Romance books set in France – comp titles for your query letter (updated 2026)

When you’re querying your romance book, choosing the choosing the right comp titles can make or break your chances of being published.

If you’re wondering what the purpose of a comp title is, it’s to allow agents and publishing house editors to quickly gauge the genre and market potential of your book.

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

No matter if you’re writing a sweet, slow-burn 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. Code Name HélèneAuthor: Ariel LawhonYear published: 2020Genre and themes: France, World War II, adult, book club, historical, war
2. In the Country of OthersAuthor: Leïla SlimaniYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Africa, France, Roman, adult, historical
3. IsolaAuthor: Allegra GoodmanYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Canada, France, adult, book club, historical, literary fiction
4. Last Twilight in ParisAuthor: Pam JenoffYear published: 2025Genre and themes: France, Holocaust, World War II, adult, book club, historical, mystery
5. Mrs. Endicott's Splendid AdventureAuthor: Rhys BowenYear published: 2025Genre and themes: British literature, France, World War II, adult, friendship, historical, war
6. My HusbandAuthor: Maud VenturaYear published: 2021Genre and themes: France, adult, book club, contemporary, horror, literary fiction, mystery, thriller
7. Never Say NeverAuthor: Danielle SteelYear published: 2025Genre and themes: France, adult, contemporary, family
8. Paris is Always a Good IdeaAuthor: Jenn McKinlayYear published: 2020Genre and themes: France, adult, chick lit, contemporary, rom com, travel
9. The Black Swan of ParisAuthor: Karen RobardsYear published: 2020Genre and themes: France, World War II, adult, historical, war
10. The Forgotten Bookshop in ParisAuthor: Daisy WoodYear published: 2022Genre and themes: France, World War II, adult, book club, books about books, drama, historical
11. The Last Dress from ParisAuthor: Jade BeerYear published: 2022Genre and themes: France, adult, book club, contemporary, fashion, historical, mystery
12. The Paper Girl of ParisAuthor: Jordyn TaylorYear published: 2020Genre and themes: France, World War II, contemporary, historical, mystery, young adult
13. The Paris ApartmentAuthor: Kelly BowenYear published: 2021Genre and themes: France, World War II, adult, book club, historical, mystery, war
14. The Paris ConnectionAuthor: Lorraine BrownYear published: 2021Genre and themes: France, adult, chick lit, contemporary, rom com, travel
15. The Paris DressmakerAuthor: Kristy CambronYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Christian, France, World War II, adult, book club, historical, war
16. The Paris HoursAuthor: Alex GeorgeYear published: 2020Genre and themes: France, adult, book club, historical, literary fiction
17. The Paris NovelAuthor: Ruth ReichlYear published: 2024Genre and themes: France, adult, book club, contemporary, food, historical, travel
18. The Queen's FortuneAuthor: Allison PatakiYear published: 2020Genre and themes: France, adult, book club, historical, royalty
19. The Riviera HouseAuthor: Natasha LesterYear published: 2021Genre and themes: France, World War II, adult, art, historical, mystery, war
20. The Stolen Life of Colette MarceauAuthor: Kristin HarmelYear published: 2025Genre and themes: France, World War II, adult, book club, historical, mystery
21. The Three Lives of Alix St PierreAuthor: Natasha LesterYear published: 2022Genre and themes: France, World War II, adult, book club, fashion, historical, war
22. TriangleAuthor: Danielle SteelYear published: 2024Genre and themes: France, adult, contemporary, mystery, suspense, thriller
23. While Paris SleptAuthor: Ruth DruartYear published: 2021Genre and themes: France, Holocaust, World War II, adult, book club, historical, war

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 romance comp title that fits my book?

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