British literature romance comp titles for your query letter (updated 2026)

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

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 British literature romance comp titles to make sure you’re always working with relevant books.

No matter if you’re writing a sweet, slow-burn British literature 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. Because of YouAuthor: Dawn FrenchYear published: 2020Genre and themes: British literature, adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, family, literary fiction
2. Christmas by the BookAuthor: Anne Marie RyanYear published: 2021Genre and themes: British literature, adult, book club, books about books, christmas, contemporary, holiday
3. Circus of WondersAuthor: Elizabeth MacnealYear published: 2021Genre and themes: British literature, adult, book club, fantasy, historical, magical realism
4. Coronation YearAuthor: Jennifer RobsonYear published: 2023Genre and themes: British literature, adult, book club, historical, mystery, royalty
5. Free LoveAuthor: Tessa HadleyYear published: 2022Genre and themes: British literature, adult, book club, contemporary, historical, literary fiction
6. Godmersham ParkAuthor: Gill HornbyYear published: 2022Genre and themes: British literature, adult, book club, historical, regency
7. Just Got RealAuthor: Jane FallonYear published: 2022Genre and themes: British literature, adult, book club, chick lit, comedy, contemporary, humor
8. Just Like YouAuthor: Nick HornbyYear published: 2020Genre and themes: British literature, adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, literary fiction
9. Katharine Parr: The Sixth WifeAuthor: Alison WeirYear published: 2021Genre and themes: British literature, adult, historical, royalty
10. Katheryn Howard: the Scandalous QueenAuthor: Alison WeirYear published: 2020Genre and themes: British literature, adult, historical, royalty
11. Mrs. Endicott's Splendid AdventureAuthor: Rhys BowenYear published: 2025Genre and themes: British literature, France, World War II, adult, friendship, historical, war
12. Mrs. Porter CallingAuthor: A.J. PearceYear published: 2023Genre and themes: British literature, World War II, adult, historical, war
13. No. 23 Burlington SquareAuthor: Jenni KeerYear published: 2023Genre and themes: British literature, adult, book club, drama, historical, mystery
14. Promise MeAuthor: Jill MansellYear published: 2023Genre and themes: British literature, adult, chick lit, contemporary, rom com, womens fiction
15. Should I Tell You?Author: Jill MansellYear published: 2022Genre and themes: British literature, Roman, adult, chick lit, contemporary, womens fiction
16. The Authenticity ProjectAuthor: Clare PooleyYear published: 2020Genre and themes: British literature, adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, friendship
17. The BookbinderAuthor: Pip WilliamsYear published: 2023Genre and themes: British literature, World War I, adult, book club, books about books, historical, war
18. The Dictionary of Lost WordsAuthor: Pip WilliamsYear published: 2020Genre and themes: British literature, adult, book club, books about books, feminism, historical
19. The Distant DaughterAuthor: Lorna CookYear published: 2025Genre and themes: British literature, adult, family, friendship, historical, mystery
20. The Evening and the MorningAuthor: Ken FollettYear published: 2020Genre and themes: British literature, adult, adventure, fantasy, historical
21. The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying ClubAuthor: Helen SimonsonYear published: 2024Genre and themes: British literature, World War I, adult, book club, historical
22. The Last Dance of the DebutanteAuthor: Julia KellyYear published: 2022Genre and themes: British literature, adult, chick lit, family, historical
23. The Last Mrs. SummersAuthor: Rhys BowenYear published: 2020Genre and themes: British literature, adult, cozy, cozy mystery, historical, mystery
24. The Last Night in LondonAuthor: Karen WhiteYear published: 2021Genre and themes: British literature, World War II, adult, book club, historical, mystery, war
25. The Little Wartime LibraryAuthor: Kate ThompsonYear published: 2023Genre and themes: British literature, World War II, adult, books about books, historical, war
26. The Lost TicketAuthor: Freya SampsonYear published: 2022Genre and themes: British literature, adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary
27. The Love SquareAuthor: Laura Jane WilliamsYear published: 2020Genre and themes: British literature, adult, chick lit, contemporary, rom com
28. The Restoration GardenAuthor: Sara BlaydesYear published: 2025Genre and themes: British literature, World War II, adult, historical, mystery, war
29. The RomanticAuthor: William BoydYear published: 2022Genre and themes: British literature, adult, adventure, book club, historical, literary fiction
30. The Secret Life of Albert EntwistleAuthor: Matt CainYear published: 2021Genre and themes: British literature, LGBT, adult, book club, contemporary, gay, queer
31. The Wedding Dress Sewing CircleAuthor: Jennifer RyanYear published: 2022Genre and themes: British literature, World War II, adult, book club, historical, war
32. The Woman Before WallisAuthor: Bryn TurnbullYear published: 2020Genre and themes: British literature, Canada, adult, book club, historical, royalty
33. You Are HereAuthor: David NichollsYear published: 2024Genre and themes: British literature, adult, book club, contemporary, literary fiction, travel

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 British literature romance comp title that fits my book?

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