Romance books set in Ireland – 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. Acts of DesperationAuthor: Megan NolanYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Irish literature, adult, contemporary, ireland, literary fiction, romance, series counter
2. Beautiful World, Where Are YouAuthor: Sally RooneyYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Irish literature, adult, book club, contemporary, ireland, literary fiction, romance, series counter
3. Exciting TimesAuthor: Naoise DolanYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Irish literature, LGBT, adult, contemporary, ireland, literary fiction, queer, romance, series counter
4. Grown UpsAuthor: Marian KeyesYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Irish literature, adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, family, ireland, romance, series counter
5. In a Thousand Different WaysAuthor: Cecelia AhernYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, fantasy, ireland, magical realism, romance, romantasy, series counter
6. IntermezzoAuthor: Sally RooneyYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Irish literature, adult, book club, contemporary, ireland, literary fiction, romance, series counter
7. Long IslandAuthor: Colm TóibínYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Irish literature, adult, book club, family, historical, ireland, literary fiction, romance, series counter
8. Morbidly YoursAuthor: Ivy FairbanksYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Friends to lovers, Slow burn, adult, contemporary, ireland, rom com, romance, series counter
9. My Favourite MistakeAuthor: Marian KeyesYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Humor, Irish literature, adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, ireland, romance, series counter, womens fiction
10. One Night on the IslandAuthor: Josie SilverYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Forced proximity, adult, chick lit, contemporary, ireland, rom com, romance, series counter
11. Open, HeavenAuthor: Seán HewittYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Coming of age, LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, ireland, literary fiction, queer, romance, series counter
12. The Cosy Cottage in IrelandAuthor: Julie CaplinYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, chick lit, contemporary, ireland, romance
13. The Happy CoupleAuthor: Naoise DolanYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Irish literature, LGBT, adult, contemporary, ireland, literary fiction, queer, romance, series counter
14. The Irish Boarding HouseAuthor: Sandy TaylorYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Irish literature, adult, book club, chick lit, family, historical, ireland, romance, series counter
15. The Other Side of NowAuthor: Paige HarbisonYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Time travel, adult, book club, contemporary, fantasy, ireland, magical realism, romance, romantasy, series counter
16. The Rachel IncidentAuthor: Caroline O'DonoghueYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Coming of age, Irish literature, LGBT, adult, book club, contemporary, ireland, literary fiction, romance, series counter
17. The Secret HoursAuthor: Santa MontefioreYear published: 2020Genre and themes: adult, book club, historical, ireland, roman, romance, series counter

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!