Romantic comedy books are a popular subgenre in the world of romance literature. Similar to rom-com movies, these books are light, fun, and filled with love stories that almost always end with a happily ever after. From enemies-to-lovers tales to steamy and humorous romances, romantic comedy books offer a variety of love stories that cater to different preferences.
In this article, readers will discover the best romantic comedy books to read in 2022. These books are bestsellers, award winners, and favorites amongst Goodreads reviewers, making them tried-and-true favorites that should be at the top of any romance reader’s “to be read” list.
1. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
“The Unhoneymooners” by Christina Lauren is a romantic comedy novel that tells the story of Olive and Ethan, sworn enemies who are forced to pretend to be newlyweds during a honeymoon trip. The book is available at Amazon and Bookshop for a starting price of $8.44.
The plot revolves around Olive’s sister’s wedding, where everyone except Olive and Ethan gets food poisoning. Olive offers to let Ethan take the all-expense-paid honeymoon in her place, but they agree to stay away from each other during the trip. However, they are forced to pretend to be a couple when they run into Olive’s new boss.
Readers can find more books by Christina Lauren by following the link provided in the background information.
2. Dating Dr. Dil by Nisha Sharma
Kareena’s father plans to sell her mother’s house, but she makes a deal with him to gift her the house if she can get engaged in four months. Unfortunately, that becomes a difficult task when her argument with Dr. Prem, the host of “The Dr. Dil Show,” goes viral.
Meanwhile, Kareena’s aunts approach Dr. Prem with an offer to fund his community health center if he can convince Kareena they’re soulmates. “Dating Dr. Dil” by Nisha Sharma is available on Amazon and Bookshop, starting from $14.39.
3. Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors” by Sonali Dev
“Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors” is a romantic comedy novel by Sonali Dev. The book is the first in a series that retells classic stories with modern twists. The story follows Trisha Raje, a renowned neurosurgeon, and DJ Caine, who initially have a terrible first impression of each other.
However, they soon discover that Trisha is the only surgeon who can save DJ’s sister’s life. The book is available for purchase on Amazon and Bookshop, with prices starting at $10.98.
4. Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
“Get a Life, Chloe Brown” is a contemporary romance novel by Talia Hibbert. The book is available on Amazon and Bookshop, starting at $11.37. The story follows Chloe Brown, who has a detailed plan to break out of her comfort zone and “get a life.”
She enlists the help of Red Morgan, a sexy and tattooed handyman, to assist her in rebelling properly. As Chloe and Red spend more time together, Chloe discovers that there is much more to Red than just his rebellious nature.
5. The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling
“The Ex Hex” by Erin Sterling is a captivating novel that tells the story of Vivi Jones and Rhys, her ex-boyfriend. Vivi had cast a spell on Rhys nine years ago, and now he has returned to town, bringing with him a series of disasters that threaten the community.
In order to save their town, Vivi and Rhys must work together to break the hex, setting aside their feelings for each other.
6. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
In “The Love Hypothesis” by Ali Hazelwood, Olive Smith, a Ph.D. candidate, kisses her young, attractive professor, Adam Carlsen, to convince her best friend that she’s happily dating. Agreeing to pretend they’re in a relationship to convince the board that Adam isn’t planning to leave soon, Olive and Adam spend more time together to keep up the facade.
However, their relationship takes a turn at a big science conference, which not only changes their relationship forever but also threatens Olive’s career.
7. The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai
“The Right Swipe” by Alisha Rai is a novel that tells the story of Rhiannon Hunter, a dating app creator who has strict rules for her own dating life. She matches with former pro-football player Samson Lima, who ghosts her just to reappear months later in business with her greatest rival.
The book explores the challenges of navigating modern dating and business relationships, and the importance of standing up for oneself. The book is available for purchase on Amazon and Bookshop, with prices starting at $9.59.
8. When Katie Met Cassidy by Camille Perri
In “When Katie Met Cassidy,” Camille Perri tells the story of Katie, whose life is turned upside down after a breakup with her fiancé. Seeking solace, she meets Cassidy, a sexually adventurous woman from work, and the two embark on a journey of self-discovery and love.
The novel explores themes of identity and sexuality, while also providing steamy scenes and a magical romance.
9. When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon
“When Dimple Met Rishi” is a charming romantic comedy novel by Sandhya Menon. The book tells the story of two young web developers, Dimple and Rishi, who meet by chance at a summer program after graduation.
Despite their different opinions on arranged marriages, their parents are eager to suggest one between them. The novel explores their relationship as they navigate their cultural differences and personal goals. It is a delightful and humorous read that is perfect for a summer day. The book is available for purchase on Amazon and Bookshop for $10.69 and up.
10. Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola
In “Honey & Spice” by Bolu Babalola, Kiki Banjo, a popular student radio show host, is faced with a dilemma when she publicly kisses someone she had just denounced on her show. To save her viewership, Kiki and Malakai Korede agree to fake a relationship, but their genuine chemistry complicates things. The book is available on Amazon and Bookshop, starting from $14.99.
11. Ties That Tether by Jane Igharo
“Ties That Tether” by Jane Igharo is a romantic comedy that explores the complexities of identity, happiness, and duty. The story follows Azere, a young woman who promised her dying father that she would marry a Nigerian man.
However, after yet another failed arranged date, she finds herself falling for Rafael, a handsome white man. As their one-night stand turns into a serious relationship, Azere is faced with a difficult decision between her heritage and the man she loves. “Ties That Tether” is available at Amazon and Bookshop, starting at $11.17.
12. The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
“The Kiss Quotient” by Helen Hoang is a romantic novel that follows the story of Stella Lane, a woman with Asperger’s who uses math and logic to solve all problems. Despite her aversion to kissing, she hires Michael Phan, an escort, to help her practice everything from foreplay to complex positions.
As they spend more time together, they develop real chemistry, leaving Stella to question whether algorithms can truly answer every question.
13. The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
“The Charm Offensive” by Alison Cochrun is a romantic comedy novel that revolves around Dev Deshpande, a believer of fairy tale romance who works on the set of the popular dating show “Ever After.”
The story takes an interesting turn when tech millionaire Charlie Winshaw becomes the next contestant on the show and struggles to connect with the women and cope with his anxiety on set.
Dev takes it upon himself to help Charlie through the season, creating a heartwarming and queer love story that also addresses serious mental health challenges.
14. The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
Catalina Martin is in a bind. She has to find a date for her sister’s wedding in Spain, and fast. After lying to her family that she has a new boyfriend, she has only four weeks to find someone to bring.
With limited options, she ends up with her colleague, Aaron Blackford. What starts as a heated enemies-to-lovers romance turns into something more as they navigate the beautiful Spanish countryside and their growing feelings for each other.
15. The Paid Bridesmaid by Sariah Wilson
Rachel Vinson is a professional bridesmaid who is hired by people who need an extra bridesmaid for their wedding. She is hired to be a bridesmaid for an Instagram influencer’s destination wedding in Hawaii.
Camden Lewis, a tech entrepreneur, thinks Rachel is a corporate spy and tries to keep an eye on her. However, he soon discovers that Rachel is on a different kind of mission. The Paid Bridesmaid by Sariah Wilson is available on Amazon and Bookshop, starting from $11.66.
16. Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto
“Dial A for Aunties” is a delightful romantic comedy and cozy mystery novel by Jesse Q. Sutanto. The story revolves around Meddelin Chan, who accidentally kills her blind date and seeks the help of her four meddling aunties to hide the dead body.
The situation turns into a hilarious disaster when disposing of the body becomes a chaotic affair during a wedding weekend. The family aims to avoid a murder charge, help Meddelin fall in love, and keep their family wedding business afloat.
17. Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar
In her novel, “Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating,” Adiba Jaigirdar tells the story of Hani, a bisexual girl who faces invalidation from her friends when she comes out to them. To prove them wrong, Hani lies about dating Ishu, a girl her friends dislike.
Despite their differences, Ishu agrees to pretend to be Hani’s girlfriend in exchange for a boost in popularity to help her become head girl and improve her college resumes. The novel explores themes of identity, friendship, and the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.
18. The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez
In “The Happy Ever After Playlist” by Abby Jimenez, Sloan discovers a lost dog and begins texting its owner, Jason, who is on tour in Australia. Despite the distance, the two become increasingly close through their flirty texts and long calls. As their connection grows, they can’t wait to finally meet in person.
19. The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon
“The Boyfriend Project” by Farrah Rochon is a romantic comedy novel that follows the story of Samiah, who discovers that she has been catfished after a terrible date.
She decides to focus on herself and create the app she has always dreamed of while also meeting a handsome man named Daniel at work. The novel explores the themes of female friendship and the search for true love.
20. A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow by Laura Taylor Namey
Laura Taylor Namey’s “A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow” is a heartwarming YA novel that tells the story of Lila Reyes, a Cuban-American teenager who finds herself spending three months in a small town in England.
Lila’s life takes an unexpected turn, leaving her with no choice but to embrace the new experiences that come her way. One of these experiences is meeting Orion, a charming local who takes her on a journey of self-discovery and helps her create unforgettable memories.
21. The Wedding Crasher by Mia Sosa
In “The Wedding Crasher” by Mia Sosa, Solange Pereira overhears a secret just before a wedding and decides to crash it to save the groom, Dean, from making a mistake.
Although Dean is not heartbroken about his modern-day marriage of convenience falling through, he needs a significant other for an important work assignment and impulsively asks Solange to play along.
22. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
“Red, White & Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston is a romance novel that tells the story of First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz and Prince Henry, who have been enemies for a long time.
When they are caught in a confrontation by the tabloids, their teams come up with a PR stunt to stage a fake friendship between the boys. This fake friendship quickly turns into a real one, and the potential for something more develops.
Summary
The world of romantic comedy novels is vast and varied, with a plethora of options to choose from. From classic works to modern hits, there is something for everyone. Some of the best rom-com books include “Bridget Jones’s Diary” by Helen Fielding, “The Rosie Project” by Graeme Simsion, and “Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman.
These books offer engaging characters, witty dialogue, and heartwarming moments that are sure to leave readers feeling satisfied.