Why choose romance comp titles for your query letter (updated 2026)

When you’re querying a why choose romance, choosing the right comp titles can make or break your chances of being published because agents and publishing house editors use comp titles as a quick way to gauge the genre of your book along with its market potential.

I regularly update this list of why choose romance comp titles to make sure you’re always working with relevant books.

No matter if you’re writing a sweet, slow-burn why choose romance or something fast and spicy, you’ll find titles below to help you write a killer query letter!

If you’re looking for something a bit more specific, check out my romance comp database.

1. A Lady of Rooksgrave ManorAuthor: Kathryn MoonYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, erotica, fantasy, monster, paranormal, smut, vampires, why choose
2. AshesAuthor: K.G. ReussYear published: 2023Genre and themes: abuse, adult, contemporary, dark, enemies to lovers, high school, mental health, new adult, why choose
3. Badly BehavedAuthor: Meagan BrandyYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, dark, enemies to lovers, high school, new adult, why choose
4. Blade of IrisAuthor: K.A. KnightYear published: 2022Genre and themes: BDSM, adult, contemporary, dark, enemies to lovers, mafia, smut, why choose
5. Blood of HerculesAuthor: Jasmine MasYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Greek mythology, adult, dark, enemies to lovers, fantasy, mythology, romantasy, why choose
6. Bond of DestinyAuthor: Tessa HaleYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, fantasy, high school, magic, new adult, paranormal, romantasy, shapeshifters, why choose
7. Bonds of HerculesAuthor: Jasmine MasYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Greek mythology, adult, dark, enemies to lovers, fantasy, mythology, romantasy, why choose
8. Broken BondsAuthor: J. BreeYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, dark, enemies to lovers, fantasy, paranormal, romantasy, why choose
9. Broken FaeAuthor: Caroline PeckhamYear published: 2020Genre and themes: adult, dark, fae, fantasy, magic, paranormal, romantasy, vampires, why choose
10. CataclysmAuthor: Sarah BaileyYear published: 2021Genre and themes: BDSM, adult, contemporary, dark, enemies to lovers, erotica, friends to lovers, smut, why choose
11. Choosing Their OmegaAuthor: Sadie MossYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, fantasy, hockey, omegaverse, paranormal, sports, why choose
12. Club 22Author: Tate JamesYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, dark, friends to lovers, new adult, smut, why choose
13. Corpse RoadsAuthor: J. RoseYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, crime, dark, mystery, slow burn, suspense, thriller, why choose
14. Court of the Vampire QueenAuthor: Katee RobertYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, dark, fantasy, paranormal, romantasy, smut, vampires, why choose
15. Crescent KingdomAuthor: Tessa HaleYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, fantasy, magic, paranormal, romantasy, shapeshifters, why choose
16. Cruel PrincesAuthor: Jillian FrostYear published: 2021Genre and themes: BDSM, adult, contemporary, dark, enemies to lovers, fantasy, smut, why choose
17. Dark HorseAuthor: Kel CarpenterYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, demons, fae, fantasy, paranormal, shapeshifters, urban fantasy, vampires, why choose
18. Dear ReaderAuthor: Tate JamesYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, college, contemporary, dark, enemies to lovers, mystery, suspense, why choose
19. Deceived by the GargoylesAuthor: Lillian LarkYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, fantasy, magic, monster, paranormal, romantasy, smut, why choose
20. Den of VipersAuthor: K.A. KnightYear published: 2020Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, dark, enemies to lovers, erotica, fantasy, smut, why choose
21. DragonAuthor: Kat BlackthorneYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, dark, fantasy, halloween, paranormal, smut, vampires, why choose
22. Feathers So ViciousAuthor: Liv ZanderYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, dark, dark fantasy, enemies to lovers, fantasy, romantasy, why choose
23. Finding Their OmegaAuthor: Sadie MossYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, fantasy, omegaverse, paranormal, why choose, young adult
24. Five BrothersAuthor: Penelope DouglasYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, dark, enemies to lovers, new adult, smut, why choose
25. Forged by MaliceAuthor: Elizabeth HelenYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, enemies to lovers, fae, fantasy, magic, retellings, romantasy, why choose
26. Fractured ShadowsAuthor: K.A. KnightYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, dark, fae, fantasy, magic, paranormal, romantasy, why choose
27. Frozen HeartsAuthor: R.A. SmythYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, college, dark, enemies to lovers, hockey, sports, why choose
28. GravesAuthor: Katelyn TaylorYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, dark, erotica, forced proximity, smut, why choose
29. Heartless HeathensAuthor: Santana KnoxYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, dark, dystopia, erotica, fantasy, gothic, horror, smut, why choose
30. Her Vicious Beasts: The BeginningAuthor: E.P. BaliYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, dragons, fantasy, novella, paranormal, romantasy, shapeshifters, why choose
31. Her VillainsAuthor: Jade PresleyYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, dark, enemies to lovers, fantasy, paranormal, romantasy, smut, why choose
32. HersAuthor: A.K. RoseYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, dark, enemies to lovers, new adult, smut, suspense, why choose
33. His Grace, the DukeAuthor: Emily RathYear published: 2022Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, historical, regency, why choose
34. Kings of QuarantineAuthor: Caroline PeckhamYear published: 2020Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, dark, enemies to lovers, fantasy, high school, new adult, smut, why choose
35. KingstonAuthor: Leila JamesYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, college, contemporary, dark, enemies to lovers, m m romance, new adult, why choose
36. Kiss of SmokeAuthor: Amy PennzaYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, dragons, fantasy, m m romance, paranormal, romantasy, shapeshifters, why choose
37. LilacAuthor: B.B. ReidYear published: 2020Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, dark, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, music, smut, why choose
38. Lords of MercyAuthor: Angel LawsonYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, college, contemporary, dark, enemies to lovers, new adult, smut, why choose
39. Lords of PainAuthor: Angel LawsonYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, college, contemporary, dark, enemies to lovers, erotica, new adult, smut, why choose
40. Losers: Part IAuthor: Harley LarouxYear published: 2022Genre and themes: BDSM, LGBT, adult, contemporary, dark, enemies to lovers, m m romance, smut, why choose
41. MadameAuthor: Sara CateYear published: 2023Genre and themes: BDSM, LGBT, adult, contemporary, dark, erotica, second chance, smut, why choose
42. Mark of StarsAuthor: Tessa HaleYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, fantasy, high school, magic, new adult, paranormal, shapeshifters, werewolves, why choose
43. ObsessionAuthor: K. LoraineYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, dark, enemies to lovers, fantasy, paranormal, shapeshifters, vampires, why choose
44. Of Blackened BloodAuthor: Isla DavonYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, fae, fantasy, magic, paranormal, romantasy, shapeshifters, why choose
45. PageantAuthor: Lilith VincentYear published: 2022Genre and themes: abuse, adult, contemporary, dark, enemies to lovers, mafia, smut, why choose
46. PlierAuthor: Jane WashingtonYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, college, fantasy, new adult, omegaverse, paranormal, romantasy, slow burn, why choose
47. Psycho FaeAuthor: Jasmine MasYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, dark, enemies to lovers, fae, fantasy, omegaverse, paranormal, romantasy, shapeshifters, why choose
48. Psycho ShiftersAuthor: Jasmine MasYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, dark, enemies to lovers, fae, fantasy, omegaverse, paranormal, romantasy, shapeshifters, why choose
49. Pucking AroundAuthor: Emily RathYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, hockey, smut, sports, why choose
50. Reaper and RuinAuthor: Elle ThorpeYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, dark, found family, m m romance, serial killer, why choose
51. Rising ReignAuthor: Tessa HaleYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, fantasy, magic, omegaverse, paranormal, romantasy, shapeshifters, why choose
52. Savage BondsAuthor: J. BreeYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, enemies to lovers, fantasy, magic, paranormal, romantasy, why choose
53. Shadow HeartAuthor: Morgan B. LeeYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, dragons, fae, fantasy, magic, paranormal, romantasy, shapeshifters, why choose
54. Spark of FateAuthor: Tessa HaleYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, fantasy, high school, magic, paranormal, romantasy, shapeshifters, werewolves, why choose
55. Start a WarAuthor: Elle ThorpeYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, dark, enemies to lovers, smut, suspense, why choose
56. Stolen CrushAuthor: C.M. StunichYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, crime, dark, enemies to lovers, high school, mystery, new adult, why choose
57. Sweetheart: Part TwoAuthor: Marie MackayYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, dark, enemies to lovers, fantasy, forced proximity, omegaverse, paranormal, why choose
58. The ArchitectAuthor: Nikki SloaneYear published: 2021Genre and themes: BDSM, adult, contemporary, dark, erotica, smut, why choose
59. The Charlie MethodAuthor: Elle KennedyYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, college, contemporary, hockey, sports, why choose
60. The Company of FiendsAuthor: Kathryn MoonYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, erotica, fantasy, historical, monster, paranormal, smut, why choose
61. The Last AetherAuthor: Tessa HaleYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, fantasy, magic, new adult, paranormal, romantasy, why choose
62. The Lost ElementalAuthor: Tessa HaleYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, fantasy, magic, new adult, paranormal, romantasy, why choose
63. The Queen of QuintessenceAuthor: Tessa HaleYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, fantasy, magic, new adult, paranormal, romantasy, why choose
64. Theirs for the HolidaysAuthor: Eva AshwoodYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, christmas, contemporary, fake dating, forced proximity, holiday, second chance, smut, why choose
65. Three Swedish Mountain MenAuthor: Lily GoldYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, smut, why choose
66. Twilight of EmbersAuthor: Tessa HaleYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, college, dragons, fantasy, magic, paranormal, romantasy, shapeshifters, why choose
67. Twisted GameAuthor: Eva AshwoodYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, crime, dark, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, smut, why choose
68. Twisted TiesAuthor: Hannah HazeYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, epic fantasy, fantasy, high fantasy, magic, paranormal, science fiction, why choose
69. Unbreak MeAuthor: Reese RiversYear published: 2022Genre and themes: abuse, adult, contemporary, dark, forced proximity, friends to lovers, military, why choose
70. Untamed VixenAuthor: Luna PierceYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, crime, dark, mafia, second chance, smut, why choose
71. VaultAuthor: Tate JamesYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, dark, new adult, novella, smut, why choose
72. Vicious FaeAuthor: Caroline PeckhamYear published: 2020Genre and themes: adult, fae, fantasy, magic, paranormal, romantasy, shapeshifters, vampires, why choose
73. Vicious QueenAuthor: Jillian FrostYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, crime, dark, enemies to lovers, fantasy, m m romance, mafia, smut, why choose
74. Warrior FaeAuthor: Caroline PeckhamYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, dark, fae, fantasy, paranormal, romantasy, shapeshifters, vampires, why choose
75. Warrior Princess AssassinAuthor: Brigid KemmererYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, enemies to lovers, fantasy, magic, romantasy, why choose
76. Watch Your BackAuthor: Tate JamesYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, college, contemporary, dark, enemies to lovers, mystery, suspense, why choose
77. Whips and ChainsAuthor: Elle ThorpeYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, dark, found family, m m romance, why choose
78. Wolf ShunnedAuthor: Laurel NightYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, dystopia, fantasy, new adult, paranormal, shapeshifters, slow burn, werewolves, why choose
79. You're NextAuthor: Tate JamesYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, college, contemporary, dark, enemies to lovers, smut, suspense, why choose

Other resources to assist with your querying journey

Comp titles are only a small piece of the querying puzzle! Here are other resources I offer to help writers achieve their dreams of publishing their novels:

• Developmental editing services
• Pre-querying package
• Publishers accepting manuscript submissions this month
• Romance tropes list
• Random romance trope generator

Frequently asked questions

How recent do comp titles need to be?

Comp titles should be published within the past five to seven years so it is representative of the current market potential of your manuscript.

Can I use bestselling books as a comp title?

Yes, you can! However, the bestselling books aren’t always the most suitable options. While it’s integral that a comp title has sold well, it’s better to choose a comp title that’s sold less well but closer represents the tone and overall vibe of your own book.

How many comp titles should I include in my query letter?

You should aim for two comp titles in your query letter. You can include three, but agents would expect more than one.

Can I use a series as a comp title?

You can, but it’s best to pick a specific book within that series that best represents your manuscript.

What if I can’t find a why choose romance comp title that fits my book?

You can broaden your horizons to also include other subgenres of romance!”