I was not prepared for the onslaught of Christmas romances publishing this early in the year. Goodness gracious, save me from the Santa puns. Here’s your weekly round-up of brand new, progressive-leaning romances that you may not have seen on your Instagram feed. If I’ve omitted a title you feel passionate about and think this community will enjoy, please do share it in the comments. Reminder that I haven't read any of these titles yet, so this isn't an official endorsement unless noted. Click through to read the post on Bindery for my full commentary.

Back For Seconds by Betty Corrello (Cosmo Reads) — Holy smokes, Betty is so funny. I blurbed the book enthusiastically: "Back For Seconds is an absolute feast! Readers will root for Joey and June from the first tender, saucy bite of their love story. A mouthwatering romance for anyone who has nursed a broken heart during the holidays. This is the Christmas romcom I have needed all my life."

Reap & Sow by Charlotte B. Plumb (Berkley XO) — Plumb’s slow-burn romantasy is one of the first titles from Berkley’s brand new New Adult imprint. Reviewers I trust loved the morally gray, reluctant allies dynamic of Reap & Sow. I’m excited to dive in myself soon. 

Vengefully Matched by Audrey Goldberg Ruoff (Atria) — A witchy sapphic rom-com from the author of Hopelessly Teavoted. I’m here for more queer paranormal romances.

The Perfect Match by Adiba Jaigirdar (Orion Spring) – This queer women’s soccer romance set in London gives off Bend It Like Beckham vibes.

It's Only Dancing by Jasmine Guillory (Scholastic Press) — Guillory’s young adult debut inspired by Dirty Dancing! A ballet dancer falls for a hip hop instructor during the summer before her senior year of high school.

Solar Eclipse of the Heart by Kate Robb (Dial) — Robb’s latest explores grief through magical realism involving a leather jacket that causes visions. The guy wearing the leather jacket is also a hottie, obviously. 

Everything She Wanted by Rosey Kaur Hwang (Sugar Shack Books) — A Canadian romance with Bollywood vibes about a woman choosing between the controlling man her family approves of, and a sexy consultant who helps her find her voice. 

Stay Here Forever by Andie James (indie) — An autumnal second chance novella by the host of First Encounter podcast about historical romance.