Books To Read while waiting for 🦃

Wow, it sounds like some of you are already looking ahead to Christmas, wondering about the 'spice level' of your next holiday romance! I totally get it – while my Thanksgiving picks are perfect for escaping family chatter (or just enjoying some steamy alone time!), the quest for a good holiday read doesn't end after the turkey's gone. Finding the perfect 'spice level' in a romance book can be tricky, especially when you're looking for that specific holiday magic. What exactly is 'spice level,' you ask? Think of it as a spectrum: from "sweet" (kissing only, or "closed door" scenes where intimacy is implied) to "medium" (some sexual tension and light-hearted steam, maybe "fade to black") to "spicy" or "extra hot" (explicit, detailed intimate scenes, also known as "open door"). Many readers, like me, use sites like Goodreads, Romance.io, or even specific book blogs to check for content warnings and 'spice' ratings before diving in. Trust me, it saves a lot of awkward moments – or ensures you get exactly the heat you’re looking for! So, if you're like me and love a little extra something in your holiday reads, especially for Christmas, here are some thoughts on what to look for. Often, authors who lean into tropes like 'forced proximity' during a snowstorm, 'one bed' situations in a cozy cabin, or 'fake dating' during the holidays (sound familiar, like Sarina Bowen's 'Boyfriend' or Tiffany Reisz's 'Her Naughty Holiday'?) are great places to start. These setups naturally lend themselves to higher stakes and, often, higher heat. You might find covers featuring a 'shirtless man' or even a 'tattooed torso' give you a hint of what's inside, just like with some of my Thanksgiving recommendations! When searching for Christmas specific spicy reads, keep an eye out for keywords like 'naughty,' 'steamy,' 'adult holiday romance,' or 'festive heat.' Many indie authors on platforms like Kindle Unlimited (just like where I found some of my Thanksgiving picks!) are fantastic at delivering that perfect blend of holiday cheer and undeniable chemistry. Don't be afraid to read reviews, but also remember that 'spice' is subjective! What's hot for one person might be mild for another. While I didn't include it in my Thanksgiving list, if you're curious about specific Christmas books, a quick search for authors known for their contemporary romance, such as Tessa Bailey, Lucy Score, or Elle Kennedy, often reveals fantastic holiday novellas or full-length novels with varying degrees of spice. They often capture that perfect blend of festive spirit and adult themes. Just like how I picked 'Stuffed: A Thanksgiving Romance' for its quick, fun read, you can find short, spicy Christmas stories perfect for a quick escape from holiday prep. Ultimately, whether you're curling up with a 'Hot Holiday Hookup' during Thanksgiving or seeking out a 'spicy Christmas romance' to read by the fire, the goal is to find a book that brings you joy and a little bit of heat. Happy reading, and may your holidays be filled with all the romance (and spice!) you desire!