Best Romantic Comedy Books of 2026

Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score is a heartwarming small town romance that will leave readers feeling good. The story follows Knox, a solitary barber who helps a runaway bride, Naomi, who is stranded in Knockemout, Virginia with an unexpected niece to take care of. Naomi's presence disrupts Knox's peaceful life, but he can't help but assist her as she navigates her new life in the town. As the danger unfolds, Knox and Naomi's relationship deepens, leading to a satisfying conclusion. Score's writing is engaging, and the characters are well-developed, making it a must-read for fans of small-town romance.

"Happy Place" by Emily Henry is a contemporary women's fiction book about a couple who broke up but pretend to still be together during their annual vacation with their best friends. Harriet and Wyn's weeklong stay in a Maine cottage is their last together in the place they've come to cherish, and they don't want to ruin it for their friends. However, the more they pretend, the more they realize they still have feelings for each other. This slow-burn romance is a heartwarming ode to chosen families and the complexities of relationships. Overall, "Happy Place" is a delightful read that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.

Things We Hide from the Light (Knockemout Series, 2) by Lucy Score is a heartwarming and funny love story. The novel follows Nash Morgan, the good Morgan brother, as he recovers from being shot, and his neighbor Lina, who has secrets of her own. The connection between them is electric, but Lina's past and fear of commitment threaten their relationship. Score's signature charm shines through in this small-town romance, as she weaves together humor and heartfelt moments. Overall, Things We Hide from the Light is a delightful read that fans of the genre won't want to miss.

Romantic Comedy (Reese's Book Club): A Novel by Curtis Sittenfeld is a charming and witty story that explores the complexities of modern romance. The protagonist, Sally Milz, is a comedy writer who has given up on love. However, when she meets pop star Noah Brewster, she begins to question her assumptions. The novel is a delightful exploration of the conventions of romantic comedy and the realities of real-life love. Sittenfeld's ability to bring complex female characters to life on the page is on full display in this book. Overall, Romantic Comedy is a smart, sophisticated, and fun read that is sure to leave readers smiling.

"Icebreaker: A Novel" by Hannah Grace is a New York Times bestseller and a TikTok sensation. The book tells the story of Anastasia, a competitive figure skater, and Nate, the captain of the hockey team, who are forced to share a rink. Despite their initial animosity, sparks fly between them as they work together to achieve their goals. The book is a delightful mix of sweltering chemistry, sizzling banter, and swoon-worthy romance. This book is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy contemporary romance with a sports theme. Overall, "Icebreaker" is a must-read for anyone looking for a heartwarming and entertaining love story.

One True Loves: A Novel is a heartwarming and emotional story about a woman named Emma who is forced to choose between her high school sweetheart, Jesse, who she thought was dead, and her fiancé, Sam, who brought her back to life. The author, Taylor Jenkins Reid, presents a thought-provoking question: is it possible to have multiple soulmates? The book explores the complexities of love and the importance of following your heart. The story is beautifully written, and the characters are well-developed. Overall, One True Loves is a must-read for fans of romance and women's domestic life fiction.

Someone Else's Shoes: A Novel by Jojo Moyes is a heartwarming story about two women from different worlds who find solace in each other's lives. Nisha Cantor, a wealthy globetrotter, loses everything when her husband files for divorce and cuts her off. Meanwhile, Sam Kemp, a struggling mother, accidentally takes Nisha's gym bag, which leads her to discover a new level of confidence. The novel explores the theme of second chances and the power of friendship. Jojo Moyes' signature humor, brilliant storytelling, and warmth make this novel a delightful read.

Yours Truly is a contemporary romance novel written by Abby Jimenez. The story follows Dr. Briana Ortiz as she navigates a difficult divorce, her brother's health crisis, and her complicated relationship with her new co-worker, Dr. Jacob Maddox. When Jacob offers to donate a kidney to Briana's brother, she can't help but be drawn to him despite her initial reservations. Jimenez's sparkling prose and skillful plotting make Yours Truly a must-read for fans of the genre. The book is a perfect blend of humor, heart, and heat, and Jimenez once again proves herself to be a true talent in the world of contemporary romance.

Beach Read by Emily Henry is a charming romance novel that follows the story of two writers with different genres who challenge each other to write something out of their comfort zone in the span of three months. The book is a delightful read that will make readers experience a wide range of emotions. It has received critical acclaim, being featured in numerous publications as one of the best summer reads of 2020. Overall, Beach Read is a unique and heartwarming book that will make readers believe in love and the possibility of finding it in unexpected places.

Love and Other Words is a heartwarming novel by New York Times bestselling author Christina Lauren. The story follows Macy Sorensen, a pediatrics resident who reconnects with her childhood sweetheart, Elliot Petropoulos, after a decade apart. Told in alternating timelines between their teenage years and present-day, the novel explores the bittersweet pangs of love and loss with piercing clarity. Lauren delivers a resoundingly life-affirming tale of what it takes to claw one's way to necessary healing, both romantically and personally. This contemporary women's fiction book is a triumph of character development, heartbreak, joy, chemistry, and charisma woven throughout the pages.