On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, dive into your summer holidays with these ten hilarious and heartwarming romantic comedy books, perfect for beachside laughs and swoony escapes!
Summer holidays are the perfect time to lounge by the pool, sip a cool drink, and dive into a lighthearted romantic comedy book. Rom-coms offer the ideal blend of humor, heart, and happily-ever-afters, making them a must-pack for your vacation. Whether you’re craving witty banter, swoony moments, or laugh-out-loud mishaps, here’s a curated list of the top ten romantic comedy books to brighten your summer escape.
Top Ten Romantic Comedy Books To Read On Your Summer Holidays
1. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Olive Smith, a Ph.D. student, doesn’t believe in romance—until she needs to convince her best friend she’s in a relationship. Enter Adam Carlsen, a grumpy professor who agrees to be her fake boyfriend. This STEMinist rom-com is packed with fake-dating tropes, sizzling chemistry, and hilarious academic antics. Perfect for readers who love smart heroines and slow-burn romance.
Why it’s great for summer: Its light, nerdy humor and steamy moments make it a breezy beach read.
2. Beach Read by Emily Henry
January Andrews, a romance writer with writer’s block, swaps houses with Augustus Everett, a literary fiction author. Their challenge? To write in each other’s genres. This meta-rom-com delivers witty dialogue, emotional depth, and a sun-soaked lakeside setting. It’s a love letter to storytelling and second chances.
Why it’s great for summer: The beachy vibe and creative premise make it a vacation must-read.
3. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
When Alex Claremont-Diaz, America’s First Son, and Prince Henry of Wales turn their rivalry into a tabloid-fueled scandal, they’re forced into a fake friendship. Spoiler: it becomes much more. This enemies-to-lovers tale is bursting with sharp humor, political intrigue, and heart-melting romance.
Why it’s great for summer: Its global jet-setting and playful tone scream summer adventure.
4. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman, executive assistants, share an office and a mutual hatred—until their rivalry sparks unexpected chemistry. This debut novel is a masterclass in enemies-to-lovers, with razor-sharp banter and delicious tension. It’s a workplace rom-com you won’t put down.
Why it’s great for summer: The flirty, fast-paced plot is perfect for lazy afternoons.
5. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
Poppy and Alex, best friends with opposite personalities, take an annual summer trip together—until a falling-out derails their tradition. This friends-to-lovers story weaves past vacations with their attempt to reconnect. Emily Henry’s signature humor and heartfelt moments shine.
Why it’s great for summer: The travel-inspired plot feels like a literary getaway.
6. Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Nora Stephens, a cutthroat literary agent, keeps running into Charlie Lastra, a grumpy editor, in a small town. This enemies-to-lovers rom-com subverts romance tropes with clever wit and sizzling chemistry. It’s a love story for book nerds who adore sharp dialogue.
Why it’s great for summer: The small-town setting and bookish humor make it a cozy yet fun read.
7. The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
Catalina Martín needs a fake boyfriend for her sister’s wedding in Spain. Her annoying colleague Aaron Blackford volunteers, sparking a slow-burn romance filled with hilarious misadventures and steamy moments. This fake-dating rom-com is pure escapism.
Why it’s great for summer: The sunny Spanish backdrop and swoony romance scream vacation vibes.
8. Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie
Min Dobbs, a curvy actuary, bets she can resist Cal Morrissey, a charming playboy. Their chemistry, paired with quirky side characters and a fairy-tale vibe, makes this a timeless rom-com. Crusie’s sharp humor and heartfelt storytelling shine.
Why it’s great for summer: Its playful, feel-good energy is perfect for carefree holiday reading.
9. Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
Sally Milz, a comedy writer, falls for a pop star guest on her late-night show, challenging her insecurities about love. This modern rom-com blends Hollywood glitz with relatable humor and a touch of pandemic-era realism. It’s a fresh take on the celebrity romance trope.
Why it’s great for summer: The showbiz sparkle and witty romance make it a fun escape.
10. You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle
Naomi and Nicholas, an engaged couple, secretly plot to sabotage their wedding to avoid paying cancellation fees. Their pranks reignite their spark in this hilarious enemies-to-lovers-again rom-com. It’s a chaotic, laugh-out-loud ride with a heartwarming core.
Why it’s great for summer: The mischievous antics and rekindled romance keep the pages turning.
Why Rom-Coms Are Perfect for Summer
Romantic comedies are the literary equivalent of a sunny day—uplifting, warm, and full of possibility. These books offer a mix of tropes (fake dating, enemies-to-lovers, friends-to-lovers) and settings (beaches, small towns, global adventures) to suit any vacation mood. Pack a few in your beach bag, and let the laughter and swoons transport you.
Pro Tip: Pair these reads with a tropical drink and a cozy hammock for the ultimate summer experience. Happy reading!
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