20 Must-Read Flirty Romance Authors Like Emily Henry

Emily Henry is a wildly popular author of numerous bestselling rom-coms, most notably including Beach Read (2020), People We Meet On Vacation (2021), and Book Lovers (2022). 

20 Must-Read Flirty Romance Authors Like Emily Henry

Hailed as the queen of the beach read, Emily Henry’s romances are fast-paced and fun reads that you won’t want to put down. With her latest novel Happy Place set to release soon, Emily Henry’s fans are sure to enjoy the following list of authors’ with similar writing styles and books like Emily Henry.

Ali Hazelwood 

The Love Hypothesis

Ali Hazelwood is the New York Times bestselling author of two popular contemporary romance novels and multiple shorter novellas. She earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience and works as a college professor — this translates into her books, which feature strong women in STEM as leading characters. 

Her most popular novel is her simmering debut, The Love Hypothesis, which has been greatly praised for its snappy dialogue and sizzling chemistry between the two leads. She also wrote Love on the Brain, a smart and sexy read featuring arch-nemeses as co-leads on a NASA project. 

Sophie Kinsella

Confessions of a Shopaholic (Shopaholic, No 1)

Sophia Kinsella has been topping the bestseller’s lists since 2000 when she published the first novel in her feel-good Shopaholic series, Confessions of a Shopaholic. The UK-based author quickly became a multinational bestseller, with her novels being translated into over 40 languages and published in 60 countries. 

She writes personable rom-coms with heartwarming themes, most recently including The Party Crasher, a fiercely funny read about love and second chances. Avid book lovers will be particularly drawn to Sophie Kinsella’s novel Love Your Life, the story of hopeless romantic Ava who falls for a man while at a writing retreat in Italy. 

Christina Lauren 

The Unhoneymooners

Two is better than one when it comes to Christina Lauren, the combined pen name of long-time best friends and writing partners, Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. 

Christina Lauren has authored over twenty novels in the contemporary romance genre, all with lovable characters, entertaining dialogue, and a dash of spice. Her enemies-to-lovers romance The Unhoneymooners has been topping charts since its publication in 2019, and Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating is packed with flirtatious fun you won’t want to put down.  

Katherine Center 

The Bodyguard

Katherine Center is the beloved author of more than ten compelling contemporary fiction novels, with a heavy dose of romance in each. Her books are sure to make you laugh, cry, and everything in between. 

Most recently she released The Bodyguard, a dazzling romantic comedy that Emily Henry herself called her “…perfect 10 of a book”. Readers will also want to check out Katherine Center’s Happiness for Beginners, a one-of-a-kind love story about resilience that’s being adapted into a film on Netflix. 

Sarah Adams 

The Cheat Sheet: A Novel

With a string of swoon-worthy romance novels you won’t want to put down behind her, Sarah Adams is the rom-com author you need to add to your bookshelf. 

Social media sensation The Cheat Sheet is Sarah Adams’ most talked about book, following friend-zoned Bree Camden, NFL legend Nathan Donelson, and a reporter spilling one big secret a little too soon. She also wrote the cutesy, quick read When In Rome, the story of a pop star and a small-town baker who find each other in unexpected ways.  

Abby Jimenez 

Part of Your World

Abby Jimenez is a multi-talented creative: she is both the bestselling author of five fun contemporary romances and the founder of premier cake shop Nadia Cakes. Sparkling chemistry and unlikely duos line the pages of Abby Jimenez’s well-written romantic comedies you won’t want to miss. 

Her stand-alone rom-com Part of Your World topped many book lists in 2022, while her debut novel The Friend Zone kicked off a highly popular trilogy full of humor, heartbreak, and super sweet romance. 

Tessa Bailey 

It Happened One Summer: A Novel (Bellinger Sisters, 1)

No one does flirty one-liners and dynamic pairings quite like Tessa Bailey, the author of multiple spicy rom-com series that always keep her readers coming back for more. 

Lovers of Emily Henry will want to check out Tessa Bailey’s equally riveting Bellinger Sisters duology, made up of It Happened One Summer and Hook, Line and Sinker. For even more sweet and sexy pairings, Fix Her Up is the first in a sizzling trilogy of love, laughter, and life lessons by the incomparable Tessa Bailey.  

Sophie Cousens

Before I Do

Sophie Cousens was a successful television producer in London for more than twelve years before becoming a full-time writer. Perhaps this is what gives her writing such a fast-paced and fresh feeling, with characters that practically jump off the page and dialogue so snippy you’ll be wishing you’d come up with it. 

Sophie Cousen’s most recent release, Before I Do, explores the question of “what-if ” when Audrey’s one-that-got-away ex-lover shows up the night before her wedding. Her other stand-alone rom-coms are equally full of Cousen’s signature warmth and wit and are perfect reads for a night-in. 

Lily Chu 

The Stand-In

Toronto-based novelist Lily Chu is an innovative rom-com writer making a much-needed splash in today’s literary scene. She incorporates difficult topics and themes into her work, from mental health to discrimination, and her novels feature strong Asian characters and important biracial representation. 

Her debut novel, The Stand-In is a must-read enemies-to-lovers romance set in a world of glitz, glam, and movie stars. Lily Chu’s second novel, The Comeback, is a well-written modern romance with relatable characters and pop culture references that make the book feel fresh. 

Casey McQuiston 

Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel

Casey McQuiston writes romance books under both the New Adult and Young Adult category, with flirtatious banter and sizzling chemistry at the center of each novel. 

Casey McQuiston’s most popular work, Red, White & Royal Blue, is a thrilling political love story that’s currently being adapted into a film. I Kissed Shara Wheeler is McQuiston’s first foray into writing for young adults, although it will certainly appeal to older readers as well with its wit and charm. 

Kate Clayborn 

Georgie, All Along: An Uplifting and Unforgettable Love Story

Critically acclaimed author Kate Clayborn has written seven contemporary romance novels to date, all featuring smart, capable heroines and electrifying duos. 

Readers are bound to enjoy Georgie, All Along, a swoon-worthy story about finding yourself (and finding love). Kate Clayborn also wrote the beloved Chance of a Lifetime trilogy, about three best friends winning the lottery, which kicks off with Beginner’s Luck.

Melissa Ferguson 

Meet Me in the Margins

Romantic comedies with a lot of heart are Melissa Ferguson’s specialty: the long-time bestselling author of wholesome, people-centered stories that readers are sure to fall for. 

Book lovers will be drawn to her standalone novel Meet Me in the Margins, the story of a romance novelist who finds herself falling for her mystery editor. You’ll also want to check out her cutesy rom-coms The Cul-de-Sac War and The Dating Charade for modern romances with a heartfelt twist. 

Meredith Schorr 

As Seen on TV

Reading a Meredith Schorr novel is akin to talking to a best friend you haven’t seen in years: warm, inviting, and guaranteed to make you laugh. Her born and bred New York spirit translates onto paper with lighthearted wit and wisdom. 

Her most recent novel As Seen on TV will delight readers with its comedic take on the big-city to small-town lover trope. Readers will love Meredith Schorr’s tales of happily-ever-after, all of which come in an effortlessly readable package. 

Sally Thorne

The Hating Game: A Novel

Hailing from Australia, Sally Thorne is the author of multiple beloved rom-coms that are as hilarious as they are sexy. 

She is best known for her workplace romance The Hating Game, which immediately topped bestselling lists after its release and has been adapted into a popular movie. Readers will also want to check out 99 Percent Mine, a delightful read teeming with charismatic characters and long-awaited spice. 

Beth O’Leary 

The Road Trip

No one does comfort reads quite like Beth O’Leary, whose quirky rom-coms will feel like a warm hug from the first page to the last. 

Snappy dialogue and second chances fill the pages of The Road Trip, the untimely story of two exes forced into an awkward road trip together. In similar feel-good fashion, Beth O’Leary’s The No-Show follows three women who are all strangers to each other: that is, until Valentine’s Day  when they discover that they’ve all been stood up by the same man. 

Mhairi McFarlane 

Mad About You: A Novel

International bestseller Mhairi McFarlane writes books that will definitely make you laugh, probably make you cry, and always leave you coming back for more. Based in the UK, McFarlane’s rom-coms are more than just one-time reads: they’re bound to become long-time favorites. 

Mad About You tells the heartbreakingly funny story of a woman who breaks off her engagement and moves in with a complete stranger. Equally full of humor is If I Never Met You, a fake romance turned genuine attraction, chock full of laughable one-liners, and a storyline sure to keep readers hooked. 

Jen DeLuca

Well Met

Jen DeLuca is the bestselling author of a host of fun and flirty rom-coms with unique settings, lovable characters, and just enough suspense to keep you reading into the night. 

Her most popular books are a trilogy set during a Renaissance Faire, inspired by DeLuca’s own time spent working at similar faires in the past. The first in the trilogy, Well Met, follows a flirtation between two sworn enemies that will leave you guessing at what’s real and what’s all part of the show. 

Catherine Walsh 

The Rebound: An absolutely hilarious romantic comedy set in Ireland

Born and raised in Ireland, Catherine Walsh writes books set in her homeland of Ireland, with uplifting and sweet romances at the heart of each story. 

Contemporary romance lovers will be drawn to The Rebound, an interesting spin on the friends-to-lovers trope that will have you rooting for the characters from the first page. Catherine Walsh also wrote a lovable holiday rom-com, Holiday Romance, a festive tale of misdirected flights that readers can enjoy all year round. 

Emily Giffin

Something Borrowed: A Novel

Emily Giffin writes novels that are traditionally categorized as “chick lit”, although her stories maintain great emotional depth and authenticity that will attract readers from many backgrounds. Giffin is highly educated and practiced litigation for years after graduating from law school, while still writing literature in her limited spare time to turn her dreams into reality. 

Her debut novel, Something Borrowed, was an instant success in the world of contemporary romance, being adapted into a blockbuster movie as well as followed up by a sequel, Something Blue. More recently, Giffin released the striking bestseller Meant to Be, a heart-wrenching tale of love against all odds in a world of political scandals and undesired spotlights. 

Jennifer Weiner 

Good in Bed (20th Anniversary Edition): A Novel

Jennifer Weiner is the highly successful author of more than fifteen women’s fiction novels, with hilarious and heartwarming romance filling the pages of her women-centric stories. Beyond her life as an author, Jennifer Weiner is an advocate for many important women’s issues, using her platform to speak on body positivity, women’s careers, and more. 

You can’t go wrong when it comes to reading anything by Jennifer Weiner, as her wit and warmth practically dance off the pages. However, readers will be sorely missing out if they don’t check out her duology featuring pop culture reporter Cannie Shapiro, which begins with Good in Bed and is followed up by Certain Girls. Readers looking for a lighthearted beach read should check out Weiner’s Best Friends Forever, a novel with a lot of heart and a dash of romance that you won’t be able to put down. 

FAQs:

What should I read if I love Emily Henry?

Emily Henry fans will be delighted by the list of twenty authors above, who write loveable and funny romances you won’t want to miss.

What genre does Emily Henry write?

Emily Henry writes novels in the romance genre, with humorous dialogue and exciting storylines in each. 

Which books did Emily Henry write?

1. The Love That Split the World (2016)
2. A Million Junes (2017)
3. When the Sky Fell on Splendor (2019)
4. Hello Girls (2019)
5. Beach Read (2020)
6. People We Meet On Vacation (2021)
7. You & Me on Vacation (2021)
8. Book Lovers (2022)
9. Happy Place (2023)

Is Emily Henry writing another book?

Yes, Emily Henry’s newest novel Happy Place is set to be released on April 25, 2023.

In what order should I read Emily Henry’s books?

Emily Henry has only written stand-alone novels so far, meaning you can read them in whatever order you choose.

Who writes like Emily Henry?

The above list of twenty authors write books in similar genres and with similar target audiences as Emily Henry. Fans of Emily Henry’s witty dialogue and flirty romances are sure to enjoy the works by the above twenty authors, too.

Where is the author Emily Henry from?

Emily Henry is an American author who was raised in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Layla Hughes