As the days get colder and shorter, hibernation season begins. And what better way to get in the hygge spirit than by curling up with a good book? As we approach the festive season, there are a whole host of new releases centred around the season of goodwill. Romance fans, its your time to see sparks fly amongst the pages.
If you've already made your way through Colleen Hoover's back catalogue [1], have caught up on Dolly Alderton's books [2], and finished some of 2022's weepie reads [3], the moment has come to embrace the magic of Christmas.
Intersperse these must-have reads with festive films [4] and don't forget to grab a seasonal snack (Bailey's hot chocolate [5], anyone?) before getting cosy with a blanket and one of these top reads. Plus, they make great gifts for the book worms in your life, too! Several are already available to buy but you'll want to take a note of the other fantastically festive reads that are being published in November and early December.
From heartwarming rom-coms to family dramas with a few steamy sex scenes in between, find 11 of the best Christmas books ahead to get you excited for the festive season.
Best Christmas Books 2022: "The Christmas Wish" by Lindsey Kelk
If you've ever wished that it could be Christmas every day, "The Christmas Wish" by Lindsey Kelk [6] (£14.99), may have you thinking otherwise. This fun and festive take on Groundhog Day, sees newly single Gwen attempt to figure out how to stop reliving the same day of turkey with all the trimmings and family arguments, over and over again. There is one highlight of the day though; seeing her childhood boy-next-door crush, who has become rather tall, dark, and handsome. But how do you fall in love with someone who can't remember you from one day to the next? Fans of Kelk's "I Heart" series will love this witty, feel-good read.
Best Christmas Books 2022: "A Merry Little Meet Cute" by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone
Looking for a little bit of spice from your Christmas romance? "A Merry Little Meet Cute" by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone [7] (£8.99) will provide you with exactly that. The story takes us behind the scenes of one of those made-for-TV Christmas movies that always seem to be playing over the festive season. Except in this one, plus-size adult film star Bee is cast as the lead role in the family-friendly flick, opposite her childhood crush and notorious bad-boy ex-boyband member, Nolan. It's no surprise when sparks begin to fly between the two, but can they keep their off-camera romance under wraps from the squeaky-clean TV channel executives? This is a refreshingly entertaining and sexy read, which also features some great plus-size representation. Have a Merry xxx-mas with this read!
Best Christmas Books 2022: "All I Want for Christmas" by Maggie Knox
After the success of Maggie Knox's first festive romance, "The Holiday Swap" [8], the writing duo, who write under the Knox pen name, return with another great Christmas read, one which will immediately take you back to the heyday of TV shows like "The X Factor" and "Pop Idol". "All I Want for Christmas" [9] (£8.99) follows two contestants on the reality singing show, Starmaker, as they wow the crowds during duets week. The judges demand that they remain a duo both on and offstage, or exit the competition. The only problem? Sadie and Max can't stand one another. If you enjoy the rollercoaster of romance with some added festive feels, this is the book for you.
Best Christmas Books 2022: "A Very Merry Bromance" by Lyssa Kay Adams
Whether you've read the first four instalments of Lyssa Kay Adams' Bromance Book Club series [10] or not, prepare for your heart to be warmed. In "A Very Merry Bromance" [11] (£9.99), country music star Colton felt happy when he was with Gretchen, but she was not so content. This Christmas, Colton is struggling to create new music, while immigration attorney Gretchen is feeling helpless as she sees what her community is really going through during what should be the season of goodwill. But will a mutually beneficial deal between the two help them out professionally and prove that there is indeed a spark between them?
Best Christmas Books 2022: "Holiday Romance" by Catherine Walsh
Irish author Catherine Walsh follows up the success of her first two books, "One Night Only" [12] and "The Rebound" [13] with "Holiday Romance" [14] (£8.99). Friends Molly and Andrew have spent the last ten years sitting next to one another on the last flight home from Chicago to Dublin. Even though they couldn't be more different, this is one tradition that neither of them would ever miss. But when a snowstorm grounds their flight, Molly vows to get festive fanatic Andrew home in time for his mam's famous Christmas dinner, by any means necessary. But will this year's journey change things between the two of them for good?
Best Christmas Books 2022: "Just for December" by Laura Jane Williams
From Laura Jane Williams, author of recent hits "Our Stop" [15] and "The Love Square" [16], comes another fantastic romance. "Just For December" [17] (£8.99) sees Evie, a romance writer whose latest bestseller is being made into a Christmas film, clash with the famous actor, Duke, who has been cast as the leading man. When images leak of them arguing, which threaten to put the unfinished movie in jeopardy, they begin fake dating to keep the project on track.
Best Christmas Books 2022: "You're a Mean One, Matthew Prince" by Timothy Janovsky
For fans of "Schitt's Creek [18]", "You're A Mean One, Matthew Prince" [19] (£8.99) sees the young, rich Matthew Prince cut off from his parent's money and sent to spend the festive season with his grandparents. The small town that they live in is about to feel even smaller as he has to share a room with local college student Hector Martinez, who just happens to be ridiculously attractive. If you also enjoyed Tessa Bailey's "It Happened One Summer" [20], we have a feeling that you will adore this festive take on the story of a spoiled rich kid evolving to become a better person with the help of others.
Best Christmas Books 2022: "Kiss Her Once for Me" by Alison Cochrun
From Alison Cochrun, the author of BookTok [21] favourite "The Charm Offencive" [22], comes a queer romantic comedy that will charm you just as much as her debut novel. "Kiss Her Once For Me" [23] (£13.93) focuses on Ellie. Due to struggling to pay her rent, she strikes an agreement with her landlord to fake an engagement so that he can access his inheritance when he takes her home to meet his family at Christmas. But Ellie soon discovers that his sister is the woman that she briefly fell head over heels for one night, over a year ago. Prepare yourself for a love triangle that will keep you hooked the whole way through.
Best Christmas Books 2022: "Snowed In For Christmas" by Sarah Morgan
Author of more than eighty romance books, Sarah Morgan transports us to the snowy Scottish Highlands in "Snowed In For Christmas" [24] (£8.99). When a misunderstanding results in Lucy being snowed in with a family that isn't hers, we join her as she gets to grip with the Miller clan who are actually her Boss' family. Where this book really shines is in the well rounded and likeable characters, each of which have their own issues to address while they're cooped up together. This book also has one of the most picturesque yet cosy settings, perfect for curling up on a cold Winter's day.
Best Christmas Books 2022: "One Last Gift" by Emily Stone
From the author of last year's life-affirming "Always In December" [25], author Emily Stone brings us another uplifting festive favourite this year. When Cassie and her brother Tom lose their parents at a young age, they come to rely upon one another. But when Tom passes away, Cassie feels lost and alone. That is until she finds an envelope with her name on it, instantly recognisable as the first clue in the Christmas scavenger hunt that Tom would make for her every year. And his clues end up setting her on a journey that will take her all the way from London to the French countryside to reconnect with old friends, rekindle a lost love, and most importantly, rediscover herself. One Last Gift [26] (£8.99) is a tearjerker that will leave you feeling warm inside.
Best Christmas Books 2022: "The Sh!te Before Christmas" by Serena Terry
If you've had enough of cute, but twee rom coms, then it's worth checking out the new offering by Serena Terry, who you may also know as TikTok sensation Mammy Banter [27]. She follows up the success of her first book "Mammy Banter: The Secret Life of an Uncool Mum" [28] with her incredibly relatable story, "The Sh!te Before Christmas" [29] (£14.99). Taking you inside Terry's home in the lead up to 25 December, expect nativity disasters, unruly children, and lots of laugh-out-loud moments that will have you feeling a whole lot better about spending Christmas Day with your own family this year.