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Hilarious, heart-warming novels for rom-com lovers
Barbara Kellyn, author of Polar Opposites, the winner of the 2024 Kobo Originals Holiday Rom-Com Writing Contest, explains what she loves about rom-coms—and recommends some of her favourites.
Here’s a hot take: a romcom isn’t a 50-50 formula. It’s more like 40 percent romance and (at least!) 60 percent comedy.
Sure, romance gets top billing, but it’s comedy that does the heavy lifting. Without a funny premise and humourous plotline supporting the main love story, a romcom isn’t a romcom – it’s a romance with a smattering of comedic moments. (Ahem, I’m looking at you, Sleepless in Seattle.)
Look, we don’t always have to take romance so seriously, and when you think about it, love is actually pretty funny. Romcoms bring the humour with flawed but loveable characters, so-crazy-they-could-happen meet cutes, and hijinks that keep the leads flailing while they’re falling for each other. Best of all is the witty banter as romcom alchemy turns verbal sparring into comedy gold.
These titles are from some of my favourite one-click authors, whose romcoms I will purchase sight unseen knowing they’ll have the right mix of rom and com.
Christmas Off Script
Friendship blossoms into red-hot romance in this modern, festive retelling of the Cinderella story. Ella, a big-hearted caregiver living in the shadow of her shady family, gets dumped and kicked out of her flat by her ex before the holidays. Luckily, her BFF Leo, who happens to be the swoony mutual secret crush who truly cherishes her heart, revives Ella’s spirit (among other parts!) by bringing her to his outrageously eccentric family’s manor in time to stage their madcap Christmas pantomime.
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Happiness for Beginners
You know that feeling when you love a movie, so you buy the book and it turns out to be even better? THIS IS THE BOOK. It’s about a divorcee who pulls up her bootstraps, steps outside of her comfort zone, and sets off to rediscover herself by enrolling in a wilderness survival course with a group of fellow misfits. Written with heart and humour, this book veers off from trodden romance trails and got my endorphins flowing by leading me to unexpectedly deep and delightful places.
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Fast Women
Writers seeking a crash course in crafting witty banter should take a deep dive into the whiplash-fast, deliciously snarky repartee between Crusie’s grown-up (i.e. over 40) romantic leads. Recently-divorced Nell lands a “girl Friday” job at a ragtag detective agency co-owned by gumshoe Gabe, and much to his chagrin, upends his life while playing amateur sleuth on his case. Fasten your trench coats for this smart, sexy romcom with a whodunnit plot that’ll keep you guessing ‘til the end.
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Present Tense
A spontaneous New Year’s Eve kiss lights a spark between Jillien and her best friend’s brother, Liam. Fast-forward 23 years, and the pair reunites at a holiday party where the sparks are DEFINITELY still there and primed to be acted upon. Is their hot tryst only temporary, or can Liam and Jillien take things to the next level by turning their undeniable physical chemistry (*fans self*) into a real relationship despite past secrets, insecurities and quirky family circle drama?
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Twenties Girl
It slightly defies the definition of romcom, but the premise is simply irresistible. Lara, a young woman in a personal crisis, is haunted by the ghost of her late great aunt Sadie, a centenarian who appears as a flapper-style gal from the roaring ’20s. Sadie enlists Lara to help unravel the mystery of her missing necklace while living vicariously through her modern relative’s love life. Hilarity ensues as the two very different generations of women bicker, banter, and bring out the best in each other.
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Big Trouble in Little Italy
Jessica has the perfect life and the perfect fiancé and they’re about to close on their perfect home. But cracks appear in the picture-perfect façade when she realizes she’s still married to the drunken mistake she made one night in Vegas long ago (oops!). Jessica sets out for Italy to untangle herself from one web of deceit, only to be ensnared in another fraught with peril and a startling new passion. Sharp’s clever romcom caper is more fun than a bowlful of fusilli with just as many twists.◼︎
View eBookCanadian rom-com author BARBARA KELLYN is known to her readers as “the Queen of Banter.” A lifelong storyteller, she has independently published five full-length romcom novels and a novella. Her MO is writing funny, steamy stories about likeable heroines worth rooting for and alluring heroes worth the trouble of falling for.
Polar Opposites
American magazine writer Zora Dunn has gladly accepted an assignment in the Polar Bear Capital of the World. Spending Christmas working in Northern Manitoba may not sound like the perfect holiday for some, but it's exactly what she needs to get her head back in the game after the sudden death of her beloved father. Zora is fully prepared to conquer the icy wilderness and hopefully her stubborn writer's block too. Little does she know that a polar bear won't be the only ornery creature she has to worry about encountering in the wild. After a grim prognosis, Canadian photographer Luke MacNeil is focused on getting the job done and finding his next freelance gig before time runs out. He’s also got a grudge against prissy know-it-alls like Zora Dunn. But whatever, she’s not his problem. As the mercury drops, the tension between he and Zora becomes thicker than the surrounding sea ice.
Image via Netflix
