Romantic Comedies for Valentine’s Day

Renee has been “researching” romantic comedies just in time for Valentine’s Day (or should we day, Library Lover’s Day?).

After getting into a reading funk (that is, having children) I needed some light, funny, easy to read books that didn’t require a lot of brainpower to follow the storyline. Here’s what made the list:

The love hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

When a fake relationship between scientists meets the irresistible force of attraction, it throws one woman’s carefully calculated theories on love into chaos.

Quirky, very funny, and great to read about women in STEM by an author who knows what they’re talking about. Love the fake boyfriend trope. 5 stars.

The Spanish love deception by Elena Armas

Catalina desperately needs a date for her sister’s wedding. Especially now her little white lie about her American boyfriend has spiralled out of control.

Longer than the average romcom, I was a little reluctant to start reading but this book grabbed me from the first page. Another ‘fake boyfriend’ book, it ended up being a really nice story without being too slow or using angst as a plot developer. I’m looking forward to reading the sequel The American roommate experiment. 4 stars

Hot desk by Zara Stoneley

Alice loves her job and wants to keep it – whatever the price. But then she’s told the company is switching to flexible working and hot desking… Now she has to share a desk with the most annoying guy in the office.

Started off well, but one of the main characters started making questionable decisions with major consequences on the couple. I personally didn’t like where the storyline was going and didn’t finish. 1 star.

The flatshare Beth O’Leary

Tiffy and Leon share a bed. Tiffy and Leon have never met. Their friends think they’re crazy, but it’s the perfect solution: Leon occupies the flat while Tiffy’s at work, and she has the run of the place the rest of the time.

I missed seeing this on TV but the ads looked interesting so I looked into the book. Now I’m kicking myself and madly hoping it gets released on DVD soon! 4.5 stars.

The dating game by Sandy Barker

Once upon a time, twelve women joined the hottest reality TV show looking for love. Except one had a secret identity. Journalist Abby can’t think of anything worse than being undercover and followed around by cameras. But her career depends on it, and when she meets gorgeous produce Jack, Abby begins to wonder if this job might not be so bad after all.

A take on all those “reality” shows that keep getting shown on TV.  Pretty funny, especially the differences between the English and Aussie ladies, though it did drag a little. 3 stars.

The hating game by Sally Thorne

For Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman, it’s hate at first sight…until Joshua hits the emergency button in the elevator and plants a kiss on her. Lucy begins to wonder if she really does hate Joshua after all, or if this is yet another game.

I LOVED this book! It’s right up there as one of my all time favourites. Hardly any angst, rather the characters actually communicate with each other. I’m a bit partial to the whole ‘enemies to lovers’ trope too. It’s also been adapted into a movie. Make sure you check out 99 percent mine for the epilogue to Josh and Lucy’s story. 5+++ stars.

Next on my ‘to be read’ pile:

The cheat sheet by Sarah Adams

Hi, my name is Bree Camden and I’m hopelessly in love with my best friend and star quarterback Nathan Donelson (so is half of America, judging by the tabloids and how much the guy dates).

Second first impressions by Sally Thorne

A muscular, tattooed man is hired as an assistant to two elderly women – under the watchful eye of a beautiful retirement home manager.

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

Olive is always unlucky: in her career, in love, in… well everything. Now her identical twin sister Ami is getting married, and forcing Olive to spend the day with her sworn enemy, Ethan, who just happens to be the best man.

Book lovers by Emily Henry

Nora is on holidays in a small town straight out of a romance novel. But instead of meeting sexy lumberjacks, handsome doctors or cute bartenders, Nora keeps running into… Charlie. She’s no heroine. He’s no hero. So can they take a page out of an entirely different book?

Disagree with my opinions? Have your own favourite romcoms? We’d love to hear about them! Search for your favourite books on the Library website to leave a review.

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