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

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!”