While classic literature is great, sometimes there’s nothing better than laughing along with a romantic comedy book.
Life in a great rom com book is never as simple as endless flower delivery and chocolate hearts, but the relationship problems often have a humorous twist followed by a happily ever after ending.

We think a funny romance novel is a perfect break when you’ve been reading something heavier.
We gathered a list of the top rom com reads, from 2022 new releases to our favorite popular contemporary romance novels from the past several years. We know books that have been out a little longer can be easier to snag without a wait at the library so love including them on our book lists.
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Best Rom Com Books

Meet Me in the Margins
by Melissa Ferguson
This "You've Got Mail" style rom com is set in a highbrow publishing house, where main character Savannah has a low-level job. While her daily life at work is surrounded by literature, she has a secret dream of writing a romance novel.
When Savannah discovers a hidden room full of books that are more up her alley, she begins visiting as much as she can. After leaving her manuscript in the room one day, she finds that someone has added notes to the margins. While Savannah is offended by the edits at first, she realizes that she should take them to heart. Soon, notes are regularly being exchanged with her mystery editor and the notes become as romantic as the novel she is trying to finish.
This book is scheduled for release the day after Valentine's Day 2022 and we can't wait to read it!
Love in the City
by Jen Morris
When bookshop employee and aspiring writer Alex is dumped on her 30th birthday, she makes some huge life decisions...while drunk.
The next morning, she has a choice. Should she undue those actions and continue life in New Zealand? Or hop on the plane she booked to New York City to pursue her dream of writing a steamy romance novel?
If you enjoy this group of friends, there are two more books in the series, You Know It's Love and Outrageously In Love. All three books are included in Kindle Unlimited as of Feb 2022.
The Books Girls Say... Love in the City was a fabulous romantic read perfect for fans of The Overdue Life of Amy Byler. The characters are entertaining and fundamentally good people with relatable flaws.
There were connections that came easier than they would in real life. But sometimes we need a true break from the harshness of the world. The overall message is about letting ourselves believe in love. The author develops that slow burn theme throughout the book, just like the relationship developing until it finally ignites into steamy flames. Romance novel perfection!

Made in Manhattan
As soon as we saw this book described as a reverse My Fair Lady, we were intrigued!
Violet has led a privileged life on the Upper East Side of Manhatten. She does all the right things, from her manners to her always appropriate clothing. This makes Violet the perfect candidate to teach Cain how to fit in.
He's the newly discovered grandson of a family friend and needs to transform from his southern Louisana self to a suit-wearing New Yorker to take over the family business. But he wants nothing to do with this makeover!
Will these total opposites find a mutual understanding?
Roommaid
by Sariah Wilson
This funny rom com follows Madison, who grew up wealthy but gave up her inheritance to follow her own dreams of being a teacher. Sadly, her teacher salary isn't enough for anything close to her dream apartment. After looking at some very scary options, her realtor/aunt suggests a unique living arrangement.
Another client, Tyler, needs a roommate who will care for his dog while he travels for work and who will do a bit of cleaning as well instead of paying rent. The only caveat is that he was burned by his last relationship and only wants someone with no chance of pursuing him. Madison pretends to still be in a solid relationship because she really needs somewhere to live. You'll laugh out loud at her costly attempts to clean the apartment.
But she has a big heart, great intentions, and wins over the dog. Will Tyler be able to follow his own rules?
The Books Girls Say...Melissa thought this was everything a romantic comedy should be, complete with laughter and likable characters.
Sariah Wilson's newest 2022 rom com, The Paid Bridesmaid, is also an escapist delight! Plus, it's currently included with Kindle Unlimited!
Boyfriend Material
by Alexis Hall
Looking for a hilarious rom-com reminiscent of The Flatshare? Bitter Luc O’Donnell has excess emotional baggage after growing up in the shadow of a distant B-list celeb father and eccentric mom.
When his job at a charity is endangered after incriminating photos of him are posted online, he has to re-make his image from party boy to “the right kind of gay” by coming up with a stable boyfriend. He knows he’s not ready for a real relationship, but could he sustain a fake relationship long enough to get through a fundraiser?
The Books Girls Say...Melissa listed to the audio of Boyfriend Material and it quickly became one of her surprise favorites for 2020. If you like snarky British characters, she thinks you'll love Luc as much as she did.

The Dating Game
by Sandy Barker
Abby Jones is a very successful writer, only no one knows it, because she writes under a pen name. She is the secret identity behind a wildly popular reality television recap column in a UK tabloid.
When Abby's boss calls her in to talk about the upcoming season of The Stag (a Bachelor-style show) that will be filmed in Sydney, she tells her they want Abby on set to get the behind-the-scenes scoop. But Abby won't just be observing from off-camera - they expect her to be one of the contestants on the show. Abby can't think of anything worse than going undercover in front of the cameras. The only thing that might make the experience worthwhile is the handsome Aussie producer.
The Book Girls Say... Sandy Barker is the author of one of our favorite holiday books, The Christmas Swap. We love her vivid descriptions of the travel destinations in her books, and this book did not disappoint! In addition to being a laugh-out-loud reality tv inspired rom-com, you'll also feel like you've just returned from a vacation to sunny Sydney!
Act Your Age, Eve Brown
by Talia Hibbert
The third book in the Brown Sisters trilogy is sure to make us laugh as much as the first two. Eve is the flightiest sister and attracts chaos despite good intentions. Her parents are fed up after her latest incident - ruining a pricy wedding.
She applies for a chef job to start standing on her own, but the B&B's owner is her polar opposite. When it's clear they'd be a disaster working together, he sends her away. Except then she runs into him with her car - whoops. She feels terrible and insists on sticking around to help him run the B&B while he recovers, much to his dismay.
You'll laugh through their days together as they decide if they'll end up enemies or lovers.
Meet Cute
by Helena Hunting
What if you literally ran into your middle school celeb crush? What starts off with this adorable rom com premise turns a little deeper when his family suffers a tragedy years later and he unexpectedly has to rely on his old law school classmate / superfan.
Melissa started this book when she couldn't sleep in the middle of the night and ended up reading the whole thing straight through.
The Flatshare
by Beth O'Leary
When night-shift worker Leon needs some extra cash to help a family member, he decides to get a roommate.
The problem is that he has a one-bedroom apartment, with one bed. So he places an ad for someone to sleep in his bed while he's at work. They'll never be home at the same time, but it's still a crazy plan.
Thankfully, it's just the solution newly-single Tif needs.
Several of their post-it note conversations back and forth made us laugh out loud. There's also a mix of humor and more serious topics if you're looking for a rom com with substance.
The Book Girls Say...We both also really enjoyed The Switch by Beth O'Leary!
The Ex Talk
by Rachel Lynn Solomon
With 10 years of experience, radio host Shay is beyond frustrated with her new co-worker, Dominic, who thinks he learned it all in the master's program he just finished.
The station is struggling, so Shay pitches a new show - The Ex Talk - featuring exes giving relationship advice. The pitch goes a little TOO well, and Shay gets a big yes, with the caveat that she co-host the show with Dominic since they clearly dislike each other and already act like exes.
As the show grows thanks to their funny on-air banter, their relationship off the air gets more complicated and STEAMY. This one contains some R-rated bedroom scenes.
The Book Girls Say... For another workplace romance, check out the author's 2022 romance novel, Weather Girl!
The Boyfriend Project
by Farrah Rochon
When three women realize they all think they’re exclusively dating the same man, they become friends instead of enemies and decide that they should spend time reaching their own goals instead of trying to find a husband.
This is going great until a hot new guy appears at Samaih’s job. But is he who he says he is?
The Rosie Project
by Graeme Simsion
This best-seller is the first in the Don Tillman trilogy. Don is a charming, but awkward genetics professor trying to find love.
True to his scientific roots, he creates a 16-page survey designed to find his perfect match that he calls "The Wife Project". Will anyone be his perfect match?
This Chicago Tribune quote is enough to make me order The Rosie Project today: “Filled with humor and plenty of heart, The Rosie Project is a delightful reminder that all of us, no matter how we’re wired, just want to fit in”.
The other two books in the triology are The Rosie Effect and The Rosie Result. We can't wait to read both!

The Party Crasher
by Sophie Kinsella
Effie was shocked by her parent's divorce and still hasn't gotten over it two years later. When her dad and his young new girlfriend announce they are selling Effie's beloved family home, she decides to crash their final party there.
She ends up sneaking around the house, overhearing conversations and secrets until she runs into Joe. He broke her heart, but is still as funny and attractive as ever! Should she reveal her presence at the event? And what should she do with all the information she has learned throughout the night?
The Book Girls Say...Sophie Kinsella is an author that always makes us laugh out loud, going back to her original Confessions of a Shopaholic in 2000.
The books are light and the characters are often over-the-top, but that makes them a fun escape from reality.
The Bromance Book Club
by Lyssa Kay Adams
Even the concept of this book is humorous. When a couple's marriage is in major trouble, one of them joins an elite book club and uses the plot of their latest romance read to help the relationship.
In a twist from the normal rom com plot, it's the husband who is fighting for the marriage. He has joined a group of A-List, alpha Nashville guys who coach him through his rocky relationship. At points, this one is a bit steamy as he tries out moves learned through reading. There's are two more books in the series if you love this one!

Resting Beach Face
by Melanie Summers
After 15 years in love with Chase, Hadley just knows he'll propose soon. There's just one little thing she doesn't know. He's planning a wedding with someone else.
Heath is in the middle of a huge merger when he gets the call that his mother has been in a moped accident and he needs to leave work behind and care for her. He just hopes that while he's home, he doesn't run into Hadley, who broke his heart.
This funny tale includes humor, romance, and senior hijinks - three of our favorite things!
The Overdue Life of Amy Byler
by Kelly Harms
If you've ever felt overworked and underappreciated, this is the choice for you!
Amy is totally relatable as a main character, and you'll want to root her on during her escape from everyday responsibilities.
She gets a glimpse of what her life could have been if she had chosen different priorities and laugh your way through her adventures in New York City.
American Royals
by Katherine McGee
Can you imagine if George Washington had become the King of America instead of President?
This clever Young Adult fiction takes that premise and fast forwards it to the present day. You'll follow the three children of the King through their struggles to find love and themselves while trying to live up to the expectations of Crown and country.
The sequel, Majesty, is also available now!
The Accidental Beauty Queen
by Teri Wilson
Twin-swaps aren't a new concept, but this one still sounds like a funny contemporary romance.
Charlotte is a reserved school librarian who goes to a beauty pageant only to support her outgoing twin sister. After a freak allergic reaction, Charlotte is convinced to step into the pageant and way out of her comfort zone.
The Unhoneymooners
by Christina Lauren
What should a bride and groom do if they get food poisoning and are too sick to go on a non-refundable honeymoon?
Give it to the Best Man and Maid-of-Honor of course.
That would have been perfect if the duo didn't hate each other. Follow along as they try to avoid each other while still taking advantage of all the pre-paid activities on their couples vacation.
The Idea of You: A Novel
by Robinne Lee
Angela recommends this one, but also warns that it's steamier than others on the list and may make you blush.
A 39-year-old mom and art-gallery owner gets into an unexpected relationship with a much younger mega-superstar singer. The press complicates things as they try to navigate love and life together.
While it has it’s very funny parts, it’s also a much more compelling drama than you might expect from the concept.
Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating
by Christina Lauren
Josh is mellow and Hazel is...not. She's energetic, a bit crass, and always seems to say the wrong thing.
They're friends, but too opposite to date, so begin setting each other up on double-blind dates. Let's just say it doesn't always go well.
Waiting for Tom Hanks
by Kerry Winfrey
Are you obsessed with classic romantic comedies like Sleepless in Seattle? So is Annie, the screenwriting lead in this cute book.
She's looking for her perfect Tom Hanks and hopes she'll find him on a movie set where she's found a job. Annie gets her meet-cute moment, but the guy is NOTHING like her fantasy match.
Melissa read this one last year and thought it was a very cute concept with lots of fun mentions and incorporation of real movies. It wasn't an all-time favorite, but if you need a light enjoyable read, you'll be entertained.
The sequel about Annie's friend Chloe is now available!
The Bookish Life of Nina Hill
by Abbi Waxman
Nina Hill is content in her quiet life filled with books, trivia nights, and her cat. One day everything changes when a lawyer tracks her down to let her know her biological dad passed away...and included her in the will.
She never even knew his name, and definitely not that he had been married three times over 40 years giving her a huge family of siblings, nieces, and nephews.
Follow along as this introvert navigates her complicated new family AND some unexpected attention from the cute guy on another trivia team.
Crazy Rich Asians
by Kevin Kwan
We know you're reading this for book recommendations, but we've got to mention that they did a GREAT job with the Crazy Rich Asians movie.
This is actually one of the few times it wouldn't be bad to watch the movie first. There are A LOT of characters in this book, and it takes a while to get them all down. The movie would be like a little primer before digging in to read.
Both the movie and the book are the hilarious. The story follows different braches of a, you guess it, crazy-rich family in Singapore. They're essentially royalty and the younger generations are expected to fall in line with their life (and spouse)choices.
Crazy Rich Asians is the first in a trilogy, and you can pick up the box set here. All three books are excellent.
Well Met
by Jen DeLuca
Do you remember the Gilmore Girls episode where Luke had to work the Renaissance Faire for Liz?
Flip that around to a girl named Emily having to help HER sister out by taking her place volunteering at the Renaissance Faire.
And instead of being grouchy, she's the lighthearted one and the Faire volunteer coordinator is the grouchy one.
Will they fight all summer or will Simon show his endearing side, just like Luke?
Evvie Drake Starts Over
by Linda Holmes
In Maine, Evvie Drake lost her husband to a car accident and now she rarely leaves her home. In NYC, Dean Tenney, a former MLB, pitcher is struggling with a major case of the "yips" and can't throw straight anymore.
When the media pressure on Dean heats up, his childhoold best friend invites him to escape to Maine for a while, and he winds up living in the apartment at the back of Evvie's house.
The two make a deal - Dean won’t ask about Evvie’s late husband, and Evvie won’t ask about Dean’s baseball career. But broken rules lead to an unexpected friendship, and then something more.
Described as "joyful, hilarious, and hope-filled" ... we can't wait to read this one!
It Had to Be You
by Georgia Clark
For twenty years, Liv has run a successful NYC wedding-planning business with her husband, Eliot. When he dies unexpectedly, Liv is shocked to learn that he's left his half of the business to his young girlfriend that Liv knew nothing about. Much to Liv's chagrin, perky Savannah shows up on her doorstep eager to be her partner and protégé.
In addition to Liv and Savannah, we are introduced to many of the wedding vendors that they work with - the florists, caterer, servers, and musicians. In a Love Actually-style narrative, this book follows each of them as they navigate love and friendship, and we see their lives overlap at weddings throughout the city.
The Book Girls Say... As promised, this book is Love Actually-esque in with its intertwining stories of five different couples. With five different storylines, we were worried that we'd be left feeling like we didn't get enough of any of them, but the characters were very well developed and the way that each couple was woven throughout the book left us feeling very satisfied!
Laugh-out loud funny and pure enjoyment! This book was especially lovely in its representation of so many different types of love stories!
More Romance & Rom Com Books You’ll Love…

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Ann
Saturday 2nd of July 2022
Our book club read The Rosie Project a couple of years ago. The hero’s social skills, or lack there of, made for an engaging read. I liked this book so much that I quickly bought the next two books in the series. Enjoyed them all but the first was my favorite.
Motun
Thursday 26th of August 2021
Really enjoyed your recommendations especially Roommaid. I literally read it in less than a day.
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Friday 7th of May 2021
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Nagla
Sunday 18th of April 2021
I read some of this selection, they are really nice.
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