Somebody asks AI
“Which romance books should I buy if I'm looking for something funny and heartwarming?”
6 live AI models answered this, with the web open, and we kept every word. It comes from “romance books”, a term Google Keyword Planner puts at 40,500 searches a month, so this is what a real buying decision sounds like, not a question we made up.
Every answer, word for word
Asked as
“Which romance books should I buy if I'm looking for something funny and heartwarming?”
6 models answered this one. They do not agree.
Here are funny-and-heartwarming romance picks to buy next, with a mix of brand‑new and can’t‑miss crowd‑pleasers:
Super-current
- Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry — witty banter and big feelings as a sunny aspiring writer clashes with a grumpy literary icon. Winner of the 2025 Goodreads Choice Award for Romance. (goodreads.com)
- Funny Story by Emily Henry — laugh-out-loud forced-proximity/roommates that still lands an emotional punch.
Feel-good contemporary rom-coms
- Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez — charming “fake‑curse” setup, tons of humor, and a warm found‑family vibe.
- The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren — reality‑TV dating shenanigans with a swoony, cinnamon‑roll hero.
- The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang — adorable, smart, and uplifting; a modern rom‑com classic.
- The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary — quirky, cozy, and tender; perfect if you want maximum heart with gentle humor.
Low-angst/closed‑door cuties
- Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams — small‑town sweetness and giggles, light on steam but heavy on charm.
- Exes and O’s by Amy Lea — bookish hijinks, slow‑burn comfort, and plenty of laughs.
Queer rom‑coms
- Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall — sparkling British banter, fake‑dating chaos, and tons of heart.
If you want more 2025 options beyond Emily Henry, critics’ lists like Publishers Weekly’s Best Romance and NPR’s Books We Love are great places to browse for additional funny, feel‑good picks. (best-books.publishersweekly.com)
Want me to narrow these to specific tropes (enemies to lovers, fake dating, grumpy/sunshine) or steam level?
If you are looking for romance novels that deliver snappy banter and laugh-out-loud moments alongside a warm, comforting feel-good vibe, here are some of the best books to check out, broken down by flavor:
1. The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary
- Tropes: Forced proximity, roommates-to-lovers, epistolary (sticky notes)
- The Premise: Tiffy needs a cheap place to rent in London; Leon works night shifts as a hospice palliative care nurse and needs extra money. They decide to share a one-bedroom apartment—she gets it by night, he gets it by day. They communicate entirely through a growing trail of sticky notes left around the flat before ever meeting in person.
- Why it fits: It is remarkably charming, cozy, and funny. The note exchanges are playful and sweet, and the story manages to balance humor with a genuinely tender exploration of healing and building trust.
2. Book Lovers by Emily Henry
- Tropes: Rivals-to-lovers, city mouse vs. country mouse, small town
- The Premise: Nora Stephens is a cutthroat, ambitious Manhattan literary agent who is usually the uptight ex-girlfriend in every romance movie trope. When she takes her pregnant sister on a summer getaway to a quaint North Carolina town, she repeatedly bumps into Charlie Lastra, an equally hypercritical, brooding book editor from New York.
- Why it fits: Emily Henry is known for sharp, hilarious dialogue, and the banter between Nora and Charlie is top-tier. Beneath the wit, it is a deeply heartwarming ode to ambitious women, sisterly bonds, and finding someone who loves you for your exact, unapologetic self.
3. Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall
- Tropes: Fake dating, opposites attract, grumpy/chaotic (M/M)
- The Premise: Luc O'Donnell is the chaotic, scandal-prone son of rock stars who needs to clean up his public image to save his job at a charity. He enters a mutually beneficial fake relationship with Oliver Blackwood, an impeccably dressed, uptight barrister who needs a nice, normal boyfriend for a family event.
- Why it fits: It is laugh-out-loud British comedy at its finest—full of eccentric side characters, ridiculous misunderstandings, and dry sarcasm. At its core, though, it’s a gentle, vulnerable story about two people learning how to let their guards down.
4. Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
- Tropes: Small town, age gap (she's older), opposites attract
- The Premise: Alexis Montgomery is an ER doctor from a wealthy, prestigious medical dynasty. When her car gets stuck in a ditch in a tiny rural town, she meets Daniel Grant, a carpenter/bed-and-breakfast owner ten years her junior who has a pet baby goat. What starts as a fun fling quickly turns complicated.
- Why it fits: Abby Jimenez writes comedy with incredible timing (Daniel’s small-town neighbors and Alexis’s neurotic inner monologue will make you giggle), but her books are famous for packing a deeply emotional, comforting punch.
5. Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle
- Tropes: Grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, inherited property
- The Premise: Maybell Parrish is an imaginative day-dreamer who inherits a rambling, dilapidated estate in the Smoky Mountains from her great-aunt—only to find she has to share it with Wesley, the reclusive, perpetually scowling groundskeeper.
- Why it fits: While Sarah Hogle’s You Deserve Each Other is pure chaotic, unhinged comedy, Twice Shy is the ultimate heartwarming, soft comfort read. The humor is quirky and endearing, and watching two socially anxious, tender-hearted people find safety in each other will leave you with a permanent grin.
6. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
- Tropes: Grump/sunshine, STEM romance, fake dating
- The Premise: Third-year Ph.D. candidate Olive Smith panics when trying to convince her best friend she is over an ex, so she grabs the first man she sees in a hallway and kisses him. That man happens to be Dr. Adam Carlsen, the department’s most notorious, hypercritical professor. To keep up appearances, they agree to a fake relationship.
- Why it fits: Lighthearted, breezy, and filled with cute, nerdy humor. The chemistry is electric, Adam is a top-tier soft-on-the-inside grump, and Olive’s chaotic inner monologue keeps things effortlessly entertaining.
Quick Recommendation:
- For cozy, warm comfort: Start with The Flatshare or Twice Shy.
- For sharp, witty banter: Start with Book Lovers or Boyfriend Material.
- For laugh-out-loud moments with emotional depth: Start with Part of Your World.
If you're after romance that's both funny and heartwarming, here's a great mix of modern favorites and beloved classics to add to your cart:
Contemporary Rom-Coms (Witty & Warm)
- Funny Story by Emily Henry –
This book follows Daphne and Miles, two strangers who wind up as roommates when their respective partners break up with them, leading to humorous fake dating as they try to move on from heartbreak.
- The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez – Described as
a slow burn, hilarious and heartwarming romantic comedy that will keep you both laughing and tearing up.
- Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez –
Full of witty banter, cute animals, and great characters — a must-read in the genre.
- The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren –
A charming enemies-to-lovers rom-com filled with numerous laugh out loud moments .
- The Hating Game by Sally Thorne –
An enemies-to-lovers office romance with loads of sexual tension and plenty of laughs .
- Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall –
Hilarious, sweet, and romantic — a laugh-out-loud British romcom you don't want to miss .
- Mrs. Nash's Ashes by Sarah Adler –
A heartwarming contemporary romance brimming with banter, hilarious situations, and many laughs .
Historical/Unique Twists
- Lady Like by Mackenzi Lee –
A laugh-out-loud, sapphic historical romance where two women competing for the same duke realize their hearts lie elsewhere.
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen –
The granddaddy of fun romantic comedy books — Austen's most beloved novel has enemies-to-lovers, witty repartee, interfering families, and salacious scandal .
Sophie Kinsella Picks (For Laugh-Out-Loud Chaos)
- Can You Keep a Secret? –
Sophie Kinsella comes up with ridiculous scenarios and makes them so funny, following Emma who spills secrets to a stranger who turns out to be her new CEO .
- I've Got Your Number –
About a woman who loses her engagement ring and will do almost anything, including take over someone else's phone, to get it back .
2026 New Releases Worth Watching
- Maid for Each Other by Lynn Painter –
An entertaining Cinderella-esque romantic comedy about a professional cleaner mistaken for her client's girlfriend .
- Christmas Staycation by Meghan Quinn –
A delightful holiday romance packed with humor, heart, and irresistible chemistry, involving a fake engagement with an ex's charming brother .
If you want something extra cozy and bingeable, Abby Jimenez and Emily Henry are consistently praised for nailing that perfect balance of humor and heartfelt emotion — great starting points if you're new to the funny/heartwarming rom-com combo!
Sources the model used
- 1The Best Rom Com Books to Read Right Now (2026 Picks)
- 2Best Selling Romantic Comedy Books 2026
- 333 Highly Popular Rom-Com Books To Read in 2025: Funny& Uplifting
- 419 Best Romantic Comedy Books That Will Make You Laugh Out Loud - Perhaps, Maybe Not
- 5Best New Romance Books of 2026 for Adults
- 623 Fun Romantic Comedy Books — Keeping Up With The Penguins
- 720 Favorite Romantic Comedy Books - Everyday Reading
- 89 Best Romance Books to Read in October 2026: Must-Read New Releases
If you want romance that leans funny (witty banter, ridiculous situations, genuine laughs) while still feeling warm and hopeful, these are strong, widely recommended picks.
Funny Story by Emily Henry A recent favorite for laugh-out-loud banter and flawed, lovable characters. After dual breakups, a children’s librarian and a scruffy sommelier end up as reluctant roommates (and fake-dating partners) in a small Michigan town. Reviews highlight the humor, chemistry, and the satisfying way the story balances healing with romance.
Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall A sharp, high-banter fake-dating story that many readers call one of the funniest rom-coms they’ve read. Luc, the chaotic son of rock stars, needs a respectable boyfriend to clean up his image and pairs with uptight barrister Oliver. It’s silly, messy, and emotionally generous, with a soft, heartwarming core under the chaos.
You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle An engaged couple who have grown to resent each other start a war of petty pranks to force the other to call off the wedding (and foot the bill). The antics are frequently described as laugh-out-loud funny, and the story turns tender and heartwarming as they rediscover each other.
The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary Two strangers share a flat and a bed on opposite schedules and communicate only through notes. It’s funny, quirky, and deeply tender—the connection builds through small acts of care—while still handling heavier themes with warmth. Often praised as a feel-good, uplifting rom-com.
Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert (or the Brown Sisters series) Hibbert’s books are frequently recommended for being both hilarious and genuinely warm. This one features chaotic Eve and a structured B&B owner in a forced-proximity, opposites-attract setup. The humor and character work feel affirming and comforting.
Book Lovers by Emily Henry Another strong Emily Henry option if you want sharp dialogue, longing, and an uplifting emotional payoff. It’s a bit more layered than pure fluff, but the central romance and sister relationship land as heartwarming rather than sugary.
A couple of extras
- Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center — Heart and humor as a woman steps outside her comfort zone on a wilderness course.
- A Week to Be Wicked by Tessa Dare — If you’re open to historical romance, this is often called a comforting, sweet, and funny hug of a book.
Humor is subjective, and some of these (especially The Flatshare) mix laughs with more serious topics, so check blurbs or content notes if you prefer very light reads. Most are widely available in paperback, ebook, and audio. If you have preferences (closed-door vs. steamier, contemporary only, LGBTQ+ leads, historical, etc.), I can narrow it further.
Sources the model used
- 1https://www.simonandschuster.com/m/must-read-romance-books/romantic-comedy-books
- 2https://www.macys.com/shop/product/you-deserve-each-other-by-sarah-hogle?ID=10875085
- 3https://www.bookpage.com/reviews/funny-story-emily-henry-book-review/
- 4https://vergemagazine.co.uk/top-romcom-books-of-2025-delightful-reads-where-love-meets-laughter/
- 5https://theeverygirl.com/emily-henry-funny-story-review/
- 6https://omnivorous.substack.com/p/book-review-boyfriend-material
- 7https://thenerddaily.com/laura-piper-lee-author-guest-post/
- 8https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/sarah-hogle/you-deserve-each-other/9780349424347/
- 9https://www.thebookcoach.co/post/book-review-boyfriend-material-by-alexis-hall
- 10https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50027029-you-deserve-each-other
- 11https://www.bookpage.com/tag-page/the-15-best-romance-novels-of-2024so-far/
- 12https://thenerddaily.com/review-funny-story-by-emily-henry/
- 13https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2024/4/25/funny-story-emily-henry-adulting-romance-chemistry-review/
- 14https://www.thereviewgeek.com/funnystory-emilyhenry-bookreview/
- 15https://www.booksforbliss.com/boyfriend-material-by-alexis-hall-book-review/
- 16https://www.pastemagazine.com/books/emily-henry/funny-story-review
- 17https://books.apple.com/us/book/you-deserve-each-other/id1472938584
- 18https://www.michigandaily.com/arts/books/funny-story-is-emily-henrys-best-romance-yet/
- 19https://jlgribble.com/2020/11/09/review-boyfriend-material-by-alexis-hall/
- 20https://stentornews.com/book-review-boyfriend-material-by-alexis-hall/
- 21https://militarybudget.org/boyfriend-material-alexis-hall-why-this-fake-dating-story-hits-different-dl3
- 22https://www.bustle.com/p/the-flatshare-by-beth-oleary-is-a-rom-com-with-a-crucial-message-about-emotionally-abusive-relationships-17936863
- 23https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36478784-the-flatshare
- 24https://www.fantasticfiction.com/h/sarah-hogle/you-deserve-each-other.htm
- 25https://celadonbooks.com/booklists/rom-com-books/
- 26https://www.kobo.com/blog/the-best-hilarious-heart-warming-novels
- 27https://shepherd.com/bboy/2024/romantic-comedy
- 28https://theespressoedition.com/book-review-funny-story/
- 29https://perhapsmaybenot.com/2023/02/romantic-comedy-books/
- 30https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/beth-oleary/the-flatshare/
- 31https://bookshop.org/lists/ready-set-go-warmest-fuzziest-coziest-romance
- 32https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/0b63f58c-a404-43fb-93a6-75615fb718cd
- 33https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/14925.Funny_Witty_Romance_Novels
- 34https://bookstr.com/article/rom-com-renaissance-10-lighthearted-books-to-swipe-right-on/
- 35https://www.meetnewbooks.com/book/48261/You-Deserve-Each-Other-Sarah-Hogle
- 36https://bookriot.com/100-must-read-romantic-comedies/
- 37https://www.librarything.com/work/23542285/reviews
- 38https://allaboutromance.com/book-review/boyfriend-material-by-alexis-hall/
- 39https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/130359.Funny_Witty_Romance
- 40https://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/2024/04/23/emily-henry-funny-story-book-review/73422237007/
- 41https://allaboutromance.com/book-review/the-flatshare-by-beth-oleary/
- 42https://www.panmacmillan.com/blogs/fiction/the-best-rom-com-books-to-read-right-now
- 43https://bookshop.org/lists/best-of-the-best-romance-books-of-2024
- 44https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/617265/you-deserve-each-other-by-sarah-hogle/9780593085424
- 45https://www.llamareadsbooks.com/blog/index.php/2020/07/10/review-boyfriend-material-alexis-hall/
- 46https://www.betterreading.com.au/news/funny-and-heartfelt-read-and-extract-from-the-flatshare-by-beth-oleary/
- 47https://www.heptagonbooks.co.uk/articles/12-uplifting-feel-good-romantic-novels-to-try
- 48https://molliereads.com/heartwarming-romance-novels/
- 49https://www.marieclaire.com/culture/books/best-romance-books-2024/
- 50https://bookriot.com/best-funny-romance-books/
- 51https://bookstr.com/list/popular-rom-coms-that-will-guarantee-a-laugh-this-valentines-day/
- 52https://apnews.com/article/emily-henry-funny-story-book-review-c36579dfacb77db2ee9786b2356a44d5
- 53https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/05/books/review/best-romance-books-2024.html
- 54https://readingtheend.com/2020/07/07/review-boyfriend-material-alexis-hall/
- 55https://www.amazon.com/Flatshare-Novel-Beth-OLeary-ebook/dp/B07KF75BSQ
- 56https://jeevesreads.com/2024/11/09/50-lighthearted-playful-rom-com-books/
- 57https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49758584/reviews?reviewFilters=eyJhZnRlciI6Ik1UVTRNRE1zTVRVNE56QTNPRGcwT0RBd01BIn0%3D
- 58https://sobrief.com/books/the-flatshare
- 59https://www.romance.com.au/mark-your-calendar-12-rom-com-reads-to-look-forward-to-in-2024/
- 60https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/the-flatshare-review-a-bright-feel-good-and-quirky-debut-1.3850595
- 61https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/26/books/nobody-wants-this-romance-books.html
- 62https://www.shortform.com/best-books/genre/best-romantic-comedy-books-of-all-time
- 63https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/nov/26/the-flatshare-this-charming-romcom-is-like-dipping-into-a-nice-warm-bath
- 64https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/best-new-rom-coms-romance-movies
- 65https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/beth-oleary/the-flatshare/9781787474413/
If you want funny + heartwarming romance, these three are strong picks:
- 1.The Wake-Up Call – Beth O’Leary
A Christmas-set enemies-to-lovers rom-com at a struggling hotel. Izzy and Lucas are bitter rivals forced to work together to return lost wedding rings and try to save Forest Manor. It’s described as “heart-warming, touching, sharp and sexy,” “magical,” and “a warm, cosy love story,” with “humorous and heartwarming moments and endearing characters.” Perfect if you want festive, uplifting banter. quercusbooks.co.uk
- 1.Just Like Magic – Sarah Hogle
A broke, grumpy heroine accidentally conjures the Holiday Spirit, Hall, in the form of a charming man. It’s called “hilarious, magical, comforting and wholesome,” “outrageous,” and “the perfect comfort read: emotionally healing and so much fun.” Great if you want a bonkers, magical Christmas romance that still has heart. penguinrandomhouse.com
- 1.Funny Story – Emily Henry
Daphne gets stranded in a new town after her fiancé leaves her for his childhood best friend—so she becomes roommates with that woman’s ex, Miles. It’s an opposites-attract story with “sparkling banter” and characters you can “empathize with and root for.” Funny, warm, and a bit steamy, but less holiday-focused. penguinrandomhouse.com
Bottom line: For festive warmth, buy The Wake-Up Call or Just Like Magic. For a more contemporary, banter-driven romance you can read any time of year, buy Funny Story.
If you want funny and heartwarming romance books, these are the strongest buys from the results you shared:
- Funny Story by Emily Henry — a big, joyful romance about two mismatched people who end up roommates, with the kind of sparkling banter and emotional warmth Emily Henry is known for.3
- Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle — a hilarious holiday rom-com with a magical setup, a grumpy heroine, and a sweet, comforting tone.2
- The Wake-Up Call by Beth O’Leary — an uplifting rom-com with humorous and heartwarming moments, plus rivals-to-lovers tension and a cozy hotel setting.1
- It’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan — described as a funny, heartwarming story with a former child star, an old crush, and a fresh start.2
- The Mistletoe Motive by Chloe Liese — a holiday romance that Book Riot describes as a fun, joyful romance between bookstore co-managers.18
- Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake by Alexis Hall — a clever, heartwarming, and truly funny romance with sharp wit and real-life messiness.6
- The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren — noted as a funny and heartwarming take on dating and romance.17
- Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella — a marriage-in-trouble story where the surprises go hilariously wrong, making it both funny and heartwarming.9
If you want the shortest “start here” list, I’d pick:
- Funny Story
- The Wake-Up Call
- Just Like Magic
If you want, I can also narrow this to:
- clean/closed-door
- holiday romance
- more spicy
- best for emotional comfort
Sources the model used
- 1The Wake-Up Call by Beth O'Leary | Incredible books from Quercus Books
- 2Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle: 9780593539859 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books
- 3Funny Story by Emily Henry: 9780593441213 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books
- 450 Best Funny Romance Novels to Read (2025 Edition)
- 525 Favorite Romance Books - Everyday Reading
- 6Any suggestions for sweet, funny, HEA romances that are sure to cheer me up?
- 7Books Matching: funny romance
- 8www.panmacmillan.com › blogs › fictionThe best rom com books to read right now - Pan Macmillan
- 9www.meetnewbooks.com › find-books › humorousBooks Matching: humorous contemporary romance
- 10Romance Books That Feel Like a Warm Hug
- 11Books Matching: blend of romance and humor
- 1215 Fluffy Romance Novels That Will Make Your Heart Feel So Full
- 13In desperate need of a romance book that made you laugh because my heart is broken
- 14www.meetnewbooks.com › find-books › a-fluffy-romanceBooks Matching: a fluffy romance
- 15Popular Funny Heartwarming Books - Goodreads
- 1630 of the best romance books—whether you're after love or lust
- 17Best Romance Books
- 18Jess Harley's Blog - Posts Tagged "romantic-comedy-books"
- 19Jess Harley's Blog - Posts Tagged "laugh-out-loud-romance"
- 20What Are The Top 10 Hilarious Romance Novels Of 2023? - GoodNovel
- 21If You Want Laughter and Swoons, Read These 15 Funny Romance ...
- 22Humorous Romance Books
- 23upjourney.com › best-rom-com-books50 Best Rom Com Books You’ll Laugh and Love - UpJourney
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