We are well into the holiday season now, and I’m in the mood to read some holiday romances. Here are some books I’m hoping to check out, and some of the many, many (!) holiday romances/books coming out this year. Note that the descriptions are from Amazon.
A Princess for Christmas by Jenny Holiday
From USA Today bestselling author Jenny Holiday comes a modern fairy tale just in time for Christmas about a tough New Yorker from the other side of the tracks who falls for a princess from the other side of the world.
Leo Ricci’s already handling all he can, between taking care of his little sister Gabby, driving a cab, and being the super of his apartment building in the Bronx. But when Gabby spots a “princess” in a gown outside of the UN trying to hail a cab, she begs her brother to stop and help. Before he knows it, he’s got a real-life damsel in distress in the backseat of his car.
Princess Marie of Eldovia shouldn’t be hailing a cab, or even be out and about. But after her mother’s death, her father has plunged into a devastating depression and the fate of her small Alpine country has fallen on Marie’s shoulders. She’s taken aback by the gruff but devastatingly handsome driver who shows her more kindness than she’s seen in a long time.
When Marie asks Leo to be her driver for the rest of her trip, he agrees, thinking he’ll squire a rich miss around for a while and make more money than he has in months. He doesn’t expect to like and start longing for the unpredictable Marie. And when he and Gabby end up in Eldovia for Christmas, he discovers the princess who is all wrong for him is also the woman who is his perfect match.
My thoughts: I love both royal- and holiday-themed romances, so this one is right up my alley.
Christmas at the Island Hotel by Jenny Colgan
Another heartfelt and delightful Christmas tale from the beloved New York Times bestselling author of The Bookshop on the Corner and Christmas on the Island.
New York Times bestselling author Jenny Colgan returns to the setting of Christmas on the Island and Endless Beach for a heartwarming new novel celebrating the season, and Scotland.
On the tiny, beautiful, and remote island of Mure, halfway between Scotland and Norway, a new hotel opening is a big event. New mother Flora MacKenzie and her brother Fintan are working themselves half to death to get it ready in time for Christmas.
The new hotel’s impressive kitchens throw together two unlikely new friends: Isla Gregor is the hardworking young girl who has been a waitress in the island’s cafe, dreaming of a bigger, better life now that she’s at a proper fancy hotel. Konstantin Pederson is working his way up in the hotel’s kitchens too…but he is also, secretly, the only son of the Duke of Utsire. Konstantin has been sent to learn what it is to work hard for a living, before receiving his inheritance. Although he’s initially resentful, the place grows on him; he has never met anyone quite like Isla and her fellow Murians before.
As the island’s residents and special VIP guests gather for the hotel’s grand opening gala, Christmas is in the air. But so are more than a few small-town secrets…
My thoughts: I love books where the characters travel to a foreign setting, and this one sounds really interesting.
Her Christmas Cowboy by Jessica Clare
From New York Times bestselling author Jessica Clare comes a Christmas Western filled with holiday cheer.
Caleb Watson has been crushing on elementary school teacher Amy Mckinney ever since he saw her. She’s oblivious to his feelings–probably because he’s never said a word to her. But when he learns Amy’s going to be Mrs. Claus in the local Christmas celebration, he volunteers to be Santa so he’ll finally have the chance to introduce himself. Even more than that, he’ll use this opportunity to shower her with presents.
Amy’s been receiving all kinds of Secret Santa gifts at work — and she has no idea who her secret admirer is. She wishes he’d make himself known so they can go on a date, though, because being a newcomer in close-knit Painted Barrel, Wyoming, is pretty lonely. When her flaky landlord claims he’s the gift giver…it’s not quite the bachelor Amy had in mind. However, she’s doubly shocked when gruff newcomer Caleb Watson crashes her date and insists he’s really the one leaving her presents.
Amy’s not sure what to think. Caleb’s never indicated that he likes her, much less wants to date. Can he prove to Amy he’s not just the perfect Santa to her Mrs. Claus, but the man of her dreams?
My thoughts: A Secret Santa and cowboy romance? Yes, please!
His Princess by Christmas by Therese Beharrie
When single mom…
…meets crown prince!
Amari Hayes just knew hiring the mysterious Kade would be nothing but trouble. But with Christmas approaching, she needs the help, and there was something about the tall, dark and handsome guy that called to her. Kade is running from something, a painful secret, and Amari knows that feeling all too well… After one incredible kiss, Kade’s secret is about to be revealed! Is Amari prepared for the royal consequences?
My thoughts: Have I mentioned how much I love royal- and holiday-themed romances?
The Twelve Dogs of Christmas by Lizzie Shane
A delightful holiday romance about a small-town single dad and an animal rescue owner as they try to find forever homes for a dozen lovable pups before Christmas.
Pine Hollow has everything Ally Gilmore could wish for in a holiday break: gently falling snow in a charming small town and time with her family. Then she learns some Grinch has pulled the funding for her family’s rescue shelter, and now she has only four weeks to find new homes for a dozen dogs! But when she confronts her Scroogey councilman nemesis, Ally finds he’s far more reasonable — and handsome — than she ever expected.
As the guardian of his dog-obsessed ten-year-old niece, Ben West doesn’t have time to build a cuddly reputation. But he does feel guilty about the shelter closing. So he proposes a truce with Ally, agreeing to help her adopt out the pups. As the two spend more time together, the town’s gossip is spreading faster than Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve. And soon Ben is hoping he can convince Ally that Pine Hollow is her home for the holidays. . . and the whole year through.
My thoughts: Who doesn’t love dogs?
What holiday romances do you want to read this season?
Here is a look at the cover art, which was done by the awesome Tony Mauro. I love all the little details, like the spiderweb in the background.
