10 great rom coms to read now

The list I'm always looking for

I keep finding myself immersed in breathless conversations over dinner about romantic fiction and how obsessed everyone is with the genre at the moment.

It was gratifying to read this recent piece by Allison P. Davis because it confirmed that this preoccupation is real outside of my own head/WhatsApp groups/dinner conversations and because Davis takes the genre seriously instead of dismissing it as a frothy guilty pleasure which so much writing on the subject does.

A few people have asked me for a definitive list so I’ve brought together some of my favourites here.

I’m using Rom Com as a broad term here - some are more rom than com and other titles may defy the classification altogether but all of these books are romantic and funny so I think they fit the bill.

Gratitude, as ever, goes to my two most prolific rom com reading friends, Alice and Lisa. Many hours have been spent dissecting, recommending and swooning.

I’m sure I’ve missed some and I’m always on the hunt for something new so please do share any tips in the comments.

Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes

I recently read this for the first time and loved it. It has a strong case of the Katherine Heinys. Wry and funny but also very tender and sweet. Evvie is about to leave her husband when an unexpected event sets her on the course to a new life. Self-discovery, new friendships and, of course, romance abounds. Just lovely.

The Idea of You by Robin Lee / Permanent Record by Mary H K Choi

Both of these books are interesting companion pieces to Curtis Sittenfeld’s latest, Romantic Comedy (see below). All three novels deploy the World-Famous-Celebrity-Falls-For-Everyday-Normal-Person trope in different and interesting ways.

Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld

I know, I’ve mentioned this book a million times recently but I just can’t do this list and not mention Curtis. Pure reading pleasure.

Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld

This clever reimagining of Pride & Prejudice honours the source material while also channeling the best rom com tropes. The enemies to lovers journey is brilliantly plotted and super-charged with sexual chemistry. And no one is better than Sittenfeld at drawing engaging but relatable female protagonists - attractive but not too beautiful and most importantly, funny.

High Fidelity by Nick Hornby

Such a brilliant account of male heartbreak, emotional incontinence and romantic obsession.

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

The author’s best in my opinion. Constantly funny, sparky dialogue and not too much diversion with those pesky B and C plots.

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

Sexy workplace drama. Solid holiday fare.

You Had Me At Hello by Mhairi McFarlane

I think McFarlane is more sit-com than rom-com but she is brilliant at plotting the slow burn of desire and captures the less effusive Britishness of romantic entanglements while still packing a sentimental punch.

Everything’s Fine by Cecilia Rabess

A progressive black woman and a Conservative white guy fall in love against the backdrop of the 2016 presidential campaign and Trump’s election. A compelling romance that’s refreshingly nuanced on racial politics.

Don’t forget to leave your recommendations below!

See you next time.

Hannah