15 Best Christmas Romance Books Under 200 Pages for a Quick Holiday Escape

I love having a few short romance books ready for the Christmas season, especially when I want something romantic without committing to a lengthy novel.

Sometimes, I want a second-chance romance that makes me root for two people to find their way back to each other, and other times, I just want a little holiday flirting, a snowy setting, and a satisfying happy ending.

That is why I put together this list of the best Christmas romance books under 200 pages for readers who want to enjoy the festive season without spending days on a single book.

I’ve included everything from historical Christmas love stories and small-town romances to LGBTQ+ holiday romances and steamy Christmas novellas, so you can choose something that suits your mood.

If you’re searching for short Christmas romance books to read in one sitting, these 15 titles are a great place to start.

1. The Christmas Blanket by Kandi Steiner

Eliza Jensen returns to Wellhaven, Vermont, hoping for a quiet Christmas visit, but a blizzard changes her plans when she becomes stranded in a cabin with River Jensen, her ex-husband.

Four years have passed since she left, yet being confined together forces them to face feelings and memories that neither has completely left behind.

I love the emotional potential of a second-chance romance like this, especially when the characters have a shared history that makes every conversation more meaningful.

The isolated cabin and snowy Vermont landscape provide the perfect backdrop for two people who must decide whether their marriage deserves another chance.

If you’re looking for a Christmas romance about exes finding their way back to each other, this is one to consider.

2. A Kiss for Midwinter by Courtney Milan

Miss Lydia Charingford enjoys the festivities of the Christmas season, but memories of a past mistake continue to affect how she sees herself and her future.

Doctor Jonas Grantham knows what happened and has secretly loved Lydia for more than a year, so he devises a plan involving a wager and a kiss to change the way she thinks about him.

What interests me about this historical Christmas romance is the emotional struggle beneath the courtship, because Lydia must confront her insecurities before she can consider a future with Jonas.

Jonas’s feelings add another layer to their relationship, particularly as he tries to earn Lydia’s trust rather than simply declare his love.

For anyone searching for a short historical romance to read at Christmas, this novella offers a relationship shaped by vulnerability, affection, and the possibility of a fresh start.

3. The One Night Stand Before Christmas by Jana Aston

Noel loves spending Christmas in Reindeer Falls, but the holiday takes an unexpected turn when the town’s Santa disappears and her coworker’s brother, Teddy, steps in to fill the role.

Teddy has a reputation that makes Noel wary, yet their attraction soon leads to a memorable night together.

I would reach for this one when I’m in the mood for a Christmas romance that doesn’t take itself too seriously and gives me plenty of playful chemistry.

The small-town festivities and Teddy’s unexpected turn as Santa make their encounter particularly entertaining.

If you enjoy steamy Christmas romance novellas with bad-boy love interests, cheeky humor, and a festive atmosphere, this book deserves a spot on your reading list.

4. A Holiday by Gaslight by Mimi Matthews

Sophie Appersett agrees to consider marriage to Edward Sharpe, a stern London merchant, because securing her family’s future matters more than finding a perfect match.

After two months of courtship, however, Sophie begins to doubt whether they can build the kind of relationship she wants, so she invites Edward to spend Christmas at Appersett House.

I appreciate the premise of a historical romance in which two people must look beyond their initial impressions to understand what they could mean to each other.

Their Christmas visit gives Sophie another opportunity to see whether Edward can connect with her on a more personal level.

Readers who enjoy Regency-era Christmas romance books with gradual relationship development, period details, and a quieter approach to falling in love may find this novella especially appealing.

5. Mangos and Mistletoe by Adriana Herrera

Kiskeya Burgos travels to Scotland to compete in a holiday baking competition, determined to prove herself as a pastry chef.

Her plans become more complicated when she must work alongside Sully Morales, a home cook and caregiver who is rediscovering her love of baking and has ambitions of winning the same competition.

Their contrasting personalities create tension in the kitchen, while an unexpected betrayal threatens their chances of succeeding together.

I love the idea of a festive romance that combines a competitive baking challenge with two women who must figure out how to work together.

The Scottish setting and Dominican cultural elements also give this holiday romance a distinctive feel.

If you’re searching for a lesbian Christmas romance with rivals-to-lovers tension, baking, and a steamy romantic storyline, this is a title worth checking out.

6. My Fake Christmas Fiance by Julie Kriss

Wesley and Penny find themselves tied together by a contract after their families’ Christmas decoration companies merge, with one unusual condition requiring them to marry before the year ends.

They initially approach the arrangement as a business obligation, but spending more time together gradually complicates their plans.

Fake engagement romances are particularly fun when the characters begin with practical reasons for being together and then discover that their feelings are becoming difficult to ignore.

I like the contrast between their original agreement and the possibility of building a genuine relationship beyond the business arrangement.

The Christmas backdrop adds another layer to their growing connection, making this a promising option for readers who enjoy fake relationship Christmas romance books.

If you want a festive love story built around an unexpected arrangement that becomes more personal, Wesley and Penny’s romance is worth considering.

7. Silent Night by Lily Seabrooke

Country-pop singer Brooke Carston returns to her hometown for Christmas and reconnects with Nicole Livingston, her former best friend.

Nicole has built a comfortable life in Mountain Crossing, but the possibility of becoming close to Brooke again makes her confront her reluctance to let people into her life.

With the town and their families encouraging the two women to get together, their reunion becomes an opportunity to reconsider the feelings between them.

I have a soft spot for friends-to-lovers romances because the characters already share a history, giving their developing relationship a different kind of emotional weight.

Brooke and Nicole’s Christmas reunion also brings the familiar pleasures of a small-town setting, festive gatherings, and romantic tension.

For readers looking for a sapphic Christmas romance about childhood friends reconnecting, this novella offers a festive take on falling for someone who has been part of your life for years.

8. How My Brother’s Best Friend Stole Christmas by M. O’Keefe

Sophie Kane has spent years crushing on Sam Porter, her brother’s best friend, and hopes a holiday party will finally make him see her differently.

Their encounter during a power outage gives Sophie a glimpse of what she has always wanted, but Sam distances himself once the lights return.

Sophie decides she has had enough of waiting for him, only to find herself dealing with those feelings again when Sam takes a job at Kane Co. and becomes her employee.

What makes this premise appealing to me is the combination of unrequited love, workplace tension, and a heroine who begins to reconsider how much energy she wants to spend chasing someone.

Sam has feelings of his own, which makes their complicated situation even more interesting.

If you enjoy brother’s best friend Christmas romance books with a workplace dynamic and plenty of romantic tension, this novella is worth adding to your holiday TBR.

9. A Partridge and a Pregnancy by Willa Nash

Eva spends Christmas Eve preparing to tell Tobias Holiday, a man she once had a brief relationship with, that she is pregnant.

Their original encounter was supposed to be a temporary fling before Eva moved to London, but seeing Tobias again leaves her wondering how to approach the news and what their reunion might mean.

I find the premise especially appealing because it brings together an unexpected pregnancy, a Christmas reunion, and two people who must work out what comes next.

Eva’s uncertainty about how to tell Tobias also gives the story room for humor alongside the more emotional parts of their situation.

The Christmas Eve setting makes their conversation feel particularly significant, especially as Eva considers the future she never planned for.

For anyone searching for a short Christmas romance featuring an unexpected pregnancy and a reunion with a former lover, this novella offers a festive story with both romantic and emotional elements.

10. Once Upon a Winter’s Eve by Tessa Dare

Violet Winterbottom rarely speaks her mind despite being able to communicate in six languages, but her quiet life takes an unexpected turn at the Spindle Cove Christmas ball.

An injured stranger collapses in front of her, and Violet soon finds herself trying to uncover his identity and determine whether he is a smuggler, a fugitive, or a spy.

Her ability to understand him draws her into a mystery that must be resolved before morning, while the encounter also forces her to confront parts of herself she has kept hidden.

I enjoy the idea of a historical Christmas romance that gives its heroine more to do than simply attend festive gatherings and wait for love to find her.

Violet’s unusual linguistic abilities make her central to the unfolding mystery, giving the novella an adventurous edge.

If you love historical romance novellas with Christmas balls, mysterious strangers, and a blend of intrigue and passion, this is a title to consider.

11. The Cowboy’s Special Christmas by Barbra McMahon

Veterinarian Jennifer moves away to rebuild her life after being abandoned at the altar, hoping to leave the pain of her failed relationship behind.

Cole Martin has also experienced heartbreak after discovering his fiancée’s infidelity, making him cautious about trusting someone new.

When Jennifer and Cole meet, their immediate connection gives them a reason to consider love again, even though their past experiences make opening up difficult.

I like romances in which both characters have to work through their own emotional baggage rather than relying on attraction alone to solve everything.

Their shared experience of heartbreak creates an opportunity for a relationship built on understanding and renewed trust.

If you’re looking for a clean Christmas romance novella with a cowboy hero, a fresh start, and the possibility of love after disappointment, this book may be a lovely addition to your holiday reading list.

12. Merry Inkmas by Talia Hibbert

Cash, a tattoo artist with a rough exterior, has admired Bailey Cooper for months but believes he has little chance of being the right man for her.

When circumstances make him Bailey’s boss, their lives become more closely connected, and Cash begins helping her in practical ways, including dealing with plumbing problems and finding somewhere to stay for Christmas.

As Bailey learns more about him, she starts to see beyond his guarded personality and understand the struggles that have shaped his life.

I like that this Christmas romance gives its characters opportunities to show affection through their actions, not just through romantic declarations.

Cash’s efforts to help Bailey and his involvement in supporting homeless people add more dimension to his character.

For readers searching for a steamy Christmas romance with a tattooed hero, a softer side beneath a tough exterior, and a heroine who gets to know him gradually, this novella is worth a look.

13. Christmas in July by Enni Amanda

Riley takes a job on a feature film in Queenstown, New Zealand, hoping to impress Damian, the director whose work she admires.

Her plans are interrupted when a snowstorm leaves her isolated from the film crew and in the company of Jonas, an attractive ski instructor who arrives with party supplies.

Riley initially struggles with the interruption because she is focused on her career ambitions and her admiration for Damian, but her unexpected time with Jonas begins to change her perspective.

I find the setting particularly interesting because this Christmas romance takes place in New Zealand during summer, even though a snowstorm creates a wintry predicament.

The forced proximity gives Riley and Jonas an opportunity to connect while she reassesses what she wants.

If you’re tired of Christmas romances set in the usual snowy American towns, this novella offers a different backdrop for a holiday love story.

14. The Emergency Claus by Robin Roseau

When Santa Claus breaks his leg during reindeer games, his daughter Tabitha must take responsibility for delivering Christmas presents.

Tabitha would rather run her consulting business in Chicago than become involved in the family tradition, and she is equally reluctant to marry simply to preserve the Santa legacy.

Her assignment becomes more complicated when Allison discovers her acting as Santa, setting the stage for unexpected developments.

I like the unusual premise of a Christmas romance that reimagines Santa’s family through a heroine with her own career, ambitions, and ideas about love.

Tabitha’s reluctance to inherit the family role gives the story a different kind of conflict from the usual holiday romance.

If you’re looking for a lesbian Christmas romance with a modern twist on Santa Claus, a heroine who questions tradition, and a playful festive premise, this is one to add to your list.

15. A Perfect Holiday Fling by Farrah Rochon

Callie Webber, a veterinarian in a small town, struggles to enjoy Christmas after a very public breakup and grows tired of her neighbors trying to find her another partner.

She begins considering a move to the city but decides she might as well enjoy a holiday fling with the attractive newcomer who has caught her attention.

Stefan Sutherland, a Navy pilot temporarily staying in Maplesville while caring for his nephew, meets Callie after rescuing a stray cat.

Neither initially plans to pursue a serious relationship, but their attraction makes a temporary romance increasingly tempting.

I enjoy the idea of a Christmas fling that begins with two people who have reasons to avoid making long-term commitments, only to discover that their connection might be more meaningful than expected.

The small-town setting gives Callie and Stefan plenty of opportunities to spend time together while they work out what they want.

If you’re searching for a small-town Christmas romance with a Navy pilot, a veterinarian, and a holiday fling that could become something more, this novella is worth checking out.

Which Christmas Romance Will You Read First?

I hope this list helps you find a few short Christmas romance books to enjoy when you want something festive without committing to a long novel.

Whether you prefer second-chance love, historical courtship, steamy encounters, LGBTQ+ romance, or small-town holiday romances, you have plenty of options to choose from.

I’d love to know which of these books caught your attention, so tell me in the comments which Christmas romance novella you’re adding to your TBR first.

You can also check out my other holiday book recommendations if you’re looking for more romances to keep you company throughout the Christmas season.