The Coziest Romance Books to Snuggle Up With This Fall & Winter

Let's be honest: There is no better time to get swept up into a swoon-worthy romance book than in the fall and winter. Sure, we all love a steamy beach read, but there's something extra magical about losing yourself in a book set against the backdrop of Central Park as the leaves change, or in a sleepy, small-town Christmas tree farm. As self-proclaimed experts on all things love (who also happen to spend a lot of time on BookTok), we've curated the ultimate guide to the best winter and fall romance books of 2023.

Whether you're looking for an endearing Hallmark movie-esque rom-com or a spicy story to covertly read in front of your family at holiday dinner, we've done the very challenging, extremely taxing work of reading *tons* of romance books to give you the best recs. Find our favorite seasonal novels below, but don't say we didn't warn you—your TBR pile is about to get so. much. bigger. Consider it our holiday gift to you.

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You, Again by Kate Goldbeck

Photo: Amazon

Calling all fans of When Harry Met Sally: If you love the vibes of an autumnal Meg Ryan rom-com set in New York City, this new novel is for you. It follows the story of longtime enemies Ari and Josh. Their first fateful meeting couldn't be any more disastrous, partly because they're total opposites: she's a carefree up-and-coming comedian who never takes things too seriously, while he's a straight-laced chef who lives life by the book. The only thing they have in common is that they're sleeping with the same woman.

As these two continue to unintentionally cross paths in NYC over the years, their camaraderie doesn't necessarily improve—that is, until, they find themselves actually enjoying each other's company. Despite their newfound friendship (if you could even call it that), the lines of their unspoken boundaries begin to blur as real feelings threaten the platonic balance they've spent years building together. Based on the cover alone, this is *the* fall romance book to read under your favorite blanket with a warm mug of apple cider.

Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey

Photo: Amazon

BookTok legend Tessa Bailey was once dubbed the "Michaelangelo of dirty talk," and we'll never let you forget it. If you're looking for a winter romance book that's heavy on spice *and* substance, pick up a copy of Wreck the Halls. Bailey's latest holiday rom-com follows Melody and Beat, the children of two former rockstars who headlined a beloved musical duo named the Steel Birds.

A scandalous falling-out between their parents led Melody and Beat on separate paths in life—but when they're offered a lot of money to get their parents' band back together for a Christmas Eve concert, the former friends reunite on a mission to rectify the past and please millions of fans around the world. Once real, romantic feelings come into the mix, it's poised to be a sizzling holiday season these two will never forget.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

Photo: Amazon

Perfect for those who have Practical Magic on repeat every October, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna chronicles the tale of Mika Moon, one of the very few witches left in Britain who must conceal her magic. Although she has a passion for posting celestial videos on the internet, she never expected any of her followers to realize she's actually a witch…until, of course, someone does.

When Mika is invited to a whimsical home in the country to teach magic to three young witches, she knows she can't possibly say yes. It's too dangerous, after all. And yet, something about the charming, unconventional family and their stoic-but-handsome librarian encourages her to stay and push the boundaries of everything she's been taught.

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston

Photo: Amazon

True love isn't dead…or, maybe it is? The Dead Romantics finds Florence, a prolific ghostwriter, reeling after her editor, Ben, won't give her another deadline on a romance book she can't seem to write after suffering a world-crushing heartbreak. As her life continues to fall apart, she gets the devastating call that her father, the beloved owner of a funeral home, has passed. When Florence arrives back in her small hometown that never seemed to understand her, she feels like she's truly hit rock bottom—until she finds the ghost of her (very handsome, and very dead) editor waiting for her.

Florence and Ben embark on a confusing paranormal friendship that ultimately turns romantic. The only minor problem is that he can't seem to figure out why he's stuck as a ghost, and she doesn't know how to help him. As they work together to fix their unfinished business, Florence realizes there may be more to romance she just doesn't know yet. With a cozy, atmospheric setting and a unique love story that'll keep you guessing until the very end, this will be one of your favorite fall romance books of the year.

The Second Chance Year by Melissa Wiesner

Photo: Amazon

Available on December 5, 2023, The Second Chance Year is *the* book you need to read before setting your resolutions. Melissa Wiesner's latest novel follows Sadie, a pastry chef who just had the worst year of her life. After losing her job, her boyfriend and the entire life she carefully constructed, she jumps at the opportunity to have a do-over when she meets a fortune teller at a New Year's party. Nothing changes after she tries the kitschy spell, and she regretfully makes a move on her brother's best friend that night—but when she wakes up the next day, she realizes she's been transported back one year prior.

With the opportunity to right all of her wrongs over the last 365 days, Sadie does her best to undo all of her regretful mistakes. It's easier said than done, though, now that she has feelings for a man who doesn't even know they kissed in another dimension. While redoing her awful year sounded like an incredible opportunity, she just might realize that second chances aren't always what they seem to be.

The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer

Photo: Amazon

Prepare to fall in love with Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt, a bestselling Christmas romance writer who's hiding a secret: She's actually Jewish, and her family has no idea about her secret career. When her publisher asks her to pen a Jewish holiday love story, Rachel suffers a serious case of writer's block. To find inspiration, she decides to find a muse at the Matzah Ball, where she crosses paths with her former summer camp enemy Jacob Greenberg. Despite the decades-long grudge they've both held against each other, their reconnection has the potential to make this Hannukah season different from the rest. Once you fly through this Jewish holiday romance, be sure to get your hands on a copy of Jean Meltzer's newest novel, Kissing Kosher.

Kiss Her Once for Me by Alison Cochrun

Photo: Bookshop

When Ellie has the perfect bookshop meet-cute on Christmas Eve, she's sure life can't get any better. That's until she wakes up the next morning to a devastating blow from Jack, the mysterious woman who stole her heart, and thus embarks on a terrible year that culminates with her losing her job, leaving her unsure of where to go or what to do next.

As she's working at a local coffee shop that following winter, she stumbles into a life-changing plan with the owner. He needs to get married to receive his inheritance, and she's desperate for the money he promises to split with her. They team up to trick his family by staging a marriage of convenience, and all goes according to plan until Ellie's "fiancé" introduces her to his sister…Jack. With an impossible choice in front of her, will Ellie follow her heart or her gut? Find out in this swoon-worthy winter romance book by Alison Cochrun.

Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison

Photo: Barnes & Noble

If Taylor Swift's "Christmas Tree Farm" is your go-to holiday bop, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Lovelight Farms ASAP. Written by B.K. Borison, this BookTok fave is the ultimate wintry read to indulge in during the holiday season. Filled with swoon-worthy tropes like a small-town setting, fake dating and a friends-to-lovers romance, the story begins with Stella Bloom, a well-meaning heroine who enters a contest to save her favorite Christmas tree farm that's barely still afloat. With the help of a massive social media influencer and a hefty cash prize, she just might be able to stop its impending demise.

There's just one problem. She lied about the state of the business, and it's not the cute, welcoming, Instagram-friendly haven she made it out to be on the application. She also said she owns the farm with a boyfriend that doesn't exist. Enter, her (unsuspecting) best friend Luka, who gets pulled into Stella's plan without much of a say. What could go wrong?

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

Photo: Bookshop

If you loved Ashley Poston's first paranormal rom-com on this list, you also need to add The Seven Year Slip to your autumnal TBR pile. This 2023 release centers around Clementine, a busy book publicist in pursuit of *the* perfect life. It's easier said than done, especially when she won't let anyone close enough to her heart. That's why, when she meets a strange (yet charming) man in her aunt's kitchen, she's hesitant to let her feelings take over—especially when they realize he exists seven years in the past, and she's seven years into his future. Ideal for readers who feel like they've read every single romance trope out there, this unconventional tale is one you won't be able to put down.

The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling

Photo: Bookshop

Mood readers, unite. If you've been waiting for the perfect fall romance book to dive into with a PSL as the leaves change color outside your house, this is it. Erin Sterling's The Ex Hex is a funny romantic comedy with just the right amount of spice and heart. It follows Vivienne, a witch who has a tendency to use her magic for personal use (like cursing ex-boyfriends after they've wronged her). That's what she did after Rhys Penhallow, a descendant of their town's powerful ancestors, broke her heart years ago.

When he returns to recharge the city's magical lines, he quickly realizes that he's been cursed, thus putting the entire town (and its inhabitants) at risk of impending doom—and Vivienne's years-old vodka-induced curse is to blame. Despite their shared hatred for each other, Vivienne and Rhys must work together to restore the lines without letting their fiery chemistry impede the task at hand as time runs out.

The Kiss Curse by Erin Sterling

Photo: Bookshop

If you loved The Ex Hex (which we know you will), grab a copy of Sterling's follow-up novel, The Kiss Curse. The second book in this franchise focuses on Vivienne's cousin Gwen. She loves her life in Graves Glen, running their witchy store and mentoring younger witches. This perfect balance is thrown off, though, when Rhys' brother Wells comes to town and opens a rival shop just across the street.

Although Gwen knows he's her competition, an accidental kiss proves these two have more chemistry than they'd like to admit. And when Gwen's powers begin to fade, she must team up with her enemy to save the town once again.

A Winter in New York by Josie Silver

Photo: Barnes & Noble

If you enjoyed Josie Silver's One Day in December, allow us to recommend her newest winter romance book, A Winter in New York. There's nothing better than the Big Apple during the holiday season, as proven by this novel that follows Iris, a chef, as she puts down roots in the big city. While out exploring her new neighborhood with her friend, she stumbles into a gelateria (which has an extremely handsome owner) that somehow uses the same recipe as her mother's. It's up to Iris to help save the shop while figuring out why they have the same gelato, all without blowing her sweet little secret.

A Holly Jolly Ever After by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone

Photo: Bookshop

Sometimes, opposites attract—but is that the case for Kallum and Winnie? He's a former boybander-turned-pizza shop owner who steps into the spotlight again by signing on to participate in a steamy Santa biopic. Meanwhile, she's a by-the-book actress who somehow fell into the adult film industry despite doing everything right in her life. When she joins the cast of Kallum's film, their complicated history threatens to impede their on-screen chemistry. If you loved Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone's 2022 novel Merry Little Meet Cute, their latest steamy release is right up your alley.

The Wishing Bridge by Viola Shipman

Photo: Barnes & Noble

Looking for a winter romance book that feels like a Hallmark Christmas movie? Allow us to introduce you to The Wishing Bridge by Viola Shipman. Available on November 7, this heartfelt novel is about Henrietta, a high-profile executive who needs to close her biggest deal yet before the holidays. If not, she'll be starting the new year without a job. In an effort to save the career she's worked so hard to build, Henri promises that she can sell her parents' business, an iconic Christmas store located in the middle of the country.

She shows up early for the holidays earlier than usual, much to the delight of her unsuspecting parents and their friends. Little do they know, though, that she's working harder than ever behind the scenes to get the sale moving. As she rediscovers the nostalgic magic of Christmas in her hometown, she's faced with the life-changing decision of protecting her career or salvaging her relationship with her family.