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Hilarious rom-coms where love triumphs
Love conquers all in these swoon-worthy novels that will have you fanning your face one minute and laughing out loud the next.
Published on January 25, 2024
Mixed Signals
Mia HeintzelmanOpposites attract in “Mixed Signals,” the first book in Heintzelman’s “All Mixed Up” series. Julie, a corporate banker, is ambitious, focused, and insecure. So when she sees the hot trainer at the gym, Nico, she immediately throws up her walls and assumes the worst about him. This being a rom-com, there are all sorts of situations where she sees she’s wrong, and there’s delight in seeing the two get to really know each other.
Blue Hawaiian: A Tropical Romantic Comedy
Carla LunaA destination wedding in Hawaii sounds like the ultimate escape, right? Not so much for maid of honor Jess Chavez, who’s hiding her lack of employment and will be forced to spend the week with her ex, Connor. But sparks fly when the pair reunite and they decide to throw caution to the wind by indulging in a no-strings-attached vacation.
Nobody Puts Romcoms In The Corner
Kathryn FreemanAny book with a nod to “Dirty Dancing” is an automatic yes, making Freeman’s adorable love story between Harry and Sally (how perfect is that?) an A+ read. The pair go viral with a reenactment of Baby and Johnny’s famous lift scene, leading them to continue the partnership and capitalize on their sudden social media fame. Filled with quick-witted banter and nostalgic callbacks to all your favorite rom-com movies, this one is truly made for the romance addicts.
The Emma Project: A Novel
Sonali DevA gender-swapped reimagining of Jane Austen’s “Emma” caps off Dev’s award-winning “The Rajes” series about an Indian American family with royal roots. Everything about this novel — from the sometimes frustrating but wholly endearing couple at its heart, to the surprise side romance, to the deep familial connections — is a delight.
The Rom-Com Agenda
Jayne DenkerRom-coms and makeover montages go hand in hand, so it’s no surprise that “The Rom-Com Agenda” centers on a heartbroken hero, Eli, determined to win back his ex by turning himself into the ideal leading man. Denker keeps things upbeat and fun with references to iconic ’80s and ’90s rom-com films and jokes that will make you actually laugh out loud
The Reunion: A Novel
Kayla OlsonFamily dysfunction comes to a head when the Chance siblings reunite to throw a 50th anniversary party for their parents. It doesn’t take much time for long-buried sibling drama to derail the party plans, all while each of the Chances’ navigate their own complicated love lives. A fun and snarky beach read with six alternating POVs (yes, you read that right, six) that’s as much about romantic love as it is familial ties.
Secretly Yours: A Novel
Tessa BaileyBailey, the bestselling rom-com queen who wrote “It Happened One Summer,” knows how to concoct the perfect blend of spice and swoon between two people who couldn’t have less in common. Buttoned-up Julian and quirky Halle get a second chance to rekindle an old spark when they wind up as neighbors in their hometown. “Secretly Yours” is a light read filled with several steamy scenes and Bailey’s signature hilarious one-liners.
The True Love Experiment
Christina LaurenThis novel from our favorite BFF rom-com duo follows a reality TV dating show where the line between true feelings and made-for-TV is blurry at best. When documentarian Connor and romance novelist Fizzy (who made her debut in Lauren’s “The Soulmate Equation”) team up to work on a new reality show, with Connor as the producer and Fizzy as the romantic lead, their off-screen chemistry goes off the charts.
Match Me If You Can: An utterly hilarious, will-they-won't-they? romantic comedy from Sandy Barker
Match Me If You Can: An utterly hilarious, will-they-won't-they? romantic comedy from Sandy Barker
Sandy BarkerAlways the matchmaker, never the match. Such is the life of Poppy Dean, a professional matchmaker whose latest client is proving to be a frustratingly tantalizing challenge. Barker expertly blends classic rom-com tropes (enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, marriage of convenience, forced proximity) and draws you in with irresistible chemistry between the main characters.
Act Your Age, Eve Brown: A Novel
Talia HibbertSave the best for last? You decide with Hibbert’s final book in the spunky and steamy “The Brown Sisters” series. When disaster-prone Eve crashes into always-in-control grump Jacob, the ensuing enemies-to-lovers antics make this sexy charmer soar.
End of Story
Kylie ScottA rom-com with a hint of magical realism? Yes, please. Susie Bowen’s life has been hit by curveball after curveball and things come to a head when she hires her ex’s best friend, Lars, to help fix up her newly inherited house. A shocking discovery of a divorce certificate dated 10 years into the future that names Susie and Lars ignites an investigation into what’s really going on. Fate, destiny, and mystery collide in this supremely satisfying enemies-to-lovers romance that boasts a unique premise and “The Lake House” vibes.
Honey and Spice: A Novel
Bolu BabalolaBabalola’s debut novel is a contemporary rom-com, with all its inherent humor, but it also delves seriously into the topics of identity, belonging, and Black joy. The protagonists — Kiki Banjo, a British Nigerian student at Whitewell College, and Malakai Korede, a smug recent transfer — are distinctly written, and the fake relationship trope plays out beautifully.
The Wedding Crasher: A Novel
Mia SosaSolange (the titular wedding crasher) overhears a bride’s unsettling comments and stops the wedding to save Dean, the groom, from heartache. So when Dean needs someone to pose as his girlfriend for a work event, Solange is the natural choice. Fake dating, opposites attract, only one bed — Sosa’s rom-com has all the tropes, and she delivers them in an enticing way.
American Royalty: A Novel
Tracey LivesayRipped from the headlines, Livesay’s “American Royalty” pairs a Black American hip-hop star with a reclusive prince who discovers (too late) that her “Duchess” moniker doesn’t mean she’s polite and polished like his uptight family. Livesay takes the opposites attract trope to the extreme, making for a delightfully romantic read.
The American Roommate Experiment: A Novel
Elena ArmasThe standalone sequel to Armas’ hit, “The Spanish Love Deception,” is yet another fun-filled and heartwarming romance. After a maintenance disaster leaves her apartment uninhabitable, aspiring novelist Rosie Graham crashes at her friend Lina’s place. But she’s not alone: Lina’s cute cousin Lucas is also couch surfing, and he offers to help Rosie overcome writer’s block by wining and dining her around New York City — for inspirational purposes, of course.
Boyfriend Material
Alexis HallThe son of a rock star needs to repair his reputation, so he decides to get a fake boyfriend — one who will make him look nearly respectable. Misunderstandings, miscommunications, and a panoply of annoying but helpful friends make this slow-burn romance entirely engrossing.
One Last Stop
Casey McQuistonMcQuiston continually delights with funny, endearing queer romances like “Red, White & Royal Blue” and “I Kissed Shara Wheeler.” “One Last Stop” is no exception, brimming with romance, friendship, and even time travel. It follows August, who falls for Jane. But there’s one problem: Jane’s from the punk rock ’70s, and she’s stuck on a subway car caught between past and present.
Make Up Break Up: A Novel
Lily MenonAfter creating polar-opposite dating apps, hopeless romantic Annika and cynical playboy Hudson compete in the same investment pitch contest. But last summer’s fling in Las Vegas keeps rearing its head, and Hudson’s shallow persona starts to disintegrate. Menon’s enemies-to-lovers rom-com — reminiscent of “The Hating Game” — sizzles with clever dialogue as it reveals that first impressions aren’t always reliable.
To Have and to Hoax: A Novel
Martha WatersFans of “Bridgerton” and other period romances will find much to love in “To Have and to Hoax,” a hilarious historical rom-com set in Regency England. After a terrible fight, married couple Lady Violet Grey and Lord James Audley have hardly spoken in years. An overblown accident sends Lady Violet rushing to Lord James’s side, only to find him in excellent health. Her retaliation is a faked illness that becomes a lengthy, flirtatious lie between them — a lie that just might rekindle their passion.
When Dimple Met Rishi
Sandhya MenonDimple, who yearns for independence, discovers her parents have sent her to a coding bootcamp so she can meet Rishi, whom they’ve arranged for her to marry. Traditional Rishi is on board, while Dimple is less than thrilled. But what starts as resentment soon gives way to something much more intimate. Menon’s sweet and funny romance explores cultural heritage and identity. Read the book before snuggling up with your Valentine to watch the Netflix series adaptation, “Mismatched.”
Tweet Cute: A Novel
Emma LordA fantastic, cheesy romance for this digital day and age. High-achieving Pepper Evans runs the Twitter account for her family’s fast-food chain. She ends up in a feud with a local deli, whose Twitter is run by classmate and nemesis Jack Campbell. On a separate, anonymous app, though, they’re falling in love with each other. How can they balance the fire of public animosity with private desire?
Head Over Heels: A Novel
Hannah OrensteinWith her own competitive dreams crushed, gymnast Avery Abrams has reservations about helping Ryan, a handsome new coach, train another aspiring Olympian. As sparks fly with Ryan, a scandal in the gymnastics world involving Avery’s former best friend could derail any impending romance. Orenstein’s love story includes heavier themes related to competitive sports, including abuse of power. The result is a rom-com with high stakes and hopeful hearts.
First Comes Like: A Novel
Alisha RaiAn unfortunate catfishing incident thrusts influencer Jia Ahmed and Bollywood star Dev Dixit into the same circle — and the paparazzi’s spotlight. To appease worried fans and family, the pair devise a fake engagement, which may just grow into something real. Rai’s third installment in the “Modern Love” series shows how tricky it can be to navigate career, love, and outside expectations.
The Key to You and Me
Jaye Robin BrownBrown’s lighthearted YA novel features sapphic love, horses, and a slow-burn romance. Piper and Kat are in for the summer of their lives after one is asked to give the other driving lessons. Piper is trying to get over her ex-girlfriend, while Kat suspects she likes girls but is still on a path of introspection. It’s a sweet, funny story about self-discovery and being true to yourself.
Honeymoon For One: A laugh-out-loud holiday romance romantic comedy from MILLION-COPY BESTSELLER Portia MacIntosh
Honeymoon For One: A laugh-out-loud holiday romance romantic comedy from MILLION-COPY BESTSELLER Portia MacIntosh
Portia MacIntoshRomance novelist Lila’s dreams are dashed when her fiancé cheats (with one of Lila’s friends, no less). Heartbroken and desperate for an escape, Lila embarks on her honeymoon solo, only to find her ex-fiancé and his new beau at the same resort. Fake dating a movie star seems like the perfect solution to her fury and humiliation. This rom-com draws readers in with sizzling flirtations and funny mishaps, all backdropped by the spark of true love.
Happy Endings: A Novel
Thien-Kim LamA lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers plot line, a fierce heroine who’s not afraid to embrace sex positivity, a pop-up sex toy shop, and mouthwatering descriptions of New Orleans soul food — what more could you want in a rom-com novel? Lam’s debut is a second chance romance that’s full of wit, heart, and passion.
Recommended for You
Laura SilvermanBookstore clerks Shoshanna and Jake are constantly at odds with one another. To make matters worse, they’re competing for the holiday bonus awarded to whoever sells the most books. Shoshanna can’t stand Jake, but is there more to him than meets the eye? Fans of “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” and “Tweet Cute” will love this coming-of-age #OwnVoices YA novel that’s full of witty banter and relatable main characters.