By Nicole Danielle

Christmas in July: Romance Reads to Keep You Cozy (Even in the Heat)

While some people spend July soaking up the sun and sipping sangria, we at Romance on the Rocks are cranking up the A/C, lighting a pine-scented candle, and diving into the snowy, swoony world of Christmas romance novels. Why? Because Christmas in July is a full-blown vibe and we’re here for it.

If you’ve already listened to our Christmas in July-themed podcast episodes, “Uff da! It’s Christmas in July!“ and “Christmas ‘Comes’ Early,“ you know we’re all about blending heat with holiday sparkle. So here’s a list of recommended books to keep the theme going (because you know we love to be on-theme).

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🎁 A Holly Jolly Ever After by Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone

If you loved A Merry Little Meet Cute, you’re in for another spicy stocking stuffer. A Holly Jolly Ever After follows a grumpy former boy band member and a sunshiney adult film star turned holiday movie hopeful. It’s funny, flirty, and gives serious Hallmark-after-dark energy. These authors know how to bring the steam and the snow. Get the book from The Ripped Bodice here or from Amazon here.

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🎄 A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone

The book that kicked off this holiday duo’s reign of festive smut! Bee Hobbes is a curvy adult film star accidentally cast in a squeaky-clean Christmas movie opposite her pop star crush, Nolan Shaw. It’s sex-positive, body-positive, and bursting with bisexual joy. You can get the book from The Ripped Bodice here or Amazon here.

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🌈 Kiss Her Once for Me by Alison Cochrun

Looking for a sapphic story that feels like the queer cousin of While You Were Sleeping? This one’s for you. Ellie, down on her luck and stuck in Portland snow, agrees to a fake engagement … only to find out her fake fiancé’s sister is her ex-holiday fling. Cozy, complicated, and full of mistletoe-induced yearning. An absolute must-read for the LGBTQ+ crowd and allies alike. Snag the book from The Ripped Bodice here or from Amazon here.

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🎅🏽 Season of Love by Helena Greer

This Jewish, queer, slow-burn romance features a woman reluctantly returning to run her family’s Christmas tree farm — yes, irony intentional. There she meets Noelle, the tough-as-nails farm manager. With strong themes of grief, second chances, and found family, Season of Love blends diversity, warmth, and holiday charm seamlessly. Give yourself the gift of reading by buying the book from The Ripped Bodice here or Amazon here.

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❄️ Honorable Mentions for Extra Cheer:

• In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren (Groundhog Day meets Christmas)
• Wrapped with a Beau by Lillie Vale (features a Bollywood-inspired heroine and lots of holiday hijinks)

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🎙️ Don’t Miss Our Holiday Podcasts:

• “Uff da! It’s Christmas in July!” – We’ve got two delightfully different holiday romances that prove festive love stories work beautifully year-round. Meghan’s got a fab enemies to lovers trope with a struggling romance writer and Nicole kicks off Christmas in July with her first cowboy Christmas book from one of our all-time favorite authors.
• “Christmas ‘Comes’ Early” – We deep dive into spicy Christmas books, including one about a shape-shifter moose guy. (Yes, you read that right.) And Nicole’s got another cowboy Christmas novel … but by a completely different author and a trope that goes against cultural norms.

Find both episodes wherever you get your podcasts, or head over to our podcast page to stream them directly.

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Whether you’re decking the halls or just trying to beat the heat, these romances will fill your heart (and your Kindle) with joy. So grab a frozen hot chocolate, throw on your favorite ugly Christmas tank top, and let love snowball. Which of these holiday books will you read this month or save for the holidays? Let us know in the comments!

Happy Reading & Happy Holidays (in July!),
💋 Nicole Danielle