If You Loved Cruel Winter With You, Try These 7 Holiday Romances

The holiday season is the perfect time to curl up with a cozy romance novella that brings the magic of love to life. Whether it’s snowstorms trapping two hearts together, festive family gatherings sparking unexpected connections, or a sprinkle of holiday mischief turning into a second chance at love, these stories capture the warmth and charm of the season. If you loved Cruel Winter With You by Ali Hazelwood, with its cozy small-town vibes, childhood friends-to-lovers trope, and heartwarming holiday setting, you’re going to adore this curated list of festive novellas. From sweet to steamy, each of these tales offers the perfect escape to brighten your winter nights. Let’s dive into the magic of the season with these irresistible holiday reads!

About Cruel Winter With You by Ali Hazelwood

In Cruel Winter With You, pediatrician Jamie Malek’s simple quest to borrow a roasting pan leads to an unexpected reunion with Marc, her childhood friend and her best friend’s brother—now a tech billionaire. Marc, the one she let slip away, still carries the sting of heartbreak, but a winter blizzard traps them together, forcing them to confront their past. As the storm rages outside and the fire crackles within, old memories stir into something new. Will one snowy night be enough to thaw their frosty history and ignite a second chance at love? A cozy and heartwarming holiday romance.

Snowy Nights and Holiday Love: 7 Must-Read Romance Novellas

My December Darling by Lauren Asher

In My December Darling, Catalina Martinez returns to her small-town roots to serve as maid of honor at her sister’s winter wedding—despite the awkward fact that her sister is marrying Catalina’s ex. Even more complicated? The best man, Luke Darling, her ex’s best friend, who is charming, determined, and impossible to ignore. While Catalina tries to resist their growing chemistry, Luke is set on convincing her that their connection is worth the risk. As the snow falls in Lake Wisteria, they must decide if a Christmas miracle could turn this chance encounter into something lasting. A cozy, small-town holiday romance.

Santa Monica Baby by Kelly Reynolds

Nellie’s carefully planned LA life takes an unexpected turn when she collides—literally—with Austin, her reclusive neighbor moonlighting as Santa. After a rough start and a fractured foot, their partnership on a holiday project sparks unlikely chemistry. Between gingerbread decorating, movie nights, and Ferris wheel escapades, Nellie discovers there’s more to Austin than his aloof exterior and feline companions. This Christmas, she’s determined to make the most of their holiday connection, even if it means rewriting her plans—and embracing the unexpected.

The Holiday Claus by Ann Einerson

When tasked with helping her brother plan a last-minute holiday wedding, Team Nice member Ellie finds herself sharing a bed with Brooks Claus—her brother’s grumpy, incredibly attractive best friend. Brooks, back in town for the wedding, awakens Ellie’s long-standing crush, and their proximity reignites sparks she never expected. Despite his serious demeanor and age difference, a mistletoe kiss changes everything. As Ellie navigates her growing feelings for Brooks, she learns that sometimes being a little naughty during the holidays might just lead to something very nice.

Better Not Pout by Kat Savage

Lacy never thought she’d lose the bet she made with Dalton a decade ago, but now she’s single, childless, and not living her dream career—exactly as he predicted. The penalty? A holiday getaway in a remote cabin with Dalton, her brother’s best friend and longtime crush. Their playful tension finally boils over as Dalton brings his dominant charm and a bag of surprises to the mix. What starts as a steamy bet payoff could lead to something much more, as Lacy hopes to turn her holiday fling into a lasting connection.

Three Bells, Two Bows, and One Brother’s Best Friend by Devney Perry

For years, working for Heath Holiday—her brother’s best friend—helped Willa suppress her long-standing crush. But everything changes at the family Christmas party when Heath unexpectedly kisses her, igniting sparks she can’t ignore. What follows is a series of thoughtful gifts—three jingling bells, two bow-shaped earrings—and Heath himself, showing up with a request to keep their growing connection secret. As their relationship deepens, Willa wonders if this Christmas might finally bring her childhood fantasy of winning Heath’s heart to life.

The Holiday Stand-In by Kortney Keisel 

When her boyfriend bails on Christmas again, she turns to his identical twin for a holiday swap to keep her family off her back. The plan seems perfect—until sparks fly with the stand-in, leading to an unexpected connection. As her feelings for the wrong brother grow, the situation spirals further when her boyfriend suddenly makes time for her. Caught in a tangle of emotions, she must navigate this twin-brother dilemma and hope for a Christmas miracle to untangle her heart.

Jingle Bell Beard by Julie Kriss

To save her PR career and the struggling Kringle family business, Jenna must swallow her pride and ask her ex, NHL legend Matt “the Mountain” Kringle, for help. The problem? She broke his heart years ago, and now he’s a grumpy giant with a sexy beard. Despite his attitude, they team up, but their disastrous encounters—like the Airport Incident and Candy Cane Scandal—only complicate things. As they navigate these mishaps, Jenna realizes she’s never really gotten over Matt, and maybe this Christmas, they could finally win at love.

Conclusion

The holiday season is the ultimate time to lose yourself in festive romance, and these novellas are just the beginning! Whether you’re looking for heartwarming Hallmark-like stories, steamy holiday escapades, Hanukkah romances, or quirky tales like How My Neighbor Stole Christmas, our Holiday Hub has something for everyone.

Ready to fill your TBR with more seasonal cheer? Visit our Holiday Hub for curated lists of must-read holiday romances that capture the season’s spirit. Cozy up with a cup of cocoa, a warm blanket, and the perfect holiday read to make this season unforgettable.

What’s your favorite kind of holiday romance? Happy reading!