WEEKLY BOOK RECS: 6 book reviews and suggestions every week
Hey, bookish babes! It’s time to celebrate the most magical season with some festive holiday themed book recs! Whether you’re looking for a lighthearted rom-com or a cozy story filled with family love, these six holiday-themed books will give you all the warm, fuzzy feels. Two of these picks are indie gems that you definitely need on your TBR this season. So grab your favorite holiday drink (hot cocoa or eggnog, anyone?), and let’s dive into these book recs! 🎄📚
1. Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory
Rating: 4.6/5
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance
Tropes: Royalty, Older Protagonists, Vacation Romance
Main Characters: Vivian Forest, Malcolm Hudson
What It's About:When Vivian Forest accompanies her daughter to England over the holidays for a work trip at a royal estate, she never expected to fall for Malcolm Hudson, the Queen’s private secretary. What starts as a holiday fling soon turns into something much deeper as the pair spend the Christmas season together in a magical royal setting.
Review:This book is pure holiday magic. It’s refreshing to read a romance where the main characters are both over 50, and their chemistry is so sweet. The royal setting makes everything feel extra festive and cozy, and I loved how both Vivian and Malcolm are mature, complex characters who know what they want. If you’re into whirlwind romances set against a backdrop of royal holiday glam, this one will totally sweep you off your feet. Perfect for those cold nights when you need a feel-good romance!
2. The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox
Rating: 4.5/5
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Holiday Romance
Tropes: Twin Swap, Small Town, Baking
Main Characters: Charlie Goodwin, Cass Goodwin
What It's About:Twin sisters Charlie and Cass swap lives during the holiday season—Charlie, a TV baking show host, needs a break after an on-set injury, and Cass has her hands full running the family bakery. But when love interests enter the picture for both sisters, things get hilariously complicated.
Review:This one is such a fun and delicious rom-com! The twin swap trope is always a good time, and it’s even better when you throw in a holiday setting and lots of baking. Both sisters are charming in their own ways, and the love stories that develop for each of them are sweet and heartwarming. The small-town bakery vibes are so cozy, and the holiday spirit is woven into every chapter. If you’re looking for something light, fun, and full of Christmas cheer, The Holiday Swap is the perfect pick.
3. The Christmas Blanket by Kandi Steiner (Indie Pick)
Rating: 4.4/5
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance
Tropes: Second Chances, Forced Proximity, Snowed In
Main Characters: Ivy McKenzie, Harrison
What It's About:Ivy McKenzie returns to her hometown just before Christmas and gets caught in a snowstorm with her ex-husband, Harrison. Stranded together in a cozy cabin, they’re forced to confront old feelings and unresolved emotions. As the snow falls, will they find their way back to each other?
Review:This indie gem is everything you want in a holiday romance—heartfelt, emotional, and so cozy. Ivy and Harrison’s second-chance love story is full of tension and chemistry, and the snowed-in cabin adds the perfect touch of holiday magic. The emotions feel real and raw, making their journey toward forgiveness and love that much more satisfying. If you’re in the mood for a short, emotional romance with all the festive feels, The Christmas Blanket will warm your heart.
4. The Mistletoe Motive by Chloe Liese
Rating: 4.8/5
Genre: Holiday Romance, Enemies to Lovers
Tropes: Workplace Romance, Bookish Setting, Christmas Spirit
Main Characters: Gabriella Di Natale, Jonathan Frost
What It's About:Gabriella and Jonathan work at a cozy bookstore, but they can’t stand each other. When the bookstore’s future is threatened, they are forced to team up to save it, all while navigating their undeniable chemistry under the mistletoe.
Review:This is a holiday romance made for book lovers. The bookstore setting is everything, and the dynamic between Gabriella and Jonathan is filled with tension and humor. Gabriella’s quirky, holiday-loving personality plays perfectly against Jonathan’s more serious demeanor, making their eventual romance feel oh-so-satisfying. It’s the perfect mix of festive charm and steamy moments, with a plot that keeps you invested from start to finish. If you want a sweet, bookish Christmas romance, The Mistletoe Motive will be your new favorite holiday read!
5. The Christmas Escape by Sarah Morgan
Rating: 4.5/5
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance
Tropes: Friends to Lovers, Family Secrets, Second Chances
Main Characters: Christy, Alix, Zac
What It's About:Christy has her heart set on a perfect Christmas getaway to Lapland with her family, but when secrets from her past begin to surface, she calls on her best friend Alix for support. Alix agrees to join the trip, where she’ll also face unresolved feelings for Zac, Christy’s best friend. As tensions rise and sparks fly, the snowy setting might just be the perfect backdrop for love and reconciliation.
Review:The Christmas Escape is a heartwarming holiday read with stunning winter landscapes and emotional depth. Sarah Morgan does an incredible job balancing family drama and romance, with both Christy’s and Alix’s journeys adding layers to the story. Zac and Alix’s slow-burn romance is sweet and satisfying, especially against the snowy, magical backdrop of Lapland. If you love stories about friendship, family, and second chances, all wrapped up in holiday cheer, you’ll adore this book.
6. The Christmas Pact by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward (Indie Pick)
Rating: 4.5/5
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance
Tropes: Fake Relationship, Enemies to Lovers
Main Characters: Riley Kennedy, Kennedy Riley
What It's About:Riley Kennedy is tired of her emails being mixed up with Kennedy Riley—a man who is nothing but infuriating. But when they agree to attend each other’s holiday events as fake dates, sparks fly, and the fake romance becomes a lot more real.
Review:The Christmas Pact is a short but so sweet indie romance that’s perfect if you love fake-dating tropes! The banter between Riley and Kennedy is hilarious, and their love-hate dynamic makes their slow-build romance super satisfying. It’s the kind of light, fun holiday romance that you can read in one sitting, and it leaves you with all the festive feels. Plus, the fake-dating turns into real love so perfectly, and their chemistry is on point. This is a holiday treat you won’t want to miss!
Which of these holiday love stories are you diving into first? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to tag me in your cozy Christmas reading posts @apolloimperium! 🎄🎁📚✨
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