30 Best Rom Com Books, Smart & Funny Romance Novels

The best romantic comedy (rom com) books are too often overlooked by smart women that consider themselves ‘serious’ readers. I suspect much of the blame can be assigned to book publishing’s use of terms chick-lit and women’s fiction, and the many flimsy and dare I say it, cheap, romantic comedy novels marketed under those banners.

In this article, I discuss

  • The merits of funny romance novels
  • 18 of the best romantic comedy books I have read, along with several related romantic reading recommendations, and
  • 12 additional rom com books/authors that other bloggers also highly recommend.
Best Rom Com Books - Smart & Funny Romance Novels
Romantic comedy books (‘rom coms’) are too often overlooked by smart women that consider themselves ‘serious’ readers.

As Anne Browning Walker explains in “Why Smart Women Read Romance Novels”

… most romances today feature strong, smart, savvy women. And smart romance characters attract smart romance readers.

We all deserve 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, does not preclude that book from being stimulating and even edifying reading. In my humble opinion…

“The best romance novels are funny and smart.”

Their authors understand that intellectual stimulation is the key to lasting attraction. And really, there is nothing appealing about someone that cannot appreciate the comedic moments in love and life.

There is something for everyone in this romantic comedy books list — get a bit of intelligent funny romance in your reading pile!

Disclosure: If you click a link in this post and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission.

My Top Rom Com Books

Best Romantic comedy books list - Bellwether & Our Tiny Useless Hearts
Bellwether by Connie Willis

Willis has written this short novel, a novella really, so ingeniously. 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 diminished – Hula hoops, rubix cube, quality circles, hot pants, etc. A romantic comedy that simmers with intelligence and the frustration of office politics. (Full Review | Book Details | Audio)

Our Tiny, Useless Hearts by Toni Jordan

I have long been a fan of Aussie author Toni Jordan’s brand of humour and original and intelligent take on modern women’s fiction (Addition and Fall Girl), but this is her best romance novel yet. Think Oscar Wilde’s classic The Importance of Being Earnest meets Fawlty Towers meets the Love Actually movie. (Full Review | Book Details)

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

A wisely charming novel with a twist exploring love and passion, and their inevitable partners in life, loss and grief. Rather than laughing out loud, I was entertained by the riffing chemistry between lead Clementine and her friends, but especially her love interest. (Full Review | Book Details | Audio)

The Impossible Us by Sarah Lotz

The blistering and hilarious rapid-fire dialogue, simmering tension and authentically raw and messy pulsating hearts of Lotz’s lead characters Nick and Bee had me glued to its pages. Even the most jaded of readers will be won over by this eclectic and feisty supporting cast. Plus, most in this romance novel are well past their 30th birthdays. (Full Review | Book Details | Audio)

Love and Other Puzzles by Kimberley Allsopp

A key element of smart romance novels is clever writing and Allsopp’s snappy and amusing banter was a real treat. It’s intellectual without being pretentious, sassy rather than sarcastic… and, she’s made it look effortless. Classic literature, music, TV and movie (particularly romcom) references are very cleverly, and frequently, woven into this modern playful homage to the rom-com. (Full Review |Book Details | Audio)

The Likely Resolutions of Oliver Clock by Jane Riley

Jane Riley’s debut should come with a warning: “This rom com novel may elicit geeky giggles and require a tissue on standby for happy-tear dabbing at its conclusion.” Riley writes great visual comedy and her initially submissive leading man Oliver’s disarmingly honest first-person narrative charmed me. (Full Review | Book Details | Audio)

Best Romantic Comedy Books
The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary

If ever there was a romantic comedy novel deserving of its bestselling status it is this one. Tiffy and Leon are highly endearing leads (unusually, almost equally so), but this novel’s supporting cast are really something special too. There are laughs aplenty, but what elevates this romcom to the moving and memorable category is the way it also explores very serious issues. Quirky, charming and impactful, modern romantic fiction. (Full Review | Book Details)

If Kisses Cured Cancer by T S Hawken

Not your typical rom com book title is it. You know that marketing spin, “it will have you in tears of joy, sorrow and laughter”… well this time it is actually true! This little gem has gravitas. It is a kaleidoscopic and achingly real representation of life’s rollercoaster — the darkness can feel deep, but boy can that sun shine brightly too. (Full Review | Book Details)

Funny romance novels
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

Eleanor has always been different, and so doesn’t give a toss what others think. They’re the strange ones, right? This results in many hilarious narrative asides as she navigates the world and embarks on greater human interaction. But for all the delicious awkwardness and fish-out-of-water humour to be found in this novel, it is ultimately a deeply moving character journey. (Full Review | Book Details | Audio Libro.fm)

The Helpline by Katherine Collette

Germaine Johnson is socially inept (very bad at reading people) and so her routinely awkward interactions with others make for compelling reading. But, most endearing is the motley group of wonderfully patient, warm-hearted characters (and romance) that enters her life when she starts working on the Council Helpline for senior citizens, along with author Katherine Collette’s quietly quirky sense of humour. (Full Review | Book Details | Audio Libro.fm)

Best rom com books
Jonathan Unleashed by Meg Rosoff

If you are a dog lover and are inclined not to take yourself (or the human species in general) too seriously, then this funny contemporary romance novel is the perfect pairing for you. With light-hearted comedy and a sweet romance, this book is a charming weekend read. (Full Review | Book Details)

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

This rom com was an international bestseller for good reason… a very modern take on the classic screwball romance that tackles some tough societal issues with just the right mix of hilarity and compassion. A must-read, and one of the few in this romantic comedy book list that I would unreservedly recommend to male readers also. (Full Review | Book Details )

Smart romance novels
Resistance Is Futile by Jenny T Colgan

Publisher Orbit Books described this novel as ‘Bridget Jones meets The Big Bang Theory meets Independence Day’. I can vouch for that description being absolutely spot on. I’m probably showing my age here but I’d also throw in a vibe reminiscent of The Goonies movie too. Need I say more? This is one of the best clever rom com audiobooks I have listened to. (Full Review | Book Details

The Trivia Man by Deborah O’Brien

Who isn’t drawn to a book about people that walk to the beat of their own drum? Every one of us has at some time in our lives felt that we didn’t quite fit in with the crowd, or perhaps admired those that appeared quite happy not doing so. A funny romance novel that leaves you with that old-fashioned warm and fuzzy feeling… (Full Review | Book Details)

Best romcom books
The Travel Auction by Mark Green

Without giving too much away, there’s something special about Kate – you know that much from the book’s synopsis… It is that difference which gives this modern romcom grit and substance, and the manner in which Jonathan and Kate respond to it (sometimes refreshingly non-PC) which makes them such endearing characters. This title gets a big tick for its realistic depiction of diversity issues. (Full Review | Book Details)

Addition by Toni Jordan

Jordan has boldly presented a different slant on mental illness and poses the question, ‘At what point does uniqueness 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 must one compromise ones individuality to form a lasting relationship. (Full Review | Book Details)

Rom com books
The Portable Veblen by Elizabeth McKenzie

McKenzie’s clever prose is a delight to read – at times whimsical and often hilariously deadpan dialogue, but always with a strong emotional connection. A romantic ‘dramedy’, about an intelligent woman that could be accused (quite legitimately) of overthinking things. (Full Review | Book Details | Audio Libro.fm

One Day by David Nicholls

Has a romance novel ever made you laugh and want to cry at the same time? This old favourite of mine will. These characters feel so alive to the reader and are so genuine and endearing because Nicholls displays a real understanding of the difference between what people say and what they mean. And trust me, this bestselling novel really is far, far better than the One Day movie. (Full Review | Book Details | Audio Libro.fm

More Romantic Comedy Books Reviewers Recommend

Someone I Used To Know by Paige Toon

Shelleyrae @ Book’d Out’s recommendation: “I had tears in my eyes when I turned the last pages of Someone I Used To Know, the fifteenth contemporary romance novel from bestselling author, Paige Toon.“ (Book Details | Audio Libro.fm)

Star-Crossed by Minnie Darke

Theresa Smith Writes – “If you’re a fan of movies such as Love Actually, New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day – as I am – then this is the novel for you! It’s both smart and funny, it doesn’t take itself too seriously but still manages to captivate and delight.“ (Book Details | Audio Libro.fm)

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

Shelleyrae @ Book’d Out – “The plot of The Kiss Quotient is, in part, a twist on the classic movie, Pretty Woman (if you aren’t familiar with, watch it asap!). Though Hoang gives it her own creative flair, the novel offers the same delightful sense of unexpected romance, drama and fun.“ (Book Details | Audio Libro.fm)

Julie @ One Book More recommends Hoang’s romcom bestseller also, along with any of Penny Reid’s novels.

Last Night by Mhairi McFarlane

Shelleyrae @ Book’d Out’s recommendation: “Though both romantic and funny, Last Night is much more than the romcom it’s marketed as. It’s a contemporary, captivating story exploring friendship, loss, secrets and love, told with McFarlane’s distinctive blend of insight, heart, and wit.” We’ve since read and loved this novel too! (Full Review | Book Details | Audio Libro.fm)

The Lost Love Song by Minnie Darke

Theresa Smith Writes – “It’s a moving tribute to living and loving, in all its glory and pain. And it’s above all a testimony to the power of music as a means of communicating and bringing people together.” (Book Details | Audio Libro.fm)

The Minute I Saw You by Paige Toon

Kathryn’s Inbox – “The Minute I Saw You is a beautiful and emotional story about two very different people, with very different but equally tragic pasts.” (Book Details)

Kathryn also recommends Vinegar Girl by Anne Tyler and Sounded Better in My Head by Nina Kenwood.

The Summer Job by Lizzie Dent

Emma @ Never Judge a Book By Its Cover – “The Summer Job by Lizzy Dent has now become my comfort blanket, the book I just want to hug and reread over and over again and I won’t ever get bored. Think the comedy of The Devils Wears Prada meets the romance of The Holiday.“ (Book Details | Audio Libro.fm)  

Emma also recommends anything by romantic comedy author Lyssa Kay Adams.

One Night on the Island by Josie Silver

In addition to seconding the inclusion of The Summer Job in this romcom books list, blogger Cathy Powell also recommends Josie Silver’s One Night on the Island, saying it is“hard to put down once started“. (Book Details | Audio Libro.fm)

How many of these smart romantic comedy novels will earn a spot on your reading pile?

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Best Romance Books To Read - Romantic Comedy