What to Read & What to Skip: My December Reading List
Check out the romance books I read this month and discover which I would recommend you read and which romance novels I suggest you skip.
*Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
December brought my romance book reading for 2020 to a close.
I almost met my goal of reading 150 books this year but was just 4 books shy.
I blame the new Netflix TV series, Bridgerton, for failing to meet my goal as I was binge watching the episodes when I could have been reading! (If you haven’t yet checked it out, it’s definitely worth watching as is reading Julia Quinn’s, The Duke and I).
Don’t Waste Your Time on Mediocre Books!
It’s my goal here at She Reads Romance Books to help fellow romance book junkies find the best romance books worth reading.
There are SO many romance books available, so why waste your time reading a mediocre book?
That’s why every month I share with you my reading list with my recommendations for books to read and which books you should skip.
I tried to carve out more time over the holidays to just sit and read (watching Bridgerton aside), so I did crank out a number of books this month.
I fell in love with several, and I also found a few to be so-so.
A number of books I read were new releases but a few were throw backs from the past. I also dived into a few new sub-genres which I hope to more of in the coming year.
Overall it was a great month for reading!
Check out what I thought of these romance books and see what you might want to add to your TBR list.
My December 2020 Reading List: What to Read & What to Skip
Favorite Books of the Month:
Forever Wild
by K.A. Tucker
Published December 2020
The Perfect Novella for a Beautiful Series
5 stars
This Christmas novella continues the story that started with The Simple Wild of Calla and Jonah’s life together in Alaska.
Life in Alaska often has its own drama, but now Jonah and Calla are dealing with family drama this Christmas as their parents descend for the holidays.
With pressure to set a wedding date, meddlesome neighbors and family strife, this Christmas will be anything but simple.
I totally fell in love with this series starting with The Simple Wild and again with Wild at Heart, and this novella was the best present this season.
I loved returning to Alaska and getting more of the snark and sweetness between Calla and Jonah as well as getting a few surprises.
If you read the first two books, you HAVE to read this!!
Amazon | Goodreads | My Review
Related: Christmas Romance Books, Best Romance Novels of 2020
Paper Princess
by Erin Watt
Published April 2016
A Consuming, Enemies to Lovers, High School Romance
5 stars
Ella Harper is a survivor. She’s survived drifting from town to town with her mother all her life, but since her mother’s death she’s been supporting herself.
She’s stripping to make ends meet until Callum Royal uproots her life and plops her into his mansion amongst his own five sons. The Royal boys hate her on the spot, but none more so than Reed.
Now Ella has to learn to survive her new prep school, the wrath of the Royal boys, the deception around her and not fall for the ruthless of them all- Reed.
Wow! This book was so much more than I expected. I definitely did not expect a cliffhanger but that just means I’m on to book 2.
This was such a fantastic enemies to lovers romance that I couldn’t put down.
Great tension, a bit of suspense and wonderful writing. A must read in my book!
Amazon | Goodreads | My Review
Related: Best Enemies to Lovers Books
Flock
by Kate Stewart
Published July 2020
A Mesmerizing Romance That Makes You Think
4 stars
Cecelia grew up sick. She believed in romantic love and looked for a worthy man to give her heart to. But it was the year she had to spend in Triple Falls to earn her inheritance from her absent father that she truly learned the price of her sickness.
Wow- I knew going into this book that it might be a bit different than what I was expecting and yet it totally lived up to what I DO expect from a Kate Stewart romance- a spine-bending story that grips and just takes you along for the ride.
This is a must read duet, so be prepared to read book two immediately after.
Amazon | Goodreads | My Review
Related: Best Romance Novels of 2020
Exodus
by Kate Stewart
Published August 2020
An Unforgettable, Enemies to Lovers Romance
5 stars
This is book is the continuation of Flock in this epic duet.
It’s time for Cecelia to face the consequences of her sickness. The impact of the year she spent in Triple Falls. The year that changed her forever. She’s back to make peace with her fate and accept whatever ending it may be.
OK, Wow again. I could not put this book down.
It made me realize that I am an addict when it comes to reading romance books that just grip you, make you feel and just squeeze the heck out of your heart.
I had such a book hangover after reading it. Kate Stewart slays again.
Amazon | Goodreads | My Review
Related: Best Enemies to Lovers Books, Best Romance Novels of 2020
Autoboyography
by Christina Lauren
Published September 2017
A Must Read MM Romance
5 stars
When Tanner Scott’s family moved from California to Utah three years ago, he was forced to push his bisexual identity back into the closet. Now he only has one semester left of high school before he can move out of state.
But when his best friend encourages him to take the coveted Seminar at Provost High, he meets TA Sebastian Brother. Now Tanner has to not only write a book in four months, he also has to try and not fall in love with his mentor.
This book was magnificent. Absolutely one of Christina Lauren’s finest and a book everyone should read.
The heartbreaking romance between Tanner and Sebastian was wonderful but there is so much more to this book.
Read this book for a reminder of what it means to love unconditionally, to learn about the Mormon religion and lifestyle, and to read the most amazing coming of age story.
Amazon | Goodreads | My Review
Related: MM Romance Books
More Books To Read and Those to Skip:
Holiday With You
by Claudia Burgoa and Grahame Claire
Published December 2020
*advanced reader copy
A Small Town, Holiday Romance
3 stars
Audrey’s headed to the small town of Winter Valley with the sole purpose of acquiring a bed and breakfast for her company.
On her way to what could be the greatest deal of her career, she crashes into the truck of sexy, single dad Colin Bradford.
Stuck in town until Christmas Eve, Audrey can’t help but start to fall for the magical, small town…and for Colin.
This book was my selection for the December Romance Book Reading Challenge but unfortunately isn’t a keeper for me.
It read FAST and therefore seemed more like a novella. While it was a sweet holiday romance, I might have loved it if it had more character development.
Amazon | Goodreads | My Review
Related: Christmas Romance Books
The Revenge Pact
by Ilsa Madden-Mills
Published December 2020
*advanced reader copy
An Enemies to Lovers Romance That Tugged On My Heartstrings
4 stars
River Tate is the king of football on campus. His only weakness is Anastasia the girl who he tries to ignore because she’s his frat brother’s girlfriend.
Antastasia is the queen of nothing and her only weakness is River, the footballer who hates her.
He may pretend she doesn’t exist but when her life crashes down, he’s the one to pick her up and make their revenge pact.
I loved this take on an enemies to lovers love story where the hero is “the enemy” because he’s trying so hard to deny and ignore his feelings.
Oh, how it gave me all the feelings! It’s hard not to love a Madden-Mills college romance.
Amazon | Goodreads | My Review
Related: Best Enemies to Lovers Books
The Romantic Pact
by Meghan Quinn
Published December 2020
*advanced reader copy
A Delightful Friends to Lovers Romance That Will Have You Booking a Trip!
4 stars
We made a pact growing up, never to get romantic with each other – never fall in love. But now I’m on a road trip in Germany to honor my Pops with the one girl I can’t have.
And I’m about to break that pact.
I adored this book. Quinn pens the perfect friends to lovers romance while also taking you on this epic, romantic journey through Germany at Christmas time.
Get prepared to add a similar trip to your bucket list after reading this one. I know I have!
Amazon | Goodreads | My Review
Related: Friends to Lovers Romance Books, Christmas Romance Books
The Relationship Pact
by Adrianna Locke
Published December 2020
*advanced reader copy
An OK, Fake Relationship Romance
3.5 stars
Larissa just needed football star Hollis Hudson to pretend to be her boyfriend for five minutes. That’s all.
Pretending to like Hollis is easy, but pretending that their relationship pact isn’t turning into something more is hard.
This is a cute love story that starts off with a bit of pretending which is always a fun storyline in my opinion.
While I liked the struggle behind Hollis’ character, I felt like this story could have used more depth given it took place over just a few days.
But despite that, I enjoyed reading it and it has me wanting to read her upcoming release, Reputation.
Amazon | Goodreads | My Review
Related: Fake Relationship Romance Books
Hard to Hold
by K. Bromberg
Published December 2020
A Stellar Sports Romance in An Amazing Series
5 stars
Lennox Kincaid is a female sports agent in a male dominated world. When her reputation is called into question, she takes a job on a whim only to discover that she’s tasked with recruiting bad boy footballer, Rush McKenzie, to stay in the States and play for Major League Soccer.
Rush has no interest in leaving team Liverpool, but with a scandal marring his reputation and putting his team loyalty on the line, he may not have a choice.
When they end up sharing a house, there’s no stopping their attraction so they’ll just keep it a secret, no strings attached fling, right?
I loved Lennox and Rush’s story, solidifying this series as such a hit for me!
Lennox was such an honest heroine who I really enjoyed but oh how I loved Rush.
This man had such heart and I loved his back story so much and how it led to his current predicament.
Definitely check this one out!
Amazon | Goodreads | My Review
Related: Sports Romance Books
Lilac
by B.B. Reid
Published December 2020
An Enemies to Lovers Romance with Rock Stars
3 stars
Braxton Fawn is the new guitarist for Bound but she wasn’t the first choice of her new band mates. They are determined to turn her dream into a nightmare and get rid of her.
She just has to survive the tour and survive her attraction to them all.
This was my first book by Reid and I liked it, but know that it is LONG (558 pages)!
The beginning completely pulled me in and kept me reading to see how the extreme hate could turn around to something more.
If you like poly romances but ones that are more story than bedroom scenes then this is one for you.
Related: Rock Star Romance Books, Best Enemies to Lovers Books
The Villain
by L.J. Shen
Published December 2020
*advanced reader copy
A Villain Romance You’ll Totally Fall For
4 stars
Cillian Fitzpatrick may be known as The Villain in the media but to me, he’s my Savior.
He already saved my life once and now he’s doing it again, bailing me out of my husband’s mess. But his help comes with a cost, and that cost is my freedom.
Time and time again L.J. Shen makes me fall for cold-hearted bastards and she does it again with Cillian Fitzpatrick!
I loved her spin on the Hades/Persephone story in this marriage of convenience story.
If you too are a fan of tortured heroes, you’ll want to check this one out.
Amazon | Goodreads | My Review
Related: Billionaire Romance Books, Marriage of Convenience Romance Books
The Reverse Play
by Julia Clarke
Published January 2019
A Sports Romance That’s Just the Start…
3 stars
Blake has a dream about becoming a head football coach in the NFL, but it’s an uphill battle considering she’s a woman.
When she finally lands her dream job as a coach for the Boston Rebels, she knows it’s an opportunity she can’t screw up. And developing feelings for a player will do just that, especially if it’s three players she can’t stop thinking about.
This is the first book in the Rebels series so it’s basically a book setting up what’s to come as it had very little romance in it.
I liked the dedication Blake has to achieve her dream when so much is stacked against her, so I’m not sure that I’ll buy her risking it all for not one but three players. I’ll have to see in book two…
Related: Sports Romance Books, Office Romance Books
The Christmas Toy
by Krista Wolf
Published December 2019
A Slightly Kinky Reverse Harem Romance
3 stars
The three hottest guys in the office always spend Christmas together and this year they invited their colleague, Alyssa.
When she finds the journal one of their ex-girlfriend’s left in their mountain cabin and discovers how much fun she had with all three men, Alyssa’s all too eager to offer herself as their Christmas toy this year.
This was a find on my TBR pile that turned into a quick escape read to heat up the holidays.
The discovery of the journal was a nice twist to the story, giving it an added edge. Was it an enthralling story or fantastic writing? No, but if you’re looking for a slightly kinky reverse harem story then it’s a fun, quick read.
Related: Christmas Romance Books
Loving Mr. Daniels
by Brittainy C. Cherry
Published May 2014
A High School Romance that Made Me Sad
3 stars
Ashlyn is grieving the death of her sister but when she stumbles into a bar, the music sung by the gorgeous guitar player soothes her heartache.
How is it that one night and one person could be the balm she needs for the loss she feels?
But when she starts her senior year at a new high school, she comes face to face with her musician, her new English teacher.
This book had been on my TBR list for so long!
While I think Brittainy C. Cherry is a fantastic writer, I’m realizing that her writing just makes me feel sad.
This book was a sweet love story between two people dealing with loss and who found comfort in one another.
If that’s your jam, then you’ll love her story.
Amazon | Goodreads | My Review
What was the best romance book you read in December 2020? Share below!
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