Romantic comedy books have been my go-to escape for the past couple of weeks, and I’ll tell you, it’s been an adventure. In the last two weeks, I’ve started 12 books, finished 3, and am halfway through another. I’m realizing that while I adore this genre, I’m also very picky about what I like. Here’s a roundup of what I’ve been reading, what I’ve loved, and why I’m not afraid to DNF a book.
Romantic Comedy Books I Loved
Funny Story by Emily Henry
This book completely hooked me with its mix of humor and heart. Emily Henry creates characters that feel like real people—flawed, messy, and so relatable. The banter is top-notch, and the emotional depth gave me all the feels.
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
Fake dating, a free vacation, and a whole lot of chaos? Yes, please! This was the perfect mix of laugh-out-loud moments and swoon-worthy romance. I loved how the main characters’ banter evolved into something deeper.
Honeymoon Crashers by Christina Lauren
A follow-up that didn’t disappoint! The ridiculous plot made me smile, but it was the characters’ chemistry and quirks that kept me invested. Christina Lauren knows how to craft fun, over-the-top scenarios that still hit the emotional beats.
Currently Reading: People We Meet on Vacation
I’m part way through this one, and I’m already hooked. The friendship-turned-maybe-more dynamic is giving me life, and Emily Henry’s writing is so sharp and engaging. I’m savoring every minute.
Why I DNF’d Some Books
Here’s the thing: I’m all about characters that feel real. If their flaws feel superficial—like being “clumsy” or “too quirky”—I just can’t connect. I need messy, authentic people with flaws that go deeper than spilling coffee on their crush.
At the same time, I love ridiculous plots. Give me all the fake marriages, forced proximity, and stranded-on-a-desert-island tropes. But if the characters don’t feel human, even the best plot won’t hold my attention. That’s why I’m a firm believer in DNFing books. Life’s too short to force yourself through something that doesn’t spark joy, right?
How Reading Inspires My Writing
Diving into these rom-coms reminds me why I love writing in this genre. My own hockey romantic comedy short story (free for my newsletter subscribers!) combines the elements I adore as a reader: flawed, lovable characters making mistakes and a plot that’s just a little wild and fun. Throw in some black cat/golden retriever vibes and two people struggling to feel like they have any control over their futures so they control the heck out of their rivalry turned no-strings-attached hook-up situation.
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Let’s Talk Rom-Coms!
Have you read any amazing (or not-so-amazing) romantic comedies lately? I’d love to hear your recommendations—or warnings—because I’m always on the hunt for my next favorite book.
In the meantime, I’ll be finishing People We Meet on Vacation and and waiting for all my other Emily Henry holds to come in on the Libby App!
ALLISON MARTIN 
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