women are unexpectedly reunited at the reading of Augustus’s will.
Maggie, Simone, and Star are shocked to find out that Augustus has engineered a series of hoops through which the three women must jump to unlock their inheritance—the last thing any of them want to do.
But Maggie and Star desperately need the money. And who would Simone be to resist?
Through hilarious goose chases, community mishaps, and one heart-warming winter solstice celebration, love, hope, and reconciliation is in the air, if only the three sisters can let themselves grasp it.
As one of three sisters, this book definitely caught my eye but I’m most excited to get to know each sister and how the three of them can find a new bond together.
The Ex-Mas Holidays
by Zoe Allison
Maya Bashir is dreading her drive home for Christmas and having to explain that she’s just left her high-paying job and a long-term relationship, so a brief detour to her friend’s festive party doesn’t seem like such a bad idea.
Until Maya walks in to find the last person she wants to see. Sam, the boy who broke her heart eight years ago. And he’s serving drinks. Naked.
Sam Holland is working an extra job on the sly to help his friend get by.
But little did he expect Maya Bashir to come barrelling back into his life, learning about his secret side-hustle and taking back her old job alongside him at his daytime role as a ski instructor on the slopes of the Scottish Highlands.
As both Sam and Maya realize that their reason for heartbreak so many years ago wasn’t entirely as it seemed, they must learn to stand up for what they want the most…or else miss their second chance at love.
I love second chance Christmas romance books as it makes the holiday spirit all the more special. I’m already laughing at Sam’s side hustle and can’t wait to learn more!
Related: Best Second Chance Romance Books
It’s A Fabulous Life
by Kelly Farmer
After years of putting aside her dreams of travel and adventure, Bailey George is ready to leave Lanford Falls and her responsibilities behind on a long-awaited vacation to New York City.
But when the volunteer who took over her leadership position for the town’s Winter Wonderfest has a medical emergency, Bailey finds herself stuck in Lanford Falls.
She gets roped into reassuming her old role, not wanting to let the town or her friends and family down.
Staying home seems slightly less terrible when Bailey runs into her high school crush, Maria Hatcher.
A kiss they shared years ago in the town’s mistletoe grove was a life-defining moment for them both.
Maria quickly offers to pitch in and help with Winter Wonderfest. Her sunny disposition and holiday cheer perk up Bailey’s grinchy feelings about everything.
However, one disaster after another snowball on the day of the festival. Bailey’s frustration boils over, and she ends up on the town’s old wooden bridge.
There, she meets fabulous drag queen Clara Angel. Bailey declares that she wishes she hadn’t been born in this Christmas-obsessed, suffocating small town.
With a little of the magic Clara possesses, she shows Bailey how wrong she is about Lanford Falls and her place in it.
And that with a little hope and some true holiday spirit, there is a way to attain all her dreams.
To be honest, I’ve never been a huge fan of the Christmas classic, It’s a Wonderful Life, but I think this twist on the story for this sapphic Christmas romance is delightful.
Related: Best Lesbian Romance Books
The Trouble With Tinsel
by Juliet Giglio
A few years after they broke up professionally and personally, the ex-screenwriting team of Kerri Williams and Jon Romano find their lives turned upside down when an old script is green-lit 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.
Jon and Kerri just want to finish the film and get this awkward reunion over with. But Amari Rivers, the star of their movie, thinks they’re engaged and wants them on set for moral support and love advice.
Wanting to keep the star happy, Kerri and Jon pretend to love each other, bringing back all the old feelings they’ve been trying so hard to forget.
Could this be the Christmas they finally get their own happy ending?
I’m loving this Hollywood-focus Christmas romance book which is sure to be a hit for 2023. I’m most excited to read that turning point when they both realize that they are no longer faking it on set!
Related: Best Fake Dating Romance Books
Bright Lights, Big Christmas
by Mary Kay Andrews
It’s a long way from a Christmas tree farm in the mountains of North Carolina to a certain street corner in Greenwich Village, but Kerry Tolliver, newly unemployed and romantically unattached, reluctantly agrees to make the trek, and live in a tiny vintage camper with her gruff older brother (and his dog Queenie) out of family loyalty.
Selling Christmas trees at the family’s stand in on the sidewalks of New York, Kerry is startled to find herself beginning to feel at home in this quirky little corner of the city, and succumbing to the charms of Patrick, a single dad and his adorable, dragon-loving son Austin.
When a secretive elderly neighbor goes missing with the holidays fast approaching, Kerry discovers her new friends have become family . . . and maybe more . . .
Surrounded by warm childhood memories, sparkling possibility, and the magic of
Christmas, will this small-town girl surrender her heart to the bright lights of the big city?
Mary Kay Andrews is a staple when it comes to new Christmas romance books and this single dad romance sounds delightful, especially with the found family angle.
Plus, there is always a new holiday romance about a Christmas tree far and this is this year’s!
Related: Best Single Dad Romance Books
The Christmas Café
by Eliza Evans
Clumsy, earnest baker Sylvie West has worked at the Christmas Café in Silver Bells, Wyoming, ever since her boozy eggnog fruitcake won the town’s annual holiday bake-off.
Her forever happy place, the café complements her sweet, well-ordered life with her roommates: recently widowed Gramps and her yappy chihuahua-pug, Crumpet.
So, when Sylvie learns the café might be sold, she’s determined to save it any way she can: by getting the Holiday Channel crew to set a scene at the café.
She’s even met the film’s charming lead actor, Royce, thanks to Crumpet’s meddling.
Between an unexpected acting gig, a booth at the Christmas festival, an appearance at the Christmas parade, and a budding romance with Royce, Sylvie has a lot on her plate.
Good thing her old friend, gruff yet reliable Abe, has just come home to manage his parents’ goat farm—until she catches herself feeling a little too merry and bright in his presence.
With some help from family, friends, Crumpet, and the goat farmer down the way, Sylvie’s plate might just be full of the sweetest treats she’s ever had.
It sounds like Sylvie may have two beaus to choose from in this cute Christmas romance! Anyone who loves pets in their romance books will enjoy this one.
The Christmas Orphan’s Club
by Becca Freeman
Hannah and Finn have spent every Christmas together since college. Neither has anywhere else to go—Hannah’s parents have passed, and Finn’s disowned him when he came out.
Their tradition of offbeat holiday adventures only grows more outrageous with time.
When the pair starts their adult lives in New York City, they add stylish Priya and mysterious Theo to the group, solidifying a found family and sense of belonging they’ve always craved.
But now, when Finn announces a move to L.A., this Christmas may be their last.
Hannah is terrified of losing the family she’s built for herself, even as her boyfriend nudges her toward commitment.
Meanwhile, Finn struggles with the things he’s about to leave behind—namely, his unexpressed feelings for Theo.
Does growing up mean growing apart? This Christmas the changes these friends fear may be exactly what they need. . . .
I adore found family romance books and I’m loving how Hannah and Finn have been there for each other at Christmas time.
It’s never easy to navigate change when it affects friendships and traditions, so I’m eager to see how these two manage their feelings and juggle their romance relationships as well.
Related: Best Gay Romance Novels
Snowed in for Christmas
by Jaqueline Snowe
Sorority mom Becca Fairfield is used to guys not taking her seriously. She’s too blond, too quirky, or Just. Too. Much.
So she’s ditched dating to focus on her job and a house filled with drama and plenty of tea.
Now with the holidays and a major blizzard on her doorstep, Becca has everything she needs to survive the next two weeks on her own.
Hot cocoa, plenty of books . . . and the memory of a steamy kiss with a certain hot, grumposaurus next-door neighbor to keep her warm.
Only Becca’s seriously underestimated this Snowpocalypse. So when the power goes out and Harrison Cooper—football coach, master crank, and the guy who acted mega-awkward after said steamy kiss—offers her shelter, it only makes sense to accept.
They’ll just be Blizzard Buddies. Hang out, stay safe, and maybe indulge in a little R-rated cuddling.
Becca knows that Harrison isn’t the dating kind, and what happens during the storm lasts only as long as the storm. But are they keeping warm . . . or playing with fire?
This new Christmas romance book sounds awesome. I love forced proximity romance books and a snowstorm is such a great cause for two people to be stuck together and forced to address their steamy kiss.
I’m excited to see what type of R-rated cuddling these two Blizzard Buddies get into!
Related: Best Grumpy Sunshine Romance Books
Christmas at the Lake
by Anita Hughes
On Christmas Eve, just hours before their wedding, Rebecca Huntley is left at the altar by Ben Cole, her college sweetheart and fellow co-founder of the hugely successful dating app, Dealbreakers.
Rebecca is shocked but a small part of her isn’t surprised. Dealbreakers matches potential couples by the things they hated, instead of what they had in common.
Lately, she and Ben seem to have less and less in common. He craves the trappings of success, while Rebecca enjoys simple things.
Rebecca decides to go on their honeymoon to the cozy Christmas Cove Inn in the charming small town of Christmas Cove on the shores of Lake Tahoe.
There, Rebecca runs into an old college friend, Zach Mason, who had always had a crush on Rebecca.
Through a misunderstanding, Zach believes Rebecca is married to Ben, and Rebecca believes Zach is in a relationship with a sophisticated older woman, when really, he is a waiter at the hotel.
As Christmas week unfolds, will the two learn the truth about each other and then be open for a second chance at love? Or will they begin the new year with broken hearts?
People are complicated. Everyone has positive attributes as well as faults – but none are deal breakers when you’re really in love.
I thank my lucky stars I never had to use any dating apps before finding my husband but I love how dating apps are a frequent theme in romance books and this app sounds unique.
But it’s the misunderstanding between these two that I think will create a really great slow burn romance!
Related: Romance Books That Inspire Travel
You Make It Feel Like Christmas
by Toni Shiloh
It’s the most wonderful time of the year–for everyone except Starr Lewis.
As if going home for the holidays jobless and single wasn’t bad enough, she’s dragged into a holiday season full of activities leading up to her sister’s uber-romantic Christmas Eve wedding–to Starr’s ex-boyfriend.
But when her brother’s best friend, Waylon Emmerson, attends their family Thanksgiving, she starts to wonder if maybe coming home for Christmas isn’t so bad after all.
As Starr finds the perfect distraction in helping Waylon make over his late mother’s Christmas shop, the most wonderful time of the year works its magic and the spark between them grows.
But with the holidays fast approaching, Starr must decide what she wants out of life after the gifts are unwrapped and the ornaments are put away–to go back to New York City or to open her heart to a love that will last beyond Christmas Day?
There are so many fun romance book set-ups in this new Christmas romance book and I’m loving it.
From the family wedding, the ex-boyfriend marrying the sister, and the directionless and jobless heroine, and the brother’s best friend, this sounds like such a fun holiday read.
Related: Best Brother’s Best Friend Romance Books
All’s Fair in Love and Christmas
by Sarah Monzon
Every December two things are guaranteed for graphic designer Mackenzie Graham–Christmas celebrations and the annual promotion at her workplace.
Those two things are by no means mutually exclusive. In fact, the better an employee is at harnessing the Christmas spirit, the more likely they’ll win the new job.
With her social anxiety, Mackenzie never thought she’d be a contender in her company’s holiday competition, so how exactly has she found herself dueling her workplace crush with wrapping paper tubes and using tinsel as her weapon of choice for a much-needed raise?
Jeremy Fletcher’s life is meticulously planned out, including how to win this year’s promotion at work.
Not only will the new position fulfill some of his career goals, but as a single guardian to his twin niece and nephew, he needs the salary increase to support his family.
Jeremy has barely noticed Mackenzie Graham around the office, but now that she’s his rival, he can’t stop thinking about her.
Her quirkiness intrigues him, and he’s afraid that if he can’t get his head on straight, the promotion isn’t the only thing he’ll end up losing to Mackenzie.
This office romance competition in the spirit of Christmas cheer sounds adorable and I’m already in love with Jeremy for his role as a guardian!
I can totally see why both need the promotion so I need to know how it’s going to end which is why this new Christmas romance book is on my TBR list this year.
Related: Best Office Romance Books
The Christmas Swap
by Talia Samuels
Margot Murray is a newly single, successful businesswoman with no interest in a cutesy seasonal romance after her breakup with her long-term girlfriend.
Ben Gibson is an unlucky-in-love sweetheart in need of a woman to bring home for the holidays.
Together, they make a pact: Margot gets two blissful weeks away from London in a picture-perfect manor, and Ben gets a fake girlfriend for his holiday at home with his family.
Upon arriving to the manor, Margot meets Ben’s sister, Ellie, who is suspicious of the supposed relationship right from the start.
Ellie intends to get to the bottom of their relationship, not being able to see how the two of them work as a couple.
As Ellie and Margot grow closer, will Ben and Margot be able to keep the charade up, or will Margot and Ellie risk the chance at something real?
Ah yes- the Christmas romance where one character needs a fake date to bring home to the family. I love it and adore this sapphic twist to this new Christmas romance book!
Related: Best Lesbian Romance Books
Unleashed Holiday
by Victoria Schade
Chelsea Higgins is doing just fine. She’s heading into the holidays at the helm of a thriving dog training business, and she’s got a mellow senior dog at home to keep her warm at the end of the day.
What more could she need?
Enter certified gym bro Andrew Gibson: Chelsea’s former nemesis, and now the newest neighbor in her business complex, who also wants to expand into the vacant space Chelsea’s been eyeing for months.
Who cares if it’s the season of joy? Let the turf battle begin.
When an unfortunate (and literal) run-in with Andrew’s lawless dog leaves Chelsea with a bum wrist, the two strike a deal: Andrew will help Chelsea rehab the injury if she’ll work with him to train his adorably uncivilized boxer.
Their typical bickering soon turns to bantering, and Chelsea finds herself inexplicably drawn to the man she thought she had nothing in common with.
As she gets to know Andrew and his parents, she realizes she needs to refocus on her own family, especially with a milestone Christmas speeding toward them.
But Chelsea can’t help wondering if she and Andrew are training for keeps, or if this unexpected Christmas gift is just too good to be true.
Romance books with the best banter are my catnip so I hope this new Christmas romance book delivers when the gym rat and dog trainer neighbors go at it!
Related: Best Enemies to Lovers Books
My Ex-Mas Emergency
by Jennifer Peel
Very few in Aspen Lake expected that I, Calista Monroe, their most notorious wild child, would ever amount to anything besides being a model prisoner.
So, imagine their surprise when I returned as the hospital’s newest ER doctor. Believe me, no one is more surprised than I am.
I had vowed to never return, even if it was the last safe haven during the zombie apocalypse. But when my niece Quinn begged me to come home, I couldn’t say no.
My plan is to stay out of trouble this time, and above all, avoid Quinn’s uncle Tristan—the man I love to hate and the reason I left Aspen Lake.
But trouble starts to brew when my niece gets it into her pretty head that her uncle and I need to reconcile.
The devious little thing insists we deck the halls together all season long. And since I’ll do anything to make Quinn happy, I agree, believing I’m completely immune to Tristan’s charm.
Except the joke’s on me. Who knew that Tristan’s biggest regret was letting me go? And the infuriating man seems willing to do everything possible to win me back.
Well, it’s going to take a Christmas miracle before I ever give him a second chance. Unfortunately for my plan, our chemistry could set a blizzard on fire. Now I have a major Ex emergency on my hands.
Do I give my niece her Christmas wish, or do I let the love between Tristan and me flatline for once and for all?
Peel is no stranger to holiday romance books and I’m loving the interfering niece in this second chance romance.
I love when heroes are determined to win over the heroine, especially when there’s history between them, so this new Christmas romance book definitely made my TBR list for 2023.
Related: Best Second Chance Romance Books
Mistletoe & Mishigas
by M.A Wardell
Sheldon Soleskin should be having a horrible day. Even though he’s been unexpectedly transferred to a new school right before the holidays, has only one day to set up his new classroom, and just discovered his twin sister’s been hiding an invitation to his ex-boyfriend’s Christmas Eve wedding, he’s still ready to take on the world with a smile on his face and a skip in his step.
Theo Berenson just wants to be left alone to his custodial duties. But when the chipper new first-grade teacher needs help moving furniture the Sunday after Thanksgiving, he’s forced to do something he detests. Help.
To make matters worse, Theo’s overbearing parents are coming for Hanukah in a few weeks, and he’s told them he has a boyfriend.
Except he doesn’t. Because who would want to date an oaf like Theo?
Working together, these opposites discover they might be able to help each other out. Agreeing to be each other’s dates, they become friends as they practice for their upcoming events.
But when all the rehearsing starts feeling a little too real, and both men’s pasts come roaring back to haunt them, will they be able to pull off the ultimate holiday masquerade?
I’m so excited to read the second book in Wardell’s Teachers in Love series which sounds like an adorable fake relationship romance.
If you love MM romance books, then give this new Christmas romance book a chance this holiday. Plus, it also made my list of best Hanukkah romance books as well!
Related: Best Fake Dating Romance Books
A Wish for Christmas
by Courtney Cole
Noel Blake is not in a great place. After several years of marriage, she and her husband Jonah are quietly drifting apart.
The only time they really talk at all anymore is when they walk their dog, Elliott. And even then it usually ends in bickering.
When, one snowy day, Elliott manages to slip his leash, they find him blocks away in the care of a mysterious old man who asks them to make a wish on an old snow globe.
Eager to get their dog safely home, they agree to his strange request. Neither one realizes that the wish they’re about to make will change the course of their lives… possibly forever.
When Noel and Jonah wake up the next morning, they’re in separate beds, separate apartments, separate lives. But are they any happier?
As they live the existences they’d always wished for, both feel that something very important is missing.
And when a chance encounter brings the pair back together, they find they have a spark of something very special.
Will they be able to find their way back to each other before it’s too late, or does the Christmas Magic have another fate in store?
Yes! A Christmas romance about a married couple with an It’s A Wonderful Life twist.
I can understand how couples drift apart or think the grass could be greener elsewhere so I’m loving the set-up of this romance that gives these two a chance to realize what they have with each other after all.
The Christmas Season
by Ally Sinclair
Emma Love is a matchmaker who believes in old fashioned courtship, over swiping left or right.
She’s inspired by Jane Austen, Bridgerton and a thousand and one perfect romance stories, where matches were made at elegant soirees and not by sliding into your intended’s DMs.
This year, Emma is inviting you to a very special social season, where a hopeful singleton might find their own Mr. Darcy waiting under the mistletoe.
At a series of glamorous, festive, and, most importantly, romantic events, Emma is making it her mission to find love for everyone this Christmas Season.
How will she fare trying to find perfect matches for the Price twins, both too busy trying to outdo the other to ever look for love?
Can she encourage the hot Season rake, Theo, to change his ways? And what of Hope Lucas, who Emma has failed to match before, but who still has faith that Mr. Right is out there?
And with Emma so focused on finding everybody else’s happy ever after, is she at risk of letting her own perfect match slip away?
Aw, a woman after my own heart who adores Jane Austen, Bridgerton, and of course Mr. Darcy!
If you’re up for a little matchmaking over the holiday, add this new Christmas romance book to your list.
Christmas at Spruce Hill Farm
by Kathryn Springer
It’s three weeks until Christmas, and Lucy Gable is not in the holiday spirit. She’s the assistant to bestselling romance author Brynn Dixon, who’s been suffering from major burnout.
Hoping to reduce Brynn’s stress, Lucy’s organized an intimate book tour—one that includes a charming little Christmas tree farm.
And they’re still hoping that no one discovers that Lucy was the one who finished writing Brynn’s last book…
But Lucy’s carefully planned book tour is going completely awry. The Christmas tree farm owner is a reluctant host, the fans are going wild for the changes Lucy’s made to the book and Brynn’s adult son—who no one else knows about—is an unexpected (if handsome) distraction.
And, as if those challenges aren’t enough, a winter storm at the farm is ensuring that hiding the truth is all but impossible.
Yet somewhere between snowy sleigh rides, a cozy bonfire, caroling and the promise of new love, Lucy is experiencing her first winter wonderland.
And Brynn is discovering that it might not be too late to find her own happy ending.
With a little courage and a sense of adventure, it might just be the start of whole new chapters for both of them—and an accidentally perfect white Christmas.
If you adore romance books about romance authors (I do!) then you’ll want to check out this one with a holiday twist where not one but two women may find love when they least expect it.
Plus, it’s got a Christmas tree farm setting! 😊
The Holiday Heartbreaker
by Maisey Yates
It’s not the holiday season she’d envisioned. But moving back home with her son, Benny, is all single mom Elizabeth Colfax can do after her ex-husband’s infidelity left their life in pieces.
A fresh start at Four Corners Ranch means Elizabeth’s dream career in equine therapy can become a reality, allowing her to share her love of horses with Benny.
If only it didn’t also mean butting heads with Brody McCloud, the frustratingly attractive cowboy who sets sparks off inside her.
Brody doesn’t do complicated, and Elizabeth’s got more baggage than an airport. But there’s something about the woman that’s always gotten under his skin in a very welcome way.
As the simmering tension between them grows harder to ignore, they’ll have to decide if their undeniable attraction can outweigh a shared loss of faith in forever.
Maybe this Christmas, they can find a family worth fighting for.
Give me a couch and a blanket and I will gladly cozy up with this Christmas romance featuring a hot cowboy!
If you’re also a softie for romances where the single mom finds her happily-ever-after then this is the book for you.
It Happened One Christmas
by Chantel Guertin
All year long, Zoey Andrews lives and breathes Christmas–not just because she loves everything about the festive season, but because, as the director of countless Christmas movies, she’s perpetually (and happily) surrounded by 24/7 holiday cheer.
And this year Christmas has come early: After years of making other people’s movies, Zoey finally has the chance to make her own.
There’s just one thing standing in her way of that: Benoît Deschamps, the hot, bearded, grouchy and utterly frustrating, plaid shacket-wearing tree-farm-owner-slash-mayor who refuses to grant Zoey the permit to film in Chelsea, the cozy and snowy Quebec hamlet at the center of her screenplay.
With just four days left before Christmas, Zoey must change Ben’s mind, but not before an unscripted ice storm leaves them stranded in the middle of nowhere, with nothing except . . . each other.
Will Ben’s chilly resolve shatter Zoey’s Christmas movie wish? Or will Zoey be able to melt through his stubbornness–and maybe even his heart?
Round out your reading this holiday season with another fun, forced proximity romance with the grumpy sunshine trope.
To be honest I’m hoping that Ben mutters a few choice words in French since this book is set in Quebec!
The Perfect Christmas Village
by Bella Osborne
Blythe is just one sale away from being Real Estate Agent of the Month, so she twists the truth to sell a home to city boy Sam, who is looking for the perfect house in the perfect location.
Little does he know he’s just bought a cottage in the middle of the most Christmassy village in the country. And if there’s one thing Sam loathes, it’s Christmas.
Sam’s arrival puts Holly Cross’s chance to win the title of Britain’s Most Perfect Christmas Village now in jeopardy, and the villagers are soon up in arms.
Meanwhile, Sam is in his own personal hell surrounded by fairy lights and everyone is looking to Blythe to fix things.
But as the festive season looms, maybe there’s more than just Christmas in Holly Cross for Sam to fall in love with…
I have yet to visit a town that is Christmas personified but I would absolutely love it – unlike the hero in this new Christmas romance book, Sam.
I hope we have a lot of holiday shenanigans in this village that end up changing Sam’s mind and opening his heart!
What did you think of this list of the new Christmas romance books for 2023? Do you have a favorite or one you cannot wait to read this holiday?
Let me know in the comments below and then check out more of my Christmas romance book lists!
More Christmas Romance Book Lists:
- Best Christmas Romance Books
- Best Christmas Historical Romance Books
- Best Christmas Romance Novellas
- New Christmas Romance Books for 2022
- 2022 Christmas Romance Books from Indie Authors
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I just skimmed through the titles and will take a closer look as the holiday season approaches. I was excited to see a favorite author, Lauren Layne has a book, “Emergency Contact” on the list and also that it’s written with her husband, Anthony Ledonne. It will be interesting to see his contribution to the story.
I’m excited to see what they come up with together too!