December always seems to invite a certain kind of reading.

In the words of Phyllis Vance from The Office, December makes me want to stay at home curled up with a good book, slowing down while the world speeds up in anticipation for the Christmas holidays.

This time of year, I find myself eager to immerse myself in comforting, emotionally charged books. Books that keep me company on dark evenings and quiet nights.

This December, my reading leaned towards romance with atmosphere: snowy settings, closed-door tension, slow-burn longing, and characters you can settle into for a few hours at a time. These are the kinds of books you reach for when the world feels cold and you want something absorbing, indulgent, and just a bit escapist.

Here are five atmospheric reads that carried me through chilly December nights.

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Wylder Ranch — Lulu Moore

Expansive, grounded, and emotionally rich.

Tropes: Second chance, secret pregnancy, small town romance, forced proximity, found family

I came across Lulu Moore’s work on Instagram, reading snippets of this second chance, secret pregnancy romance and I was intrigued.

Very intrigued.

Seeing how Alexander and Haven navigated parenthood, misunderstandings and eventually making their way back to each other was so lovely and heartwarming to read. Wylder Ranch is an atmospheric read in a different way. The setting plays a strong role here, with Haven travelling halfway across the world right to Alex’s doorstep, giving the story a sense of place that feels lived-in and believable. This makes for a very cosy, comforting read.

This is a book for readers who enjoy emotional depth paired with a slower, more deliberate unfolding.

A kind of story that settles rather than rushes.

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Checking You Twice — Larissa Hommes

Festive, romantic, and quietly addictive.

Tropes: novella, holiday romance, sports romance

This one felt tailor-made for December.

There’s a seasonal charm to it without it being clichéd, making it a perfect holiday read while still emotionally grounding. The tension between Holden and Belle?

Oh my!

Despite being a short read, so much was covered!

Belle finally gaining confidence and choosing herself was so empowering and shows that there is power in following your heart and being true to yourself. Holden’s silent strength and affirmation was an amazing complement to her character.

This book is lighthearted enough to feel indulgent but thoughtful enough to stay with you once you’ve finished.

This is ideal for evenings when you want something engaging without being emotionally heavy.

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The Gentleman — Dr Rebecca Sharp

Moody, polished, and intensely character-driven.

Tropes: Small town, marriage of convenience, second chance

The Gentleman has a darker, more refined atmosphere that suits winter reading particularly well. The tension?

ASTRONOMICAL!

Max’s intentionality, quiet strength and yearning for a love that he thought he would never have was captured so beautifully here. The dual POVs helped me to gain a better insight into Daisy’s feelings and her self-value. I literally could not even turn away, eagerly turning the pages to see if Max finally gets the girl…

This is a book for nights when you want something a little more intense, something that feels elegant but edged with unease. A compelling read that thrives in low light and quiet hours.

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Scandalous — Lottie Moore

Dramatic, immersive, and unapologetically escapist.

Tropes: Forced proximity, sports romance, diabetes rep, enemies to lovers, slow burn, workplace romance, single dad

Scandalous leans into its drama in a way that makes it perfect winter reading. It’s the kind of book you sink into fully, letting the outside world fade for a while.

Evan West?

Evan West.

Wow. A doting, loving dad to an energetic cutie of a son, he’s spread way too thin, juggling his thriving NHL career with being a present father. As a result, he often neglects his own needs…and then there’s Flo.

Flo freaking McKenna.

My new hero.

Literally one of my favourite female main characters of 2025.

Funny, relatable and so unapologetically herself, Flo teaches Evan that there’s strength in asking for help, that you don’t have to compromise yourself to pour into others.

This is a great choice for long evenings when you want a story that fully commits to its tone.

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Player Misconduct — Kenna King

High tension, emotionally charged, and absorbing.

Tropes: Hockey, sports romance, workplace romance, surprise pregnancy, forbidden romance

This book brings a sharper edge to the list, with stakes that feel immediate and compelling. It’s emotionally driven, fast-paced without feeling rushed, and ideal for readers who like their romance layered with intensity.

And wow, is it intense.

Kendall’s steel-like demeanour in the face of Aleksi’s charming pursuit is something to be studied because I don’t think I know anyone who would have held back like that. The intention, the unwavering loyalty, the love…

Men, take notes.

A great choice for nights when you want something gripping enough to hold your attention until the very last page.

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Final Thoughts

December reading doesn’t have to be festive to feel seasonal.

Sometimes, it’s about ambiance.

Books that mirror the quiet, the cold, and the self-reflection that comes with the end of the year.

These reads offered warmth, intensity, and escape in different ways, making them perfect companions for chilly nights and slow evenings.

If you read any of these or have atmospheric favourites of your own, I’d love to hear about them!

If you liked this post, have a look at my review of Wild Card by Elsie Silver.

See you in the next one!

-Bibi x