Literary romance comp titles for your query letter (updated 2026)

When you’re querying a literary romance, choosing the 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 literary romance comp titles to make sure you’re always working with relevant books.

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

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

1. A Good NeighborhoodAuthor: Therese Anne FowlerYear published: 2020Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, family, literary fiction, race
2. A Hundred Other GirlsAuthor: Iman Hariri-KiaYear published: 2022Genre and themes: New York, adult, chick lit, contemporary, literary fiction, new adult
3. A Language of LimbsAuthor: Dylin HardcastleYear published: 2024Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, book club, contemporary, historical, lesbian, literary fiction, queer
4. A Little HopeAuthor: Ethan JoellaYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, family, grief, literary fiction
5. A Novel ObsessionAuthor: Caitlin BaraschYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, books about books, contemporary, literary fiction, mystery, thriller
6. Acts of DesperationAuthor: Megan NolanYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Ireland, Irish literature, adult, contemporary, literary fiction
7. Advika and the Hollywood WivesAuthor: Kirthana RamisettiYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, literary fiction, mystery, thriller
8. Alone With You in the EtherAuthor: Olivie BlakeYear published: 2020Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, fantasy, literary fiction, mental health
9. An Unfinished StoryAuthor: Boo WalkerYear published: 2020Genre and themes: adult, book club, books about books, contemporary, grief, literary fiction
10. Beautiful World, Where Are YouAuthor: Sally RooneyYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Ireland, Irish literature, adult, book club, contemporary, literary fiction
11. Because of YouAuthor: Dawn FrenchYear published: 2020Genre and themes: British literature, adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, family, literary fiction
12. BelliesAuthor: Nicola DinanYear published: 2023Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, book club, contemporary, literary fiction, queer, transgender
13. Big SwissAuthor: Jen BeaginYear published: 2023Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, book club, contemporary, lesbian, literary fiction, queer
14. Bitter SweetAuthor: Hattie WilliamsYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, literary fiction
15. Black Woods Blue SkyAuthor: Eowyn IveyYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, book club, fantasy, historical, literary fiction, magical realism, retellings
16. Broken CountryAuthor: Clare Leslie HallYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, book club, historical, literary fiction, mystery, thriller
17. City of Night BirdsAuthor: Juhea KimYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Russia, adult, book club, contemporary, historical, literary fiction
18. Cleopatra and FrankensteinAuthor: Coco MellorsYear published: 2022Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, book club, contemporary, literary fiction, mental health
19. Community BoardAuthor: Tara ConklinYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, humor, literary fiction
20. Consider Yourself KissedAuthor: Jessica StanleyYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, family, literary fiction
21. Deep CutsAuthor: Holly BrickleyYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, historical, literary fiction, music
22. Dream StateAuthor: Eric PuchnerYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, family, literary fiction
23. DyketteAuthor: Jenny Fran DavisYear published: 2023Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, lesbian, literary fiction, queer
24. Early Morning RiserAuthor: Katherine HeinyYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, humor, literary fiction
25. Earth's the Right Place for LoveAuthor: Elizabeth BergYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, coming of age, family, historical, literary fiction, womens fiction
26. Everything Is BeautifulAuthor: Eleanor RayYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, literary fiction, mystery
27. Everything's FineAuthor: Cecilia RabessYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, literary fiction, race
28. Exciting TimesAuthor: Naoise DolanYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Ireland, Irish literature, LGBT, adult, contemporary, literary fiction, queer
29. Finding GraceAuthor: Loretta RothschildYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, grief, literary fiction, mystery
30. Fiona and JaneAuthor: Jean Chen HoYear published: 2022Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, book club, contemporary, literary fiction, queer, short stories
31. Free LoveAuthor: Tessa HadleyYear published: 2022Genre and themes: British literature, adult, book club, contemporary, historical, literary fiction
32. GhostsAuthor: Dolly AldertonYear published: 2020Genre and themes: adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, literary fiction
33. Go as a RiverAuthor: Shelley ReadYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, book club, coming of age, historical, literary fiction
34. Good MaterialAuthor: Dolly AldertonYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, humor, literary fiction
35. Greta & ValdinAuthor: Rebecca K. ReillyYear published: 2021Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, book club, contemporary, lesbian, literary fiction, queer
36. Greta & ValdinAuthor: Rebecca K. ReillyYear published: 2021Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, book club, contemporary, lesbian, literary fiction, queer
37. GroundskeepingAuthor: Lee ColeYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, literary fiction, politics
38. Heart the LoverAuthor: Lily KingYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, book club, coming of age, contemporary, literary fiction
39. Hello BeautifulAuthor: Ann NapolitanoYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, family, historical, literary fiction
40. HesterAuthor: Laurie Lico AlbaneseYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, book club, feminism, historical, literary fiction, retellings
41. HomebodiesAuthor: Tembe Denton-HurstYear published: 2023Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, book club, contemporary, lesbian, literary fiction, queer
42. HomeseekingAuthor: Karissa ChenYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Asia, China, adult, book club, contemporary, historical, literary fiction
43. HonorAuthor: Thrity UmrigarYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Asia, India, adult, book club, contemporary, historical, literary fiction
44. How to Hide in Plain SightAuthor: Emma NoyesYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, friends to lovers, literary fiction, mental health
45. Hurricane GirlAuthor: Marcy DermanskyYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, horror, humor, literary fiction
46. I Think We've Been Here BeforeAuthor: Suzy KrauseYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, christmas, contemporary, family, fantasy, holiday, literary fiction, science fiction
47. I'm a FanAuthor: Sheena PatelYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, feminism, literary fiction
48. In MemoriamAuthor: Alice WinnYear published: 2023Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, book club, historical, literary fiction, queer, war
49. Interesting Facts about SpaceAuthor: Emily R. AustinYear published: 2024Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, contemporary, lesbian, literary fiction, mental health, queer
50. IntermezzoAuthor: Sally RooneyYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Ireland, Irish literature, adult, book club, contemporary, literary fiction
51. IsolaAuthor: Allegra GoodmanYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Canada, France, adult, book club, historical, literary fiction
52. Just Like YouAuthor: Nick HornbyYear published: 2020Genre and themes: British literature, adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, literary fiction
53. Less Is LostAuthor: Andrew Sean GreerYear published: 2022Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, book club, contemporary, gay, humor, literary fiction, queer
54. Long IslandAuthor: Colm TóibínYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Ireland, Irish literature, adult, book club, family, historical, literary fiction
55. Love After LoveAuthor: Ingrid PersaudYear published: 2020Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, book club, contemporary, family, literary fiction, queer
56. Loved OneAuthor: Aisha MuharrarYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, book club, coming of age, contemporary, grief, literary fiction
57. LusterAuthor: Raven LeilaniYear published: 2020Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, literary fiction, race
58. Margo's Got Money TroublesAuthor: Rufi ThorpeYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, humor, literary fiction
59. MemorialAuthor: Bryan WashingtonYear published: 2020Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, book club, contemporary, gay, literary fiction, queer
60. Milk FedAuthor: Melissa BroderYear published: 2021Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, contemporary, lesbian, literary fiction, mental health, queer
61. My HusbandAuthor: Maud VenturaYear published: 2021Genre and themes: France, adult, book club, contemporary, horror, literary fiction, mystery, thriller
62. My Name Is Emilia del ValleAuthor: Isabel AllendeYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, book club, fantasy, historical, literary fiction, magical realism
63. Nearly All the Men in Lagos Are MadAuthor: Damilare KukuYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Africa, adult, contemporary, humor, literary fiction, short stories
64. Notes on Your Sudden DisappearanceAuthor: Alison EspachYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, book club, coming of age, contemporary, literary fiction, mystery, thriller
65. Okay DaysAuthor: Jenny MustardYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, coming of age, contemporary, literary fiction, mental health, summer
66. Olga Dies DreamingAuthor: Xóchitl GonzálezYear published: 2022Genre and themes: LGBT, New York, adult, book club, contemporary, latinx, literary fiction
67. Open WaterAuthor: Caleb Azumah NelsonYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, literary fiction, novella, race
68. Open, HeavenAuthor: Seán HewittYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Ireland, LGBT, adult, coming of age, contemporary, gay, literary fiction, queer
69. Shark HeartAuthor: Emily HabeckYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, fantasy, literary fiction, magical realism
70. Sirens & MusesAuthor: Antonia AngressYear published: 2022Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, art, contemporary, dark academia, lesbian, literary fiction, queer
71. Sirens & MusesAuthor: Antonia AngressYear published: 2022Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, art, contemporary, dark academia, lesbian, literary fiction, queer
72. Sky DaddyAuthor: Kate FolkYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, humor, literary fiction, science fiction
73. Some Bright NowhereAuthor: Ann PackerYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, family, friendship, literary fiction
74. SunburnAuthor: Chloe Michelle HowarthYear published: 2023Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, coming of age, contemporary, historical, lesbian, literary fiction, queer, summer
75. SunsetAuthor: Jessie CaveYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, grief, literary fiction, summer
76. Swimming in the DarkAuthor: Tomasz JedrowskiYear published: 2020Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, historical, literary fiction, queer
77. Table for OneAuthor: Emma GannonYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, literary fiction, travel
78. Talking at NightAuthor: Claire DaverleyYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, literary fiction
79. The AcademyAuthor: Elin HilderbrandYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, literary fiction, mystery, young adult
80. The AnthropologistsAuthor: Aysegül SavasYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, literary fiction, novella, short stories
81. The Bad Muslim DiscountAuthor: Syed M. MasoodYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, historical, literary fiction
82. The Collected Regrets of CloverAuthor: Mikki BrammerYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, grief, literary fiction
83. The DaydreamsAuthor: Laura HankinYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, friendship, literary fiction
84. The FavoritesAuthor: Layne FargoYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, literary fiction, sports
85. The Fifth Avenue ApartmentAuthor: Pamela M. KelleyYear published: 2023Genre and themes: New York, adult, chick lit, contemporary, literary fiction, rom com
86. The Half MoonAuthor: Mary Beth KeaneYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, historical, literary fiction, mystery
87. The Happy CoupleAuthor: Naoise DolanYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Ireland, Irish literature, LGBT, adult, contemporary, literary fiction, queer
88. The Heart in WinterAuthor: Kevin BarryYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Irish literature, Westerns, adult, book club, historical, literary fiction
89. The Heart of WinterAuthor: Jonathan EvisonYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, family, historical, literary fiction, relationships
90. The Island of Missing TreesAuthor: Elif ShafakYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, fantasy, historical, literary fiction, magical realism
91. The Knockout QueenAuthor: Rufi ThorpeYear published: 2020Genre and themes: LGBT, coming of age, contemporary, literary fiction, queer, young adult
92. The Loneliness of Sonia and SunnyAuthor: Kiran DesaiYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Asia, India, adult, book club, contemporary, historical, literary fiction
93. The Museum of Ordinary PeopleAuthor: Mike GayleYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, book club, books about books, contemporary, family, literary fiction
94. The Nine Lives of Rose NapolitanoAuthor: Donna FreitasYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, feminism, literary fiction
95. The Paper PalaceAuthor: Miranda Cowley HellerYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, literary fiction, summer
96. The Paris HoursAuthor: Alex GeorgeYear published: 2020Genre and themes: France, adult, book club, historical, literary fiction
97. The Phone Booth at the Edge of the WorldAuthor: Laura Imai MessinaYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Asia, Japan, adult, book club, contemporary, grief, literary fiction
98. The ProphetsAuthor: Robert Jones Jr.Year published: 2021Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, book club, historical, literary fiction, queer, race
99. The Rachel IncidentAuthor: ["Caroline O'Donoghue"]Year published: 2023Genre and themes: Ireland, Irish literature, LGBT, adult, book club, coming of age, contemporary, literary fiction
100. The Reading ListAuthor: Sara Nisha AdamsYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, book club, books about books, contemporary, family, literary fiction
101. The Road to Tender HeartsAuthor: Annie HartnettYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, family, humor, literary fiction, road trip
102. The RomanticAuthor: William BoydYear published: 2022Genre and themes: British literature, adult, adventure, book club, historical, literary fiction
103. The SafekeepAuthor: Yael van der WoudenYear published: 2024Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, book club, historical, lesbian, literary fiction, queer
104. The Second HomeAuthor: Christina ClancyYear published: 2020Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, family, literary fiction, summer, summer reads
105. The Seven O'Clock ClubAuthor: Amelia IrelandYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, fantasy, grief, literary fiction, magical realism
106. The Silent TreatmentAuthor: Abbie GreavesYear published: 2020Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, family, literary fiction, mystery
107. The Startup WifeAuthor: Tahmima AnamYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, feminism, literary fiction
108. The Ten Year AffairAuthor: Erin SomersYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, literary fiction
109. The Wedding PeopleAuthor: Alison EspachYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, humor, literary fiction
110. Thirst for SaltAuthor: Madelaine LucasYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, book club, coming of age, contemporary, literary fiction, summer, summer reads
111. This Is a Love StoryAuthor: Jessica SofferYear published: 2025Genre and themes: New York, adult, book club, contemporary, literary fiction
112. Three Days in JuneAuthor: Anne TylerYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, family, literary fiction
113. Tom LakeAuthor: Ann PatchettYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, family, historical, literary fiction
114. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and TomorrowAuthor: Gabrielle ZevinYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, book club, coming of age, contemporary, friendship, historical, literary fiction
115. TwiceAuthor: Mitch AlbomYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, fantasy, literary fiction, magical realism, time travel
116. We All Live HereAuthor: Jojo MoyesYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, family, literary fiction
117. We Do What We Do in the DarkAuthor: Michelle HartYear published: 2022Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, contemporary, gay, lesbian, literary fiction, queer
118. WellnessAuthor: Nathan HillYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, family, historical, literary fiction
119. When We Were BirdsAuthor: Ayanna Lloyd BanwoYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, fantasy, literary fiction, magical realism, paranormal
120. Wish You Were HereAuthor: Jodi PicoultYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, historical, literary fiction, realistic fiction
121. Writers & LoversAuthor: Lily KingYear published: 2020Genre and themes: adult, book club, books about books, contemporary, literary fiction
122. Writers & LoversAuthor: Lily KingYear published: 2020Genre and themes: adult, book club, books about books, contemporary, literary fiction
123. You Are HereAuthor: David NichollsYear published: 2024Genre and themes: British literature, adult, book club, contemporary, literary fiction, travel
124. Young MungoAuthor: Douglas StuartYear published: 2022Genre and themes: LGBT, Scotland, adult, contemporary, gay, historical, literary fiction, queer
125. Your Driver Is WaitingAuthor: Priya GunsYear published: 2023Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, contemporary, lesbian, literary fiction, queer

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 titles?

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 literary romance comp title that fits my book?

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