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

When you’re querying a retellings 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 retellings romance comp titles to make sure you’re always working with relevant books.

No matter if you’re writing a sweet, slow-burn retellings 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 Dance with the Fae PrinceAuthor: Elise KovaYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Fae, Magic, Retellings, adult, fantasy, new adult, romance, romantasy
2. A Deal with the Elf KingAuthor: Elise KovaYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Enemies to lovers, Fae, Magic, Retellings, fantasy, new adult, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
3. A Feather So BlackAuthor: Lyra SeleneYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Fae, Magic, Retellings, adult, fantasy, romance, romantasy, series counter
4. A Forgery of FateAuthor: Elizabeth LimYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Dragons, Mythology, Retellings, fantasy, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
5. A Mirror MendedAuthor: Alix E. HarrowYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Fairy tales, LGBT, Retellings, adult, fantasy, novella, queer, romance, romantasy
6. A River of Golden BonesAuthor: A.K. MulfordYear published: 2023Genre and themes: LGBT, Retellings, adult, fantasy, queer, romance, romantasy, series counter
7. A Ruin of RosesAuthor: K.F. BreeneYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Dark, Dragons, Enemies to lovers, Retellings, Shapeshifters, adult, fantasy, paranormal, romance, romantasy, series counter
8. A Ship of Bones & TeethAuthor: Karina HalleYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Dark, Enemies to lovers, Mermaids, Pirates, Retellings, adult, fantasy, romance, romantasy, series counter
9. A Ship of Bones & TeethAuthor: Karina HalleYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Dark, Enemies to lovers, Mermaids, Pirates, Retellings, adult, fantasy, romantasy
10. A Song to Drown RiversAuthor: Ann LiangYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Mythology, Retellings, fantasy, historical, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
11. A Sweet Sting of SaltAuthor: Rose SutherlandYear published: 2024Genre and themes: LGBT, Retellings, adult, fantasy, historical, lesbian, queer, romance, romantasy, series counter
12. A Touch of ChaosAuthor: Scarlett St. ClairYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Dark, Greek mythology, Mythology, Retellings, adult, fantasy, romance, romantasy
13. A Touch of RuinAuthor: Scarlett St. ClairYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Dark, Greek mythology, Mythology, Retellings, adult, fantasy, romance, romantasy
14. A Treachery of SwansAuthor: A.B. PoranekYear published: 2025Genre and themes: LGBT, Retellings, fantasy, gothic, lesbian, queer, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
15. A Vow So Bold and DeadlyAuthor: Brigid KemmererYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Magic, Retellings, fantasy, romance, romantasy, young adult
16. AnastasiaAuthor: Sophie LarkYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Enemies to lovers, Retellings, adult, fantasy, historical, romance, romantasy, series counter
17. Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her MatchAuthor: Sally ThorneYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Retellings, adult, fantasy, historical, paranormal, romance, romantasy, series counter
18. Angels Before ManAuthor: Rafael NicolásYear published: 2022Genre and themes: LGBT, Mythology, Retellings, adult, fantasy, gay, horror, queer, romance, romantasy, series counter
19. AriadneAuthor: Jennifer SaintYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Greek mythology, Mythology, Retellings, adult, fantasy, historical, romance, romantasy, series counter
20. AtalantaAuthor: Jennifer SaintYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Greek mythology, Mythology, Retellings, adult, fantasy, historical, romance, romantasy, series counter
21. Black Woods Blue SkyAuthor: Eowyn IveyYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Retellings, adult, book club, fantasy, historical, literary fiction, magical realism, romance, romantasy, series counter
22. BloodmarkedAuthor: Tracy DeonnYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Magic, Retellings, contemporary, fantasy, romance, romantasy, urban fantasy, young adult
23. Burning DaylightAuthor: Emily McIntireYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Dark, Forbidden romance, Retellings, adult, contemporary, fantasy, romance, romantasy, series counter
24. By the BookAuthor: Jasmine GuilloryYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Books about books, Retellings, adult, chick lit, contemporary, romance, series counter
25. Cinder-NannyAuthor: Sariah WilsonYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Retellings, adult, chick lit, clean, contemporary, rom com, romance, series counter
26. Cinderella Is DeadAuthor: Kalynn BayronYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Fairy tales, LGBT, Retellings, fantasy, lesbian, queer, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
27. Cruel SeductionAuthor: Katee RobertYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Dark, Enemies to lovers, Greek mythology, Mythology, Retellings, adult, fantasy, romance, romantasy, smut
28. Darling GirlAuthor: Liz MichalskiYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Retellings, adult, book club, contemporary, fantasy, magical realism, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter
29. Daughter of the Moon GoddessAuthor: Sue Lynn TanYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Magic, Mythology, Retellings, fantasy, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
30. Defy the NightAuthor: Brigid KemmererYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Enemies to lovers, Retellings, fantasy, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
31. DragonfruitAuthor: Makiia LucierYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Adventure, Dragons, Mythology, Retellings, fantasy, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
32. Forged by MaliceAuthor: Elizabeth HelenYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Enemies to lovers, Fae, Magic, Retellings, Why choose, adult, fantasy, romance, romantasy
33. Forsaken MateAuthor: Vasilisa DrakeYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Magic, Retellings, Shapeshifters, adult, fantasy, paranormal, romance, romantasy, series counter
34. Foul Heart HuntsmanAuthor: Chloe GongYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Retellings, fantasy, historical, mystery, romance, romantasy, young adult
35. Foul Lady FortuneAuthor: Chloe GongYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Retellings, fantasy, historical, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
36. GildAuthor: Raven KennedyYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Fae, Magic, Retellings, adult, fantasy, romance, romantasy, series counter
37. GildedAuthor: Marissa MeyerYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Fairy tales, Magic, Retellings, fantasy, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
38. Girl, Goddess, QueenAuthor: Bea FitzgeraldYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Greek mythology, Mythology, Retellings, fantasy, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
39. Girl, Serpent, ThornAuthor: Melissa BashardoustYear published: 2020Genre and themes: LGBT, Retellings, fantasy, lesbian, queer, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
40. Hana Khan Carries OnAuthor: Uzma JalaluddinYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Enemies to lovers, Retellings, adult, canada, chick lit, contemporary, romance, series counter
41. Heart of the Sun WarriorAuthor: Sue Lynn TanYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Magic, Mythology, Retellings, fantasy, romance, romantasy, young adult
42. Hemlock & SilverAuthor: T. KingfisherYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Fairy tales, Magic, Retellings, adult, fantasy, horror, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter
43. HesterAuthor: Laurie Lico AlbaneseYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Retellings, adult, book club, feminism, historical, literary fiction, romance, series counter
44. HollowAuthor: Karina HalleYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Dark, Retellings, Why choose, adult, fantasy, gothic, paranormal, romance, romantasy, series counter
45. HookedAuthor: Emily McIntireYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Dark, Enemies to lovers, Retellings, adult, contemporary, fantasy, romance, romantasy, series counter, smut
46. IcarusAuthor: K. AncrumYear published: 2024Genre and themes: LGBT, Mythology, Retellings, contemporary, fantasy, queer, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
47. If the Shoe FitsAuthor: Julie MurphyYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Retellings, adult, chick lit, contemporary, rom com, romance, series counter
48. In the Lives of PuppetsAuthor: T.J. KluneYear published: 2023Genre and themes: LGBT, Retellings, adult, dystopia, fantasy, queer, romance, romantasy, science fiction, series counter
49. Jo & LaurieAuthor: Margaret StohlYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Retellings, contemporary, historical, romance, series counter, young adult
50. Kiss the GirlAuthor: Zoraida CórdovaYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Music, Retellings, adult, chick lit, contemporary, romance
51. LegendbornAuthor: Tracy DeonnYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Dark academia, Magic, Retellings, fantasy, romance, romantasy, series counter, urban fantasy, young adult
52. Little ThievesAuthor: Margaret OwenYear published: 2021Genre and themes: LGBT, Magic, Retellings, fantasy, queer, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
53. Lord of Eternal NightAuthor: Ben AldersonYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Enemies to lovers, LGBT, Retellings, Vampires, adult, fantasy, gay, m m romance, paranormal, queer, romance, romantasy, series counter
54. LoreAuthor: Alexandra BrackenYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Greek mythology, Mythology, Retellings, fantasy, romance, romantasy, series counter, urban fantasy, young adult
55. Lucy UndyingAuthor: Kiersten WhiteYear published: 2024Genre and themes: LGBT, Retellings, Vampires, adult, fantasy, gothic, horror, lesbian, queer, romance, romantasy, series counter
56. MaliceAuthor: Heather WalterYear published: 2021Genre and themes: LGBT, Magic, Retellings, fantasy, lesbian, queer, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
57. Marriage & MastiAuthor: Nisha SharmaYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Friends to lovers, Marriage of convenience, Retellings, adult, contemporary, india, romance, series counter
58. MedusaAuthor: Jessie BurtonYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Greek mythology, Mythology, Retellings, fantasy, feminism, historical, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
59. MisruleAuthor: Heather WalterYear published: 2022Genre and themes: LGBT, Retellings, adult, fantasy, lesbian, queer, romance, romantasy, young adult
60. Most ArdentlyAuthor: Gabe Cole NovoaYear published: 2024Genre and themes: LGBT, Retellings, historical, queer, romance, series counter, transgender, young adult
61. Mountains Made of GlassAuthor: Scarlett St. ClairYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Enemies to lovers, Fae, Magic, Retellings, adult, fantasy, romance, romantasy, series counter
62. Much Ado about NadaAuthor: Uzma JalaluddinYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Retellings, adult, canada, chick lit, contemporary, romance, series counter
63. My Calamity JaneAuthor: Cynthia HandYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Humor, Retellings, fantasy, historical, paranormal, romance, romantasy, young adult
64. My Dark DesireAuthor: L.J. ShenYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Billionaire, Dark, Enemies to lovers, Forced proximity, Retellings, adult, contemporary, fantasy, romance, romantasy
65. Neon GodsAuthor: Katee RobertYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Dark, Greek mythology, Mythology, Retellings, adult, fantasy, romance, romantasy, series counter, smut
66. Not for the Faint of HeartAuthor: Lex CroucherYear published: 2024Genre and themes: LGBT, Retellings, fantasy, historical, lesbian, queer, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
67. Our Violent EndsAuthor: Chloe GongYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Enemies to lovers, Retellings, fantasy, historical, romance, romantasy, young adult
68. Painted DevilsAuthor: Margaret OwenYear published: 2023Genre and themes: LGBT, Retellings, fantasy, high fantasy, queer, romance, romantasy, young adult
69. Psyche and ErosAuthor: Luna McNamaraYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Greek mythology, Mythology, Retellings, adult, fantasy, historical, romance, romantasy, series counter
70. Queen of RosesAuthor: Briar BoleynYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Enemies to lovers, Fae, Magic, Retellings, adult, fantasy, romance, romantasy, series counter
71. Queen Takes RoseAuthor: Katee RobertYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Dark, LGBT, Retellings, adult, erotica, fantasy, lesbian, queer, romance, romantasy, smut
72. Silver in the BoneAuthor: Alexandra BrackenYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Magic, Mythology, Retellings, fantasy, romance, romantasy, series counter, urban fantasy, young adult
73. Six Crimson CranesAuthor: Elizabeth LimYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Dragons, Magic, Mythology, Retellings, fantasy, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
74. Skin of the SeaAuthor: Natasha BowenYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Mermaids, Mythology, Retellings, fantasy, historical, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
75. Small FavorsAuthor: Erin A. CraigYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Retellings, fantasy, historical, horror, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
76. So This is LoveAuthor: Elizabeth LimYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Fairy tales, Magic, Retellings, fantasy, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
77. Sweet ObsessionAuthor: Katee RobertYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Dark, Enemies to lovers, LGBT, Mythology, Retellings, adult, fantasy, romance, romantasy, series counter
78. Tangled Up in YouAuthor: Christina LaurenYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Retellings, adult, chick lit, contemporary, new adult, rom com, romance, series counter
79. Tastes Like ShakkarAuthor: Nisha SharmaYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Enemies to lovers, Forced proximity, Retellings, adult, contemporary, rom com, romance, series counter
80. The BeastAuthor: Jenika SnowYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Dark, Monster, Retellings, adult, erotica, fantasy, novella, paranormal, romance, romantasy, series counter, smut
81. The Bone SpindleAuthor: Leslie VedderYear published: 2022Genre and themes: LGBT, Magic, Retellings, fantasy, lesbian, queer, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
82. The Court of MiraclesAuthor: Kester GrantYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Retellings, fantasy, historical, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
83. The Floating WorldAuthor: Axie OhYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Mythology, Retellings, fantasy, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
84. The Forest GrimmAuthor: Kathryn PurdieYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Fairy tales, Magic, Retellings, fantasy, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
85. The Girl Who Fell Beneath the SeaAuthor: Axie OhYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Dragons, Mythology, Retellings, fantasy, historical, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
86. The House SaphirAuthor: Marissa MeyerYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Retellings, fantasy, gothic, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
87. The Hundred Loves of JulietAuthor: Evelyn SkyeYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Retellings, adult, chick lit, contemporary, fantasy, magical realism, romance, romantasy, series counter
88. The HunterAuthor: Jenika SnowYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Dark, Monster, Retellings, adult, erotica, fantasy, novella, paranormal, romance, romantasy, series counter
89. The LifestyleAuthor: Taylor HahnYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Retellings, adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, romance, series counter
90. The Murder of Mr. WickhamAuthor: Claudia GrayYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Retellings, adult, cozy mystery, historical, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller
91. The Night Ends with FireAuthor: K.X. SongYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Dragons, Mythology, Retellings, adult, fantasy, historical, romance, romantasy, series counter
92. The North WindAuthor: Alexandria WarwickYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Enemies to lovers, Magic, Mythology, Retellings, adult, fantasy, romance, romantasy, series counter
93. The Sea Witch: A Little Mermaid RetellingAuthor: Rebecca F. KenneyYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Dark, Enemies to lovers, Retellings, adult, fantasy, romance, romantasy, series counter, smut
94. The Thirteenth ChildAuthor: Erin A. CraigYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Retellings, fantasy, gothic, horror, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
95. The Witch's HeartAuthor: Genevieve GornichecYear published: 2021Genre and themes: LGBT, Mythology, Retellings, Witches, adult, fantasy, historical, romance, romantasy, series counter
96. Threads That BindAuthor: Kika HatzopoulouYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Greek mythology, Mythology, Retellings, fantasy, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
97. To Bleed a Crystal BloomAuthor: Sarah A. ParkerYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Dark, Fae, Magic, Retellings, adult, fantasy, new adult, romance, romantasy, series counter
98. Violet Made of ThornsAuthor: Gina ChenYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Enemies to lovers, Magic, Retellings, Witches, fantasy, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
99. Wild, Beautiful, and FreeAuthor: Sophfronia ScottYear published: 2023Genre and themes: African American, Retellings, adult, book club, historical, romance, series counter
100. Wings of StarlightAuthor: Allison SaftYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Fae, Retellings, fantasy, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult

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 retellings romance comp title that fits my book?

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