From fairy godmothers to a cosplay-reality-show-induced fake romance, December's best romance books [1] are an eclectic bunch. Whether you're looking for a Regency romance to get lost in or a good old-fashioned friends-to-lovers rom-com, we've got you covered. Add a deep dive into the wedding industry, a voyage worthy of Odysseus, and a second-chance romance with a dash of mystery, and it becomes clear this month's selection of love stories [2] are as much about taking chances and forging your own path as they are about happily ever afters [3]. Ready to find a new book to love? Then check out these 10 must-read romance books coming your way in December.
Bed Stuy by Jerry McGill
Love defies all odds in Jerry McGill's lyrical and heartbreaking novel Bed Stuy [4]. Rashid is a Black man from Bed Stuy, Brooklyn, whose life is full of complications, and falling for Rachel, a married woman and Holocaust survivor who is 20 years older than him, adds one more. But despite their differences and all of the people telling them they don't belong together, Rashid and Rachel can't resist their undeniable connection.
Out Dec. 1
Read Between the Lines by Rachel Lacey
Sparks fly between an author and a bookstore owner in Rachel Lacey's charming rom-com Read Between the Lines [5]. After connecting online, it seems author Jane and book-lover Rosie are on track for a perfect romance. At least they are until Jane's family business terminates the lease on Rosie's bookstores, leaving the two potential lovebirds at odds.
Out Dec. 1
Hidden Treasures by Michelle Adams
Hidden Treasures [6] by Michelle Adams is a moving love story that spans two timelines. In the past, Frances Langley hid a precious object stolen by the Nazis. Meanwhile, in the present, her son and his first love reunite to find the object, a jewelry box, and uncover his mother's extraordinary story.
Out Dec. 7
Without a Hitch by Mary Hollis Huddleston and Asher Fogle Paul
Without a Hitch [7] by Mary Hollis Huddleston and Asher Fogle Paul is set in the wild world of extravagant wedding planning. For Lottie, working as a wedding planner is supposed to be a means to an end, but as she navigates bridal mishaps and planning her ex-boyfriend's wedding, she finds herself careening toward a happily ever after she never expected.
Out Dec. 7
An Accidental Odyssey by KC Dyer
Gianna Kostas's life is perfect until she gets a call informing her of her father's plans to re-create Odysseus's famous voyage on his own in An Accidental Odyssey [8] by KC Dyer. Knowing she can't let him go alone, Gianna agrees to put her life on hold to accompany him, and along the way, she discovers her perfect life may not be the one she actually wants.
Out Dec. 14
Homecoming King by Penny Reid
Forget the old "always the bridesmaid, never the bride" adage; Rex McMurtry is sick of always being the groomsman in Homecoming King [9] by Penny Reid. Rex is more than ready for his own happily ever after, but it seems like every woman who dates him marries her very next boyfriend. Luckily for him, he's about to reconnect with the person who has been pining for him since preschool.
Out Dec. 14
The Love Con by Seressia Glass
Kenya wants nothing more than to turn her hobby into her career, and the reality show Cosplay or No Way could be her big break in The Love Con [10] by Seressia Glass. There's just one problem: she needs a boyfriend to help re-create a couple's costume for one of the competitions. Thankfully, her hunky best friend is up for the challenge.
Out Dec. 14
On the Rocks by Georgia Beers
In On the Rocks [11] by Georgia Beers, teacher Vanessa Martini is nothing if not picky when it comes to dating. Among her rules are no dating straight women, anyone under the age of 35, or parents of her students. Unfortunately, Grace Chapman checks all of those boxes, but Vanessa is about to find out some people are worth breaking the rules for.
Out Dec. 14
Better Off Wed by Susanna Craig
Better Off Wed [12] by Susanna Craig is a Regency romance with a side of spy action. Miss Laura Hopkins's passion in life is helping women who have been wronged, and she does so under the alias of Lady Sterling. So imagine her surprise when a man who identifies himself as Lord Sterling suddenly arrives by her side to assist her with her latest case.
Out Dec. 28
It Happened One Midnight by Saranna DeWylde
Saranna DeWylde's magical Fairy Godmothers, Inc. series continues with It Happened One Midnight [13]. In this installment, Ever After's resident fairy godmothers Petunia, Jonquil, and Bluebonnet are tasked with helping their very own goddaughter find true love after her lie about being engaged spirals out of control.
Out Dec. 28