Rom-Com Books Based on Your Mood

10 romance recommendations for you

Happy Valentine’s week! I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to write about some of my favorite rom-coms, so today’s post is full of recommendations for you to pick from. Cozy up and pick a book that you can curl up with Valentine’s Day weekend!

I’m in the mood for…

A book that feels like a Nora Ephron movie: First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison

Borison’s new Heartstring series is inspired by Nora Ephron movies. This first one takes its inspiration from Sleepless in Seattle (a favorite!). I enjoyed the small nods to Ephron’s film and both main characters. This book feels like an ode to rom-coms and is perfect to pick up this weekend! Also, I cannot get over how good the cover is. You can read my review and summary of the book here.

A quick book I can read in one sitting: Big Fan by Alexandra Romanoff

I read this in one sitting while my daughter took a contact nap on my chest a few weeks ago- the perfect afternoon! This romance follows Maya, a rising political strategist, and Charlie, former lead singer of a popular boy band. I loved everything about this: the chemistry, normal person/celebrity romance, and Maya’s insight into the world of politics. This brought me back to my obsession with the Jonas Brothers when I was in middle school (anyone else?!) It’s smart, quick, and fun.

A cozy British story: Is She Really Going Out With Him? by Sophie Cousens

This was my first Sophie Cousens novel, and I thought it was such a delight! I’ve been enjoying reading about slightly older protagonists in rom-coms. The main character in this book is a woman named Anna who is going through a divorce, raising two kids, and having trouble at her work. Her struggles felt down to earth and relatable. I found this charming, loved the British setting, and thought the secondary characters were so fun.

A series I can dig into: The Love Lyric by Kristina Forest

The Love Lyric is the third and final book in Kristina Forest’s Greene sisters series. If you’re a fan of Sarah Adam’s Rome series, I think this will be for you! The Love Lyric is another normal person/celebrity romance and also explores getting into a relationship in the midst of grief + losing a partner. You can read the series out of order, but I recommend starting with The Neighbor Favor so you can get to know all the characters.

A swoony second-chance romance: The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce

Second-chance romances are not always my favorite, but this one took me by surprise- I absolutely loved it. Georgia and Eli forever. They’re both going through hard things and working on personal growth after breaking up, and I really enjoyed getting to read about them processing mental health issues. It made the book feel relatable, and watching them get back together even sweeter! This also has one of the sweetest endings ever- IYKYK.

A book that feels atmospheric: Last Call at the Local by Sarah Grunder Ruiz

This book takes place in a cozy pub in a small town in Ireland. What more could you ask for?! I immediately wanted to take a trip to Ireland after reading this, and I think it’s perfect for the winter season. The cast of characters is great, and it made me want to open my own small business.

A literary romance: Talking at Night by Claire Daverly

This is not a rom-com- it’s a literary romance that is often sad. But I had to include something for the lit-fic girlies; it IS very beautiful & well-written. Will and Rosie meet in high school and continue to find their way back to each other time and time again. I loved the writing in this; I found myself underlining so many pages, which I don’t often do. I can’t wait to see what Daverly writes next!

A story where he falls first: Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood

Something about Ali Hazelwood's books makes me completely obsessed, and this one might be my favorite? I love Mal and Nolan so much. Watching Nolan fall first and be completely in love with Mal without her even noticing is just the best. Ali, please write more YA! This is great on audio or in print.

A YA rom-com: Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant

This is the type of book I wanted when I was in high school. It’s sweet, smart, and fun while also having a lot of depth. I love how Bryant explores creativity in this book and loved the whole cast of characters. This is Bryant’s first novel, and she has since written several more, so if you like this, there are lots more to read! This would also be a good option to put in the hands of a high schooler in your life. I find that Bryant treats young adults with such respect and gives them credit that they don’t always get.

A book that’s excellent on audio: The Bodyguard by Katherine Center

The premises of Katherine Center novels have never stood out to me, but a few years ago, I decided to try one, and they quickly became my comfort stories. The Bodyguard is excellent on audio. Center’s writing is funny, and her characters always have great banter. This would be a great book of hers to start with if you’ve never read any of her work before.

Are you picking up a rom-com this weekend for Valentine’s Day? The next rom-coms on my list are Yin Yang Love Song by Lauren Kung Jessen because it’s set on Whidbey Island (one of my favorite places!) and Back After This by Linda Holmes because she is one of my favorites!

Happy Valentines!

Megan