High-Heat Holiday Books: 11 Steamy Novels for the Festive Season (2021)

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As the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time to cozy up with a book that not only warms your heart but also brings a little heat to those chilly nights. Whether you’re in the mood for festive rom-coms, steamy alien romances, or sizzling second chances, this list of spicy, high-heat holiday novels from 2021 has something for every reader craving a touch of passion this season. From Christmas-themed tales to Chanukah celebrations and New Year’s Eve escapades, these stories promise all the holiday cheer with an extra dose of steam. So, grab your favorite blanket, a cup of hot cocoa, and get ready to add a little spice to your holiday reading lineup!
Best Spicy Holiday Romances of 2021: Christmas, Hanukkah, and More
Window Shopping By Bailey, Tessa
In Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey, Stella is captivated by a holiday display in a Manhattan department store when a charming stranger asks for her opinion. Unimpressed by the décor, she offers blunt criticism, only to discover the man owns the store. Given a job to revamp the window displays, Stella seizes the opportunity to prove herself despite her troubled past. As she works alongside the store’s irresistibly attractive owner, she fights her growing attraction, balancing the line between career ambition and undeniable chemistry.
The Captain’s Midwinter Bride (The Daltons) By De la Rosa, Liana
In The Captain’s Midwinter Bride, Captain Phillip Dalton returns home after years at sea, unprepared for the emotional complexities of reconnecting with his wife Annalise and planning their daughter’s Christmas wedding. Having built an independent life during his long absence, Annalise struggles with the feelings her now-present husband awakens in her. As they navigate the rekindling of their relationship, past secrets and misunderstandings arise, threatening their fragile bond. Together, Phillip and Annalise must confront the distance between them and work to build a true, loving marriage before it’s too late.
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Claimed by the Alien Bodyguard: A SciFi Alien Holiday Romance (Aliens Among Us Book 3) By Roberts, Tiffany
In Claimed by the Alien Bodyguard, Gabriela Romero, a single mother struggling to make ends meet, is facing a difficult holiday season. Despite financial hardships, her bright spots are her daughter, Ana, and her attractive, kind neighbor, Mason Lee. When Mason asks her out and she lands a new job, things seem to be improving. But when disaster strikes, Mason reveals his true identity—he’s a seven-foot-tall alien with horns and glowing eyes. As Gabriela faces her new reality, she must decide if this alien protector can not only save her Christmas but also win her heart.
Santa Claus is Going to Town On Me By Eliza, M.L., Lipscomb, Marie
In Santa Claus is Going to Town On Me, Holly wakes up on Christmas Eve to an unexpected intruder and arms herself with a medieval broadsword, ready to defend her home. But the intruder isn’t a burglar—it’s Santa Claus, and he’s not the jolly old man she expected. He’s muscular, handsome, and knows exactly what Holly desires. What starts as a misunderstanding quickly turns into a passionate encounter, but Holly hides a painful secret behind her hatred of Christmas, one she fears Santa will uncover as their connection deepens.
The Naughty List By MacGregor, Ellie Mae
In The Naughty List by Ellie Mae MacGregor, Kate encounters a mysterious, rugged man named Nikolai on Christmas Eve who claims to be Santa Claus. With his silver hair, big hands, and thick thighs, he ignites a spark that makes Kate question whether he’s truly the Santa she’s always heard about. As their encounter unfolds, Nikolai might just convince her that Christmas miracles—and desires—are very real.
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Stocking Stuffers (So Over the Holidays Book 1) By McLellan, Erin
In Stocking Stuffers, Sasha Holiday is fed up with Christmas after being left at the altar last year. As a marketing expert for a company that sells adult toys, she finds herself reluctantly hosting a romance book club party. When a snowstorm traps her at the Winterberry Inn with Perry Winters—a flannel-clad, tattooed romantic—sparks fly. Sasha suggests a no-strings fling to pass the time, but their connection quickly deepens. Perry believes in the magic of Christmas, but convincing Sasha to give love another chance may be his biggest challenge yet.
Party Favors By McLellan, Erin
In Party Favors by Erin McLellan, Amanda Ellis is fed up with her life—tired of her family business and dreading her parents’ New Year’s Eve ball with a date chosen by her mother. Desperate for a change, she decides to spend the holiday with her online best friend, Wren Rebello. Wren, spontaneous and fun-loving, is excited for the getaway but not prepared for the attraction that sparks when they finally meet in person. As the days unfold, their connection deepens, but as New Year’s ends, they must decide if their online friendship can turn into something more.

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Lost & Found in Copper Ridge: A Holiday Romance By James, Harlow
After a life-changing day—attending a close friend’s funeral and canceling her wedding—Clara stumbles upon a five-dollar bill with the names “Jack & Diane” and the location of a remote cabin in Copper Ridge, Colorado. Seeing it as a sign, she books the cabin to escape and reflect. Upon arrival, she discovers Carson, a handsome stranger, who also booked the cabin for the same dates. As they share the space, a magical holiday romance unfolds, leaving them to question what happens when their ten days together are over.
The Matzah Ball: A Novel By Meltzer, Jean
Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt, a successful Christmas romance novelist, has a secret—she loves Christmas, a fact she’s hidden from her Jewish family for years. When her publisher demands she write a Hanukkah romance, Rachel struggles with inspiration, viewing Hanukkah as far from magical. Desperate to keep her career afloat, she attends the Matzah Ball, a Jewish celebration, where she’s forced to work with her old nemesis, Jacob Greenberg. As they reconnect, Rachel unexpectedly begins to see Hanukkah—and Jacob—in a new light, potentially finding both inspiration and love.
Miracles and Menorahs (Friendships and Festivals Book 1) By Agdern, Stacey
Sarah Goldman, passionate about Hanukkah, is excited to be vice chair of the Hollowville Hanukkah Festival. When the festival faces cancellation, she proposes a bold idea: a massive metal menorah to become the centerpiece. However, the festival’s tight budget jeopardizes her plans. Enter Isaac Lieberman, a renowned metal sculptor who prefers celebrating Hanukkah with family over commercial events. Though he’s initially uninterested in the festival, his grandmother and Sarah’s enthusiasm may change his perspective. As their worlds collide, Sarah might inspire Isaac to embrace more than just the festival.
Eight Kinky Nights: An f/f Chanukah romance By West, Xan
In Eight Kinky Nights, newly divorced Jordan moves to NYC at 49, ready to explore kink and polyamory while dealing with post-divorce grief. She moves in with her friend Leah, a 51-year-old queer femme and kink educator, who has recently embraced her gray asexuality. To help Jordan find her footing as a dominant, Leah offers her eight kink lessons, one for each night of Chanukah. What starts as casual grows into something deeper, forcing both women to confront their feelings, trauma, and boundaries as they navigate their evolving relationship.
Conclusion: Heat Up Your Holidays with These Steamy Reads
Whether you prefer festive love stories with a dash of humor or passionate romances that take you to another world, this collection of spicy holiday novels from 2021 has something to ignite your holiday spirit. From Christmas and Hanukkah to New Year’s Eve celebrations, these books offer a sizzling escape from the winter chill. So, as you dive into these stories, let yourself be swept away by the holiday magic—and the heat—found within their pages. Happy reading, and may your holidays be merry, bright, and delightfully steamy!