I have a confession to make: I’m not obsessed with holiday movies. Whew. Feels good to get that off my chest! That being said, I do love having a nice, warm cup of cocoa (another confession: I’ve never had eggnog), scrolling on over to Netflix, and picking out a fluffy holiday romance movie when I’m wrapping all of my presents for my family and friends for the holidays.

As a Cancer whose love language is gift giving, I always go way overboard when it comes to buying things for the holidays, so I do consume quite a few of these joyful flicks. Even though I’m not a die-hard who watches them all year or does a 25-day countdown, I do read romance all-year long, so I know a thing or two about what y’all are here for: holiday romance novels!

These will give you all of the feels from your favorite holiday romance movies, and some will even kick up the spice factor by more than a few Scovilles...

If you think “25” is the best number:

The Christmas Spirit by Debbie Macomber

For the undisputed queen of Christmas, 2022 is the 25th year in a row that she has released a Christmas novel. Her books begat the holiday movies that we know and love, and always are heartwarming and have a HEA. In this story, Peter and Hank are best friends and complete opposites, the former a pastor and the latter a bartender. When both are hit with a Christmastime-tinsel-is-always-greener situation, they switch places to find that both men have great similarities and differences in what they do. And, of course, they both might find love and a new meaning of Christmas spirit!

If you never got that puppy under the tree (or even if you did):

Dreaming of a White Wolf Christmas by Terry Spear

After romance writer Candice is bitten by a werewolf, she suddenly finds her holiday plans a bit more complicated than she expected it to be, especially when fellow shifter and PI, Owen, shows up on her remote doorstep insisting that she’s a missing person that he’s been tasked with finding and bringing home to claim an inheritance. Lightly spicy and lots of sweet, this shifter romance is also tamer in the violence and “alphas” that dominate the shifter genre, so a great start for those who may want to try something new!

If you have a thing for the big guy himself:

Santa, Baby by Eliza McLane

This one turns the spice dial all the way up to 11, so know that coming into it! This novella hits many of the best tropes, best friend’s brother, snowed in, grumpy/sunshine, and is a great quick read (need to finish your 2022 reading challenge?). Nick is a struggling actor who has always wanted to play Santa and is thrilled to get a gig doing so. When he shows up to find out not only is he playing Santa in an adult film, but also that his best friend’s sister is also the director and costar, he doesn’t expect any of what comes next. A quick, steamy read that still packs an emotional punch!

If you’re celebrating over 8 nights:

The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer

Who doesn’t love a Hannukah romance about... writing a Hanukkah romance? Rachel loves Christmas, and she shows how much she feels for the holiday through her bestselling Christmas romance novels, published under a pseudonym, as she does not want her proudly Jewish family to know of her secret obsession. Rachel’s publisher has insisted that she write a Hanukkah romance, in the spirit of diversity, and she finds her inspiration as dry as Maccabee’s oil was to be on the second day in the Temple. She is determined to find it in volunteering to help with the annual Matzah Ball, with one hiccup, she must work with her summer camp rival, Jacob, to make this work. Will a miracle happen?

If you believe in second chances:

What He Wants for Christmas by Brenda Jackson

Sloan Outlaw has never had trouble getting what he wants, except for Leslie Cassidy. Ten years ago, things were said that could not be forgotten or forgiven, and the once-happy couple divorced. Now, Leslie finds herself on the edge of losing her company and the only person who can help her is her very well connected ex-husband, who insists on helping her only if she spends a week with him at his Alaskan retreat. If you’re getting snowed-in vibes, you’re 1,000% correct! With the time to connect, will the truth and their undeniable passion help heal old wounds?

If you love being behind the scenes in the movies:

A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone

Bee is a plus-sized adult-film star. Nolan is a former boy band member with a bad reputation. They’ve both been cast as the leads in a holiday romance movie for the Hope Channel. What could go wrong? Both of them have made promises to not be involved with anyone on the set, either emotionally or physically, but when it becomes clear that Nolan knows exactly who Bee is, it seems that both of them have found presents that they cannot wait until Christmas to unwrap. Will this end them up on the naughty or nice list (or maybe both)?

If you root for the small town over the big city:

In the Event of Love by Courtney Kae

Ever since Morgan left her small town for Los Angeles, she hasn’t looked back. But when her event planning career hits a snag, she finds herself home in Fern Falls and face-to-face with her former best friend (and first crush), Rachel. Now an established part of her family’s Christmas tree farm, Rachel is well aware of the struggles it faces as big corporate interests are trying to buy them out and take away all of the charm of the small town. She turns to Morgan to help set up the fundraiser to end all fundraisers, and these two women might find themselves saving more than just the trees, they might just save each other in the process.

For more sweet and spicy holiday romances, borrow from your library in the Libby app.

Plus, check out this list of 20 holiday favorites (romance and otherwise!) to keep you in the festive mood all season long.