WEEKLY BOOK RECS: 6 book reviews and suggestions every week
Hey, loves! It’s that time of year where we swap our iced lattes for hot cocoa and get cozy with the cutest Christmas romances. If you’re looking for sweet, heartwarming stories to get you in the holiday spirit, I’ve got six festive books that will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. So grab your fuzzy socks, light up the tree, and let’s dive into some Christmas love magic! 🎅🏻✨
1. In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren
Rating: 4.7/5
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance
Tropes: Time Loop, Second Chances, Friends to Lovers
Main Characters: Maelyn Jones, Andrew Hollis
What It's About:Maelyn Jones is stuck in a rut—living with her parents, hating her job, and pining after Andrew, her longtime crush. When she spends Christmas at her family’s cabin, she finds herself trapped in a time loop, reliving the holiday over and over. Can she break free and get her happy ending with Andrew?
Review:If you love a holiday romance with a dash of magic, In a Holidaze is such a fun and cozy read! The time loop trope adds a Groundhog Day vibe, but with all the charm of a snow-covered cabin getaway. Mae is a relatable and loveable heroine, and her chemistry with Andrew is off the charts. The whole book feels like a warm hug, with a good balance of laughs, swoon-worthy moments, and holiday cheer. If you’re looking for something that feels like a rom-com in book form, this is your perfect Christmas read.
2. One Day in December by Josie Silver
Rating: 4.6/5
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance
Tropes: Missed Connections, Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn
Main Characters: Laurie James, Jack O’Mara
What It's About:Laurie spots a man through a bus window one December day and feels an instant connection. But she doesn’t see him again—until a year later, when her best friend introduces him as her new boyfriend. Over the next decade, Laurie and Jack’s paths cross in unexpected ways, but will they ever get their timing right?
Review:This one’s a slow-burn romance with ALL the feels! Laurie and Jack’s relationship spans years, and the way their story unfolds is both heart-wrenching and hopeful. It’s the perfect read if you love a little emotional angst in your romance. The winter setting gives it that cozy, holiday vibe, and the writing is beautiful. Laurie’s journey of self-discovery and the love triangle make this a page-turner. If you’re in the mood for a romantic, bittersweet, and ultimately heartwarming Christmas love story, One Day in December will melt your heart.
3. The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss
Rating: 4.4/5
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Holiday Romance
Tropes: Small Town, Dating Mishaps, Friends to Lovers
Main Characters: Kate Turner, Matt Wells
What It's About:Tired of being single, Kate Turner signs up for a dating service offering twelve dates before Christmas. But as she navigates a string of hilarious and disastrous dates, she starts to wonder if what she’s been looking for has been right in front of her all along—her best friend, Matt.
Review:This book is so much fun! The concept of twelve dates leading up to Christmas is adorable, and Kate’s misadventures will have you laughing out loud. The small-town setting is so cozy, and the holiday vibes are strong. Kate and Matt’s friendship slowly blossoming into something more is just the sweetest thing ever. There’s a lot of heart and humor in this one, making it a perfect light and fluffy read for the holiday season. If you love rom-coms with festive flair, this one’s for you!
4. Christmas at Silver Falls by Jenny Hale
Rating: 4.3/5
Genre: Holiday Romance, Contemporary Romance
Tropes: Small Town, Family Business, Opposites Attract
Main Characters: Scarlett Bailey, Charlie Bryant
What It's About:Scarlett Bailey returns to Silver Falls to help save her family’s historic inn from closing, but she didn’t expect to clash with the charming and stubborn Charlie Bryant, who has his own plans for the property. As Christmas approaches, can they find a way to save the inn—and maybe fall in love along the way?
Review:If you love small-town Christmas settings with a bit of family drama and romance, Christmas at Silver Falls will give you all the cozy holiday feels. The inn is such a charming setting, and Scarlett’s passion for her family’s legacy makes her a character you’ll root for. Charlie and Scarlett’s chemistry is filled with tension and sweetness, and their bickering adds a fun dynamic to the story. The holiday cheer and heartwarming ending will leave you with a smile. Perfect for a quiet night by the fire with a cup of cocoa!
5. Wrapped Up in You by Talia Hibbert
Rating: 4.5/5
Genre: Holiday Romance, Contemporary Romance
Tropes: Second Chances, Celebrity/Normal Person, Christmas Magic
Main Characters: William Reid, Abbie Farrell
What It's About:Abbie Farrell is happy with her quiet life in the small town of Ravenswood, but when her childhood crush, now a famous actor, William Reid, returns home for Christmas, old sparks fly. Will Abbie’s down-to-earth charm be enough to pull William away from the glitz of Hollywood?
Review:Wrapped Up in You is everything you want in a Christmas romance—sweet, funny, and with just the right amount of holiday magic. Abbie is such a relatable heroine, and William, the movie star with a heart of gold, is impossible not to fall for. Their second-chance romance feels real and tender, and the Christmas setting adds a cozy charm to the whole book. Talia Hibbert’s writing is sharp and witty, and the chemistry between the characters is chef’s kiss. If you love holiday romance with humor, heart, and just a bit of glamour, this one’s a must-read.
6. We Met in December by Rosie Curtis
Rating: 4.2/5
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance
Tropes: Roommates, Slow Burn, Friends to Lovers
Main Characters: Jess, Alex
What It's About:When Jess moves to London just before Christmas, she shares a house with Alex, and the two quickly become friends. But as feelings begin to develop, misunderstandings and timing seem to get in the way. Can Jess and Alex find their way to love before the holidays are over?
Review:This is such a sweet, slow-burn romance! Jess and Alex’s friendship feels so real, and the slow progression from friends to something more is adorable. The London setting during Christmas time adds a lovely festive vibe, and you’ll fall in love with the characters’ cozy little house and their holiday moments. It’s a feel-good story with just the right amount of tension to keep you hooked. If you’re into slow-burn love stories with all the holiday feels, We Met in December will definitely hit the spot.
Which of these cozy cute Christmas love stories book recs are you snuggling up with first? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to tag me in your holiday reading posts @apolloimperium! 🎄✨❤️
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