The best romance books if you’re a sucker for witty banter

Why am I passionate about this?

Is there any better foreplay than great wordplay? Not in my book! After years of studying the romcom repartee gospel according to Nora Ephron and Nancy Meyers, I know this much is true: what’s said on the lips is first sparked in the hips! As a rom-com writer recently crowned “the Queen of Banter” by a reader (blush), I bow to the greats who taught me that witty banter is a symptom of unrealized or unsatisfied attraction. And as a lover of skillfully-written sparring, I squirm with delight whenever a sly remark, slick comeback, or sexy euphemism makes potential paramours pop. Want to enchant her? Use banter!


I wrote...

Morning Man

By Barbara Kellyn,

Book cover of Morning Man

What is my book about?

After draining her savings, moving 300 miles, and being dumped on arrival by her boyfriend, Dayna Cook vows to stop falling for the radio jocks she works with. But when she’s reassigned to co-host the morning show with irresistible Tack Collins, Dayna’s hormones start backpedaling. Wake Up with Tack and Dayna kicks into high gear and so does the duo’s mutual lust—until the boss warns that sleeping together will kill the sexual tension that drives listeners to tune in to their show. Sizzling attraction deviates in unexpected directions fraught with jealous radio groupies, a remorseful ex-boyfriend, and a resentful partner as Tack and Dayna discover that genuine feelings create more static than casual sex ever could.

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Chaos Is My Brand

Barbara Kellyn Why did I love this book?

As someone who’s hooked on cooking reality TV shows, I was smitten with this spicy romcom with all the tantalizing ingredients for great banter. Peppery Gigi is a saucy-mouthed leading babe who goes toe to toe with any taker, whether she’s trading insults with her acidic-tongued celebrity chef or cooing seductive come-ons to the smooth-as-caramel southern charmer who’s whet her appetite. I loved that author Josie Juniper’s hilariously twisted love triangle definitely brings the heat, but it’s the sizzling banter that truly turns the flame up to 11.

By Josie Juniper,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Chaos Is My Brand as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A hot-mess TV personality with a wild reputation. An enigmatic country boy with secrets behind his Elvis smile. Unlikely friends… trying to avoid a collision into benefits.

Irrepressible “comedy cook” Gigi Becker finds herself far from the comforts of Los Angeles when her on-paper husband – world-famous loudmouth chef Gavin Yates – relocates her show. But the spiteful plans of “culinary empire ogre” Gavin backfire when Gigi trust-falls into the safety of fast friendship with captivating cameraman Leo and talented director Bennett.

As Gigi navigates a new life of dramatic change and culture clash – and endures repeated sabotage by…


Book cover of Bet Me

Barbara Kellyn Why did I love this book?

Wickedly witty women are a trademark of Crusie’s books, but none hold a candle to feisty and genuinely funny Minerva Dobbs. Min makes no apologies for being a curvy dame who puts her foot in her mouth almost as often as the chicken marsala she craves, but what I couldn’t get enough of was Min and Cal’s delectable sparring in the classic cat-and-mouse style of Hepburn and Tracy. This book was like my masterclass in the art of writing a slow burn, with teasing banter that kept my toes curled throughout.   

By Jennifer Crusie,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Bet Me as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The beloved New York Times bestselling novel, now with an exclusive letter from Jennifer Crusie in celebration of its tenth anniversary

This is New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Crusie's novel about long shots, risk management, true love, and great shoes. . . .

Minerva Dobbs knows how to work the odds.
Calvin Morrisey always plays to win.

But when they face off, neither one is prepared.
Because when real life meets true love, all bets are off. . . .

Minerva Dobbs knows that happily-ever-after is a fairy tale, especially with a man who asked her…


Book cover of Shock Mount

Barbara Kellyn Why did I love this book?

Rock star romances have been my jam since back when my teen bedroom walls were filled with Tiger Beat pinups. The beautifully-orchestrated banter that keeps the beat of a rock and roll love affair fraught with hit and miss encounters helps build the tension towards a satisfying crescendo. (Full disclosure: I begged author Kelly Kay to disclose her real-life inspiration, and it was exactly who I’d pictured!) The hotel pool scene where Meg and rockstar Ian do nothing more than talk (fully clothed) lives rent free in my head as one of the steamiest scenes I’ve ever read. 

By Kelly Kay,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Shock Mount as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

★★★★★"I LOVE this book."
A rockstar romance love triangle without crossover, and everyone gets a happily ever after. And it all begins with a spilled glass of wine and a broken watch.

If Meghan Hannah's not falling down, she's falling in love.

She's a mess of herself and always has been. She's an expert at putting her foot in her mouth, tripping over nothing, and being a very loyal friend but love, not so much. But she thinks she has finally got it all figured out. Until she spills her wine on the wrong Rock Star. Now Meg needs to…


Book cover of Burned

Barbara Kellyn Why did I love this book?

Irresistibly sharp, realistic dialogue between the leads makes this cowboy romance the most memorable I’ve read to date. Immediately, I wanted to saddle up and ride off into the sunset with them. Second chance romance is arguably the best trope for sparks to fly, and Jack and Everlea’s history is living proof, as their gorgeous natural banter conveys depth and shows their destined connection growing from frenemies to lovers. Greta Rose West is a one-click author for me thanks to her obvious gift for writing her characters’ gab. 

By Greta Rose West,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Burned as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From Internationally Bestselling Small-town Western Romance author, Greta Rose West...

Jack Cade already has enough on his shoulders with his four brothers, his struggling Wyoming horse ranch, and his adopted mama going through chemo again. He doesn’t have time for a woman, and he doesn’t trust them. But when Everlea Donovan falls into his life—literally—he can’t stop fantasizing about her.

Wanting her.

But Everlea’s hiding something, always looking over her shoulder, ready to run at any moment. She can’t risk putting Jack and his family in danger, but she’s never wanted anything—anyone—the way she wants him.

When she starts feeling…


Book cover of Highland Games

Barbara Kellyn Why did I love this book?

My tender cheeks were so sore from smiling and laughing as I burned through this crazy funny rom-com, unable to put it down. I totally blame it on author Evie Alexander’s vividly hilarious and sexy banter. From the moment sassy Zoe and grumpy Rory (picture Thor in a kilt!) butt heads and battle over who’s the rightful owner of Scottish land, there are more slings and arrows flying than in Braveheart. I loved that the steamy inner monologues of this dual POV are as deliciously fun as the seductively playful dialogue behind this pair’s passionate slow burn. 

By Evie Alexander,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Highland Games as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A fiery redhead, a Scottish god, and enough heat to warm the coldest of winters…


Zoe’s done playing it safe and ready to follow her heart. Inheriting a cabin in a remote corner of Scotland, she ditches the city and heads for the Highlands. But reality shatters her dream. The roof leaks, there’s no front door, and her scorching hot neighbor wants her gone.

Rory's a grumpy man-bear with an impossible task. If he can’t drag Kinloch castle into the 21st century, he’s out of a job. All he wants is a quiet life in the cabin he loved as…


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The Unproposed Guy

By Bhavik Sarkhedi, Suhana Bhambhani,

Book cover of The Unproposed Guy

Bhavik Sarkhedi Author Of The Unproposed Guy

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Wanderlust Film Aficionado Bibliophile Solo Traveler Movie Buff

Bhavik's 3 favorite reads in 2023

What is my book about?

The Unproposed Guy is a captivating journey through the life of Kevin, a character stuck in a mundane existence and unfulfilling relationships, who discovers his passion for stand-up comedy and rapping amidst an existential crisis.

This contemporary fiction is peppered with humor, sarcasm, and poignant insights into modern relationships and societal expectations. Kevin's struggles and transformations offer a unique blend of comedy and emotional depth, making it a must-read for those seeking a fresh, humorous perspective on love, life, and self-discovery. Dive into Kevin's character of failed relationship and who portrays himself as "Every guy's best friend and every girl's worst nightmare".

The Unproposed Guy

By Bhavik Sarkhedi, Suhana Bhambhani,

What is this book about?

There has been no significant change in the life of Kevin—a monotonous routine, ordinary family, and miserably failing relationships—until he finds out he is going through something abnormal: 'Existential Crisis'.

He has always been a marvellous entertainer, but has a mysterious way of putting off girls. The talent in him is growing creatively, and abundantly, but his inability to impress a girl keeps pulling him down slowly. He realises he can be any guy’s best friend, but he also seems to be every girl’s worst nightmare.

Hop onto the rollercoaster journey of Kevin’s life, as he navigates through mocking friends…


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