Many readers chose to seek out books that match a particular season. Reading a book set during the holidays usually evokes a cozy vibe, and it doesn’t hurt to play some classic Christmas songs to set the mood. I’ve rounded up five of my favorite Black holiday romance novels for you to get started.
The Christmas Catch: A Sweet Holiday Novella by Toni Shiloh
This was a refreshing read without the spice and truly gave Hallmark movie vibes. It was actually a fast read and gave me happy feels. I loved there were so many important themes of family and finding yourself outside of just a romance. This would be a great Christmas read if you’re looking for a Christian romance that will give you butterflies.
Jahleel and Bebe grew up next door to one another and were high school sweethearts. But a pre-college breakup and subsequent ghosting has left them in an awkward place. So, when they see one another for the first time in decades, Bebe’s left to figure out if she can truly forgive and forget. Jahleel had a football injury which has brought him back home to live with his parents — and his father feels like his worst critic. So, he has some forgiveness to do as well.
I’ve read another one of Toni Shiloh’s Christmas novellas and she is now a go-to Christmas author for me.
I’ll Be Gone for Christmas by Georgia K. Boone
I enjoyed this book. I always read the synopsis of books, and glad I make a habit of that. If not, I would have thought the romance in this story was between the two main characters on the cover. But no! This story follows Bee who’s from an affluent part of the city and Clover who lives in a small town with her family farm. Bee feels overwhelmed because of the business she runs with her twin sister and Clover is dealing with a breakup. They both decide to swap houses to take a break and get away from their lives for the Christmas season and that leads to them both finding friends and romance.
I liked the feel of the characters and the romance developed well. Clover becomes friends with Bees’ twin sister after not initially getting along, and they become attracted to one another. Bee meets Clover’s ex-fiancé on her first day in the small town, and as they get to know each other, they also like each other and eventually get together. Both romances were slow burns. Overall, this is a cute and diverse holiday read.
Love in Winter Wonderland by Abiola Bello
A Black romance set in a London Black-owned bookstore at Christmas time — yes please! The chemistry between the main characters is palpable. The pacing will keep you turning pages all night. This book was published in 2023 and I enjoyed it so much that it was added to my list again this year.
The story centers around a Black-owned bookshop on the brink of closing its doors. Trey Anderson’s grandfather opened the bookshop years ago, but after a corporate bookstore moves in down the street, Trey teams up with Ariel, an artistic classmate, in order to try and keep Wonderland from having to permanently close its doors.
In the age of big corporations and the fight to keep independent bookstores open, this story just feels so appropriate and timely. I also appreciate the focus around the importance of supporting businesses owned by marginalized groups. This story also contains very real depictions of grief, everyday struggles, and romantic hardships as college students.
I knew that this was going to be a five-star read for me early on in the book and I found myself unable to put it down. Although the main characters’ choices were a little baffling at times, I ended up appreciating the characters more because there was a real and human element to them.
The Most Wonderful Time by Jayne Allen
This story takes place during the Christmas season, but it reads more like a fiction-romance novel. It’s a coming-of-age story that mainly follows two women — one from Malibu and the other from Chicago that decide to house swap during the holiday season. This is a common theme this season!
Both women are going through some major life events and are in need of a change. Anyone who is a people-pleaser can relate to Ramona. I love how the author takes the reader on the journey of watching Ramona change her perspective on life, including the relationships she has with her friends and family.
Allen uses imagery well and has a gift for taking a moment and slowing it down, while putting you in that space as a reader. When she describes the scenery, I was transported there as if I was in the Pacific Ocean or on Lake Shore Drive. I could feel the intensity of the conversations in the book, as well as the back and forth of the inner thoughts. There is also some spice that was unexpected but I didn’t mind at all.
Christmas in Spite of You by K.C. Mills
This was my first book by K.C. Mills and it was super cute. The author perfectly crafted a very heartwarming read, filled with romance, spice, passion, miscommunication, and of course a little drama. There was a slow build in the beginning but the premise was interesting enough to keep me engaged.
Sharing your place with a complete stranger for a week because of a minor Airbnb mistake sounds outrageous. But it turns into the best week for main characters Noel and Kanton. Their relationship unfolds rather quickly at the expense of Kanton’s generosity. He isn’t into the holidays much but something about Noel that brings out a different side of him. He is dropping a major bag and doesn’t even know this woman. Despite Noel’s initial irritation with Kanton, she can’t deny there being a strong connection between them.
Overall, I enjoyed this one and definitely recommend it for the holidays. Everything was well-balanced from the dual perspectives, gaining insight on their backstories and past relationships, and seeing their feelings for each other being brought to the forefront. The author also explored themes of letting go of past hurts, opening up to someone new, and the complexities surrounding uncertainty.
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