Winter books worth snuggling up with

Ever had one of those mornings where you can hear the world outside, all silent and sparkling with frost, and your only real goal is to become one with your blankets? Same. With the winter season, we are fully committed to the art of hibernation with a good book.

If fall is for spooky chills, then winter is for pure, undiluted coziness. We’re craving stories with the depth of a starless night, the heat of a slow-burn romance, and just a little sprinkle of magic to match the season.

This list is our warm hug to the coldest months—a mix of dark fantasy you can get lost in, contemporary romance that sizzles, and tales that feel like coming home. Every pick is a guaranteed portal to a world as enchanting (and comforting) as the glow of fairy lights in a dark room.

So, stoke that fire (or just imagine one), wrestle the coziest blanket away from your pet, and get ready to sink in. We’re diving into three books that will absolutely define your winter. (And yes, we’ve matched each one with the perfect Poplight—because setting the vibe is crucial.)

1. Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik

The Vibe Check: Classic Fantasy; Dark & Atmospheric

A breathtaking, wintry fairytale woven from Rumpelstiltskin threads and frost-laden folklore.

If you love that winter read that is one of stark beauty, deep magic, and formidable heroines, this is your must-read. Spinning Silver is a masterful fantasy that feels like discovering a long-lost Grimms' tale. It follows Miryem, the daughter of a failing moneylender, who boldly claims she can turn silver into gold—and draws the dangerous attention of the icy Staryk king. It’s a sprawling, intricate story of resilience, clever bargains, and chilling power, perfect for the longest, coldest nights of the year.

💡 Best paired with Blue Poplight—it directly evokes the icy cold, the winter setting, the crystalline magic, and the cool, atmospheric tone of the novel. It's the color of frozen skies, deep winter shadows, and the chill of the Staryk realm.

2. Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid

The Perfect Summary: Spicy, LGBTQ+ Contemporary Sports Romance

Because, duh. A scorching, enemies-to-lovers romance that proves the ice isn't the only thing that melts in the heat of competition.

This book is a shot of pure, addictive heat for the winter. It’s the slowest of slow burns between two elite hockey rivals, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. What starts as a secret, hostile rivalry on the ice transforms into something far more complex and passionate off it. It’s fierce, funny, surprisingly tender, and guaranteed to make you forget the chill outside. Think of it as the literary equivalent of that cozy, stolen warmth you find when you’re wrapped up with someone special.

💡 Light up with Vermillion Red Poplight for this one—deep, passionate, and as intense as the secret glances shared across a crowded rink.

3. Good Spirits by B.K. Borison

The Cozy Take: Paranormal Romantasy; A Christmas Carol Retelling

A charming, ghostly love story that captures the very heart of seasonal magic and second chances.

For those who crave the warm, hopeful glow of the holidays all season long, this is your book. Good Spirits is a delightful paranormal romantasy that gives Charles Dickens’ classic a fresh, romantic twist. It follows a modern-day skeptic who is visited by a rather handsome—and stubborn—ghost with a mission. It’s sweet, magical, and brimming with the kind of cozy, small-town charm that makes you believe in festive miracles and the power of love to thaw any frozen heart.

💡 Break out the Marigold Poplight—its warm, festive glow is the perfect match for a story filled with pine-scented hope, lingering spirits, and the promise of new beginnings.

 

Meet Your Winter Reading Buddy: Poplight

When the world outside gets dark and cold, your story should be your only escape. Don't let a harsh lamp or a dim room pull you out of the page. Poplight was made for moments like these—to keep you perfectly wrapped in your book.

Set Your Perfect Scene in Seconds: No tools, no fuss, totally renter-friendly. In an instant, your personal reading cocoon is ready.

Design for Cozy Ambient: With a minimalist, elegant design, USB-C rechargeable battery and dimmable features, you can control the ambiance using the Poplight app. Totally complements your ritual. 

The Real Question Is...

Which enchanting escape is calling your name first? Will you brave the frozen woods of a dark fairytale, get swept away by a secret rink-side romance, or embrace the festive magic of a ghostly love story?

We can’t think of a better way to weather the winter than by settling into our favorite nook, pairing it with the perfect ambient glow from Poplight, and losing ourselves in a story that makes the cold world outside disappear.

So, which world awaits you? Grab your blanket and your hot drink, and make sure to pair it with the right cozy ambient from Poplight—your perfect partner for the ultimate winter reading escape.