Romantic comedy novels (“rom-coms”) are too often overlooked by intelligent women who consider themselves “serious” readers. I suspect much of the blame can be attributed to book publishing’s use of the terms chick-lit and women’s fiction, and to the many flimsy and dare I say it cheap romance books , marketed under those banners.
In this article, I discuss
You are reading: Top romantic comedy books
- The merits of romance novels, especially the funny ones
- 16 of the best romantic comedy books I’ve ever read, along with several recommendations for related romance reading
- additional romance with novels highly recommended by other bloggers
as anne browning walker explains in “why smart women read romance novels”
…most of today’s romances feature strong, smart, cunning women. and romantic smart characters appeal to romantically smart readers.
Everyone deserves some downtime, and we can all benefit from seeing relationships (particularly romantic ones) from different perspectives. Just because a story contains contemporary romance and is funny doesn’t stop that book from being a stimulating and even uplifting read. IMHO…
“The best romance novels are funny and clever.”
Its authors understand that intellectual stimulation is the key to lasting attraction. And really, there’s nothing attractive about someone who can’t appreciate the comical moments in love and life.
There’s something for everyone in this list of romantic comedy books – get some clever romance in your reading pile!
Disclosure: If you click on a link in this post and make a purchase, you may earn a small commission.
my best rom books
fountain by connie willis
willis has written this short novel, a really very clever novel. Each chapter begins with an often tongue-in-cheek description of a fad: what exactly it was, how it came about, how long it lasted, and why it declined: hula hoops, rubix cubes, quality circles, shorts, etc. a modern romance that simmers with the intelligence and frustration of office politics. more information >>
our tiny useless hearts by toni jordan
I’ve long been a fan of Australian author Toni Jordan’s style of humor and her clever, original take on contemporary women’s fiction (Addition and Failed Girl), but this is her best romance yet. think oscar wilde’s classic the importance of being serious meets fawlty towers meets love movie actually. more information >>
love and other puzzles by kimberley allsopp
A key element of smart romance novels is smart writing, and allsopp’s snappy, hilarious banter was a real treat. he’s intellectual without being pretentious, sassy instead of sarcastic… and she’s made it seem natural. Classic references to literature, music, television, and film (particularly romantic comedy) are cleverly and frequently woven into this modern and playful homage to romantic comedy. more information >>
oliver clock’s likely resolutions by jane riley
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Jane Riley’s debut novel should include a warning: “This novel may elicit geeky giggles and require a waiting tissue to wipe away happy tears at the end.” Riley writes a great visual comedy, and her initially submissive first-person narration by leading man Oliver, endearingly honest, wowed me. more information >>
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the apartment shared by beth o’leary
If ever there was a romance novel that deserved its best-selling status, this is it. Tiffy and Leon are endearing leads (unusually, almost equally), but the supporting cast of this novel is also truly special. there are plenty of laughs, but what elevates this rom-com to heartwarming and memorable status is the way it also explores very serious themes. quirky, charming and shocking modern romance fiction. more information >>
if kisses cure t s hawken’s cancer
Not your typical romantic comedy book title. you know that marketing twist, “it will make you cry with joy, sadness and laughter”… well this time it’s actually true! this little gem is serious. it’s a kaleidoscopic and painfully real depiction of life’s roller coaster: the darkness can feel deep, but the sun can also shine brightly. more information >>
eleanor oliphant is completely fine by gail honeyman
eleanor has always been different, so she doesn’t give a fuck what anyone else thinks. they are the strangers, right? this results in many hilarious narrative asides as you navigate the world and embark on more human interaction. but for all the delicious awkwardness and fish-out-of-water humor to be found in this novel, it’s ultimately a deeply moving character journey. more information >>
the helpline by katherine collette
germaine johnson is socially inept (very bad at reading people), so her routinely awkward interactions with others make reading engaging. But what’s most endearing is the wonderfully patient and caring motley crew of characters (and the romance) that enter her life when she starts working at the council’s helpline for the elderly, along with the author’s quietly quirky sense of humour. katherine collette. more information >>
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jonathan unleashed by meg rosoff
If you’re a dog lover and don’t take yourself (or the human species in general) too seriously, then this hilarious contemporary romance novel is the perfect match for you. With light-hearted comedy and a sweet romance, this book is a lovely weekend read. more information >>
graeme simsion’s rosie project
This novel was an international bestseller for good reason…a very modern take on the classic wacky romance that tackles some tough social issues with the perfect blend of hilarity and compassion. a must-read, and one of the few on this rom-com reading list that I’d wholeheartedly recommend to male readers as well. more information >>
resistance is useless by jenny t hang up
Orbit Books described this novel as “bridget jones meets big bang theory and independence day.” I can attest that description is absolutely accurate. I’m probably showing my age here, but it would also add a vibe reminiscent of the goonies movie. need i say more? this is one of the best smart audiobooks i have ever heard. more information >>
the trivia man by deborah o’brien
Who isn’t drawn to a book about people walking to the beat of their own drum? We’ve all felt at some point in our lives that we don’t quite fit in with the crowd, or perhaps admire those who seemed quite happy not to. a romance novel that leaves you with that warm, fuzzy feeling of yesteryear… learn more >>
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mark green’s travel auction
without giving away too much, there is something special about kate: you know it from the synopsis of the book… it is that difference that gives strength and substance to this modern romance novel, and the way jonathan and kate respond to it (sometimes refreshingly non-pc) which makes them such endearing characters. this title gets high marks for its realistic portrayal of diversity issues. more information >>
toni jordan addition
jordan has boldly presented a different point of view on mental illness and poses the question, “at what point does the singularity become an illness?” at the same time, this dark exploration is wrapped up in what is essentially a very sweet love story that explores the classic questions of how much individuality must be compromised to form a lasting relationship. more information >>
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elizabeth mckenzie’s portable veblen
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mckenzie’s clever prose is a delight to read: sometimes quirky and often hilariously deadpan dialogue, but always with a strong emotional connection. a romantic ‘dramedy’ for intelligent women, about an intelligent woman who could be accused (quite rightly) of overthinking things. more information >>
one day by david nicholls
Has a romance novel ever made you laugh and want to cry at the same time? this old favorite of mine will be. These characters feel so alive to the reader and are so genuine and endearing because Nicholls shows a real understanding of the difference between what people say and what they mean. And trust me, this bestselling novel is much, much better than the movie of a day. more information >
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More Critics Recommended Romantic Comedy Books
someone i used to know by paige toon
“Tears came to my eyes as I turned the last pages of Someone I Used to Know, the fifteenth contemporary romance novel from best-selling author Paige Toon.” – shelleyrae @ book’d out
minnie darke, frustrated by the stars
“if you are a fan of movies like real love, new year’s eve and valentine’s day, like me, then this is the novel for you! She’s both smart and funny, not taking herself too seriously, but still managing to captivate and delight.” – writes theresa smith
Helen Hoang’s kissing quotient
“the kissing quotient plot is, in part, a twist on the classic movie, pretty woman (if you don’t know her, watch it ASAP!). though hoang lends her own creative flair, the novel offers the same charming sense of unexpected romance, drama, and fun.” -shelleyrae@book’d out
julie @ one book more also recommends hoang’s romantic comedy bestseller, along with any of penny reid’s novels.
last night by mhairi mcfarlane
“While it’s romantic and funny, Last Night is much more than the romantic comedy it’s marketed as. It’s a captivating contemporary story exploring friendship, loss, secrets and love, told with McFarlane’s signature blend of insight, heart and wit.” – shelleyrae @ book’d out
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minnie darke’s lost love song
“is a moving tribute to living and loving, in all its glory and pain. and it is, above all, a testimony to the power of music as a means to communicate and unite people”. – theresa smith writes
the moment i saw you by paige toon
“The moment I saw you is a beautiful and emotional story about two very different people, with very different but equally tragic pasts.” – kathryn’s inbox
kathryn also recommends anne tyler’s vinegar girl and it sounded better in my head than nina kenwood.
lizzie dent’s summer job
“lizzy dent’s summer job has now become my blanket of comfort, the book I just want to hug and reread over and over again and never get bored. i think devil wears prada comedy meets holiday romance.” – emma @ never judge a book by its cover
Emma also recommends something from rom-com author Lyssa Kay Adams.
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one night on josie silver’s island
In addition to endorsing the summer job’s inclusion on this list of romantic comedy books, blogger Cathy Powell also recommends Josie Silver’s A Night On The Island, saying it’s “hard to put down once it starts.” /p>