The best love stories for hopeless romantics this Christmas

Some people enjoy good company, cheer and novelty socks for Christmas. For others, it’s all about festive romance: kisses under the mistletoe and a Spotify playlist with plenty of bells and carols in minor keys. If you have one such romantic on your Christmas list, and you haven’t got a handy love interest to introduce them to then a book can conjure similarly warm and fuzzies before they're swept off their feet in the New Year.

We’ve selected some of our favourite tales of lifelong affairs, thwarted passions, star-crossed lovers and a fair few rolls in the hay, from this year’s hottest releases to time-honoured classics you may have missed.

Image: Bianca Bagnarelli for Penguin Random House