December is here (and nearly half over...how...), and this time of year, I love winter holiday romances. There's just something even more heartwarming about a holiday romance, you know? I thought I would do a few book rec posts of holiday romances—there are so many wonderful holiday romances that it's been difficult narrowing down my choices, but I've done my best. Today's post includes holiday romances that are fantasy or paranormal.
Holly & Oak by R Cooper (M/M, Winter Solstice): Every year, the town of Ravenscroft celebrates the solstice by watching the Oak King slay the Holly King to ensure the death of winter. To most, it's harmless fun, but to the town's coven, it's vital and they've entrusted it to two powerful witches. Witches they believe are complete opposites—the beloved Will and the disliked Chester—and who must be kept apart. No one knows that Chester has been in love with Will for years. I love this story and the series it belongs to (though it absolutely can stand alone!). It's so full of emotion and yearning, plus wintry witchy vibes.
Blessing and Light by Kasia Bacon (M/M, Night of Winter Lights): This is a lovely, atmospheric little fantasy holiday short (equally good in ebook or audiobook). Lieutenant Sæbastyn Hyago has been in love with Captain Torýn Torhdhar for years, but the captain seems focused only on his work. Everything just might change this holiday.
The Winter Spirit by Indra Vaughn (M/M, Christmas): The Winter Spirit is a beautiful, cozy Christmas romance that is utterly heartwarming. Nathaniel runs a B&B that happens to be haunted by Gabriel, a ghost who died before his time and now is trying to play cupid to earn his right to move on. I bet you can guess who actually falls in love!
Winter Knights by Harper Fox (M/M, Christmas): Historian Gavin is in Northumberland on Christmas Eve to find evidence that Arthur and Lancelot were romantically involved and tell his boyfriend he loves him, but when his boyfriend doesn't show, he heads out alone at the beginning of a snowstorm. He stumbles into a cavern and sees things that may or may not be real. This is a lovely little Christmas story that combines folklore, ghosts, and mending an existing relationship. I don't know how many times I've read it.
On a Midnight Clear by Lily Morton (M/M, Christmas/Yule): Lord Barnaby Greenwood is penniless and about to lose his estate when a property developer comes with an offer to buy it, but Barnaby's father always impressed upon him the sacred duty of protecting the green wood on the property, so Barnaby turns the offer down. Because of that decision, an old god offers him a favor and brings a beautiful statue to life—until Christmas Eve. This is a magical Christmas romance, once again drawing on folklore, and perfect to curl up with on a chilly night.
The North Pole City Tales series by Charlie Cochet (M/M Christmas): In North Pole City, elves and Rein Deer work to bring Christmas cheer to the world and protect that and the city from the Mouse King and his minions—and find romance along the way. This is such a fun, sweet series! It's. another I've reread a bunch. Best to start at the beginning with Mending Noel.
And I have to mention my own The Merchant's Love, a cozy fall/winter holiday fantasy romance in which a bookish royal falls in love with a kind merchant over books and baked goods. It's a warm hug in book form.
Do you have any favorite fantasy/paranormal holiday romances?
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