The popularity of romance novels is something that can't be denied - after all, it is a billion-dollar industry. And my favorite subgenre: romantic comedies. I love getting to laugh and cry within the same story, and these are the books I found that gave me exactly what I was looking for- and will always be on my top recommendations list.
1. Funny Story by Emily Henry
I have been a huge fan of Emily Henry's work since Beach Read came out in 2020. However, after I woke up my dog from laughing so loud multiple times reading this book, I am positive this is her best work. The faking dating plot is hilarious - especially since they are doing it to go to the wedding of the two who dumped them in the first place. But in true Emily Henry fashion, it balances the comedy and romance with heart and angst. It's a hard balance but her doing it so well is why I always come back to her works when I need a good laugh and cry in the same reading session.
Funny Story is available through Penguin Random House
2. Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Jesse Q. Sutanto has a disclaimer at the beginning of Dial A for Aunties that explains the four Aunties in the book are based on her family and her family's experiences. And honestly, the fact these characters were based on real people, made the story so much better. I loved the way they bickered, how every problem was met with the most ridiculous solution, and the final wedding that is so hilarious - but I refuse to spoil how! I laughed out loud many times, but the family and heart make the book memorable.
Dial A for Aunties is available through Penguin Random House
3. The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
There is a genre I have dubbed "fun spooky" where we are dealing with ghosts, witches, and death - but in a way that's supposed to entertain instead of horrify its readers. And The Dead Romantics is the epitome of fun spooky. It's strange to say a novel that revolves around death is a comedy but it is peak Millennial humor - especially since so much of our humor is dark and dry. In addition to the spooky nature, the book has a fantastic cast of characters and a lot of heart, making it an incredibly fun read.
The Dead Romantics is available through Penguin Random House