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Top Intelligent Romantic Comedy Novels – Smart Women’s Fiction

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Intelligent Romantic Comedy Books

Romantic comedy novels (‘rom-coms’) are too often overlooked by smart women that consider themselves ‘serious’ readers.

I suspect much of the blame for that can be assigned to the publishing terms chick-lit and women’s fiction, and the many flimsy and dare I say it, cheap, romance novels marketed under those banners over the years.

As Anne Browning Walker explains in “Why Smart Women Read Romance Novels”,

… most romances today feature strong, smart, savvy women. And smart romance characters attract smart romance readers.

We all deserve some downtime and we can all benefit from seeing relationships (particularly romantic ones) from different perspectives. Just because a story contains contemporary romance and comedic moments, that certainly does not preclude that book from being stimulating and even edifying reading.

There is something for everyone in this booklist — all are worthy of a place on your reading pile.

My Top Intelligent Romantic Comedy Books

Intellectual romance novels

Bellwether by Connie Willis

Willis has written this short novel, a novella really, so ingeniously. Each chapter begins with an often tongue in cheek description of a fad – what exactly it was, how it came about, how long it lasted and why it diminished – Hula hoops, rubix cube, quality circles, hot pants, etc. Find out more >>

Our Tiny, Useless Hearts by Toni Jordan

I have long been a fan of Aussie author Toni Jordan’s brand of humour and original and intelligent take on women’s fiction (Addition and Fall Girl), but this is her best book yet. Think Oscar Wilde’s classic The Importance of Being Earnest meets Fawlty Towers meets the Love Actually movie. Find out more >>

Funny romance books for smart women

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

Eleanor has always been different, and so doesn’t give a toss what others think. They’re the strange ones, right? This results in many hilarious narrative asides as she navigates the world and embarks on greater human interaction. But for all the delicious awkwardness and fish-out-of-water humour to be found in this novel, it is ultimately a deeply moving character journey. Find out more >>

The Helpline by Katherine Collette

Germaine Johnson is socially inept (very bad at reading people) and so her routinely awkward interactions with others make for compelling reading. But, most endearing is the motley group of wonderfully patient, warm-hearted characters that enter her life when she starts working on the Council Helpline for senior citizens, along with author Katherine Collette’s quietly quirky sense of humour. Find out more >>

Best romantic comedy books

Jonathan Unleashed by Meg Rosoff

If you are a dog lover, and are inclined not to take yourself (or the human species in general) too seriously, then this is the perfect romantic comedy book for you – a sweet, light-hearted and highly entertaining weekend read. Find out more >>

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

This novel was an international bestseller for good reason… a very modern take on the classic screwball romance tackles some tough societal issues with just the right mix of hilarity and compassion. A must read, and one of the few in this reading list that I would unreservedly recommend to male readers also. Find out more >>

Intelligent romance novels

Resistance Is Futile by Jenny T Colgan

Publisher Orbit Books described this novel as ‘Bridget Jones meets The Big Bang Theory meets Independence Day‘. I can vouch for that description being absolutely spot on. I’m probably showing my age here but I’d also throw in a vibe reminiscent of The Goonies movie too. Need I say more? Find out more >>

The Trivia Man by Deborah O’Brien

Who isn’t drawn to a book about people that walk to the beat of their own drum? Every one of us has at some time in our lives felt that we didn’t quite fit in with the crowd, or perhaps admired those that appeared quite happy not doing so. A romantic comedy novel that leaves you with that old-fashioned warm and fuzzy feeling… Find out more >>

Smart Romance Books

The Travel Auction by Mark Green

Without giving too much away, there’s something special about Kate – you know that much from the book synopsis… It is that difference which gives this romance novel grit and substance, and the manner in which Jonathan and Kate respond to it (sometimes refreshingly non-PC) which makes them such realistic and endearing characters. Find out more >>

Addition by Toni Jordan

Jordan has boldly presented a different slant on mental illness and poses the question, ‘At what point does uniqueness become an illness?’ At the same time, this dark exploration is wrapped up in what is essentially a very sweet love story that explores the classic questions of how much must one compromise ones individuality to form a lasting relationship. Find out more >>

Best Romance Comedy Books

The Portable Veblen by Elizabeth McKenzie

McKenzie’s prose is a delight to read – at times whimsical and often hilariously deadpan dialogue, but always with a strong emotional connection. Find out more >>

One Day by David Nicholls

Has a romance novel ever made you laugh and want to cry at the same time? This old favourite of mine will. These characters feel so alive to the reader and are so genuine and endearing because Nicholls displays a real understanding of the difference between what people say and what they mean. And trust me, in this instance, the book really is far, far better than the One Day movieFind out more >>

Which of our top romantic comedy novels will you be adding to your reading list?

UPDATE: Another title I feel compelled to recommend is  If Kisses Cured Cancer by T S Hawken. You know that marketing spin, “it will have you in tears of joy, sorrow and laughter”… in the case of this novel, it is actually true!

LATEST UPDATE: Beth O’Leary’s wonderful debut The Flatshare belongs in the above list also!

And remember, most of these titles are available in audiobook which you can download and listen to FREE with Audible’s 30-Day Trial.

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10 Smart Romantic Comedy Novels Intelligent Romantic Comedy Novels

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10 Books Every Feisty Female Should Read and 50 Best Historical Fiction Novels
Fiction by Women In Translation

Updated

The post Top Intelligent Romantic Comedy Novels – Smart Women’s Fiction appeared first on Booklover Book Reviews.


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