Fans pick 100 books like The Comeback

By Lily Chu,

Here are 100 books that The Comeback fans have personally recommended if you like The Comeback. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of The Undomestic Goddess

Kathy Strobos Author Of Love Is an Art

From my list on romantic comedy to encourage you to pursue your dreams.

Why am I passionate about this?

I like to read about people pursuing their dream because that’s not an easy thing to do. When I was working as a lawyer at a corporate law firm, I was sure I wanted to become a partner. But eventually I realized that being in-house counsel at a company was a much better fit for me so I changed jobs. And similarly, I’d always wanted to write a romantic comedy and so, after many years as a lawyer, I started taking courses at night, and eventually I found the courage to quit my legal job and pursue this passion. The underlying theme of all of my books is to encourage readers to pursue their dreams. 

Kathy's book list on romantic comedy to encourage you to pursue your dreams

Kathy Strobos Why did Kathy love this book?

This is one of my favorite books—probably because I was a stressed-out corporate lawyer who definitely can’t iron.

The Undomestic Goddess is the story of a workaholic lawyer who is trying to become a partner at her law firm—only to get fired for an egregious mistake that she can’t believe she made. In her shock, she agrees to become a housekeeper. The only problem is she has no idea how to do any housework, which leads to some hilarious scenes.

I also loved how she figured out the mystery leading to her dismissal. This book made me feel less alone as a stressed-out workaholic lawyer and also made me consider that maybe being a partner at a law firm was not what I really wanted in life.

By Sophie Kinsella,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Undomestic Goddess as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'Funny, fast and farcical. I loved it' JOJO MOYES

The hilarious romantic comedy from NUMBER ONE BESTSELLING AUTHOR Sophie Kinsella

Samantha thrives under pressure. A high-powered London lawyer, all she can concentrate on is taking the next step in her career; eating, sleeping, seeing friends - even taking a breath - will have to wait.

But just when she's about to get everything she has ever wanted, Samantha makes a mistake. A fifty-million-pound, career-destroying mistake. Unable to face the consequences, she does the unimaginable and runs away...

Catching the first train she can, she finds herself in the countryside, outside…


Book cover of The Singles Table

Kathy Strobos Author Of Love Is an Art

From my list on romantic comedy to encourage you to pursue your dreams.

Why am I passionate about this?

I like to read about people pursuing their dream because that’s not an easy thing to do. When I was working as a lawyer at a corporate law firm, I was sure I wanted to become a partner. But eventually I realized that being in-house counsel at a company was a much better fit for me so I changed jobs. And similarly, I’d always wanted to write a romantic comedy and so, after many years as a lawyer, I started taking courses at night, and eventually I found the courage to quit my legal job and pursue this passion. The underlying theme of all of my books is to encourage readers to pursue their dreams. 

Kathy's book list on romantic comedy to encourage you to pursue your dreams

Kathy Strobos Why did Kathy love this book?

The Singles Table features a lawyer too—but Zara is a happy, free-spirited lawyer because she loves the quirky law firm she works for. Her problem is that the law firm may go under unless she can drum up some business.

Luckily, she has her family and the aunties on her side.  I love an opposites-attract romance, and Zara and Jay were absolutely lovely together. Plus, there were some hilarious scenes between them and with family. And I loved how Zara figured out how to build her case and save her law firm—and Jay. 

By Sara Desai,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Opposites attract in this laugh-out-loud romantic comedy about a free-spirited lawyer who is determined to find the perfect match for the grumpy bachelor at her cousin's wedding.
 
After a devastating break-up, celebrity-obsessed lawyer Zara Patel is determined never to open her heart again. She puts her energy into building her career and helping her friends find their happily-ever-afters. She's never faced a guest at the singles table she couldn’t match, until she crosses paths with the sinfully sexy Jay Dayal.
 
Former military security specialist Jay has no time for love. His life is about working hard, staying focused, and winning…


Book cover of The Summer of Sebastian

Kathy Strobos Author Of Love Is an Art

From my list on romantic comedy to encourage you to pursue your dreams.

Why am I passionate about this?

I like to read about people pursuing their dream because that’s not an easy thing to do. When I was working as a lawyer at a corporate law firm, I was sure I wanted to become a partner. But eventually I realized that being in-house counsel at a company was a much better fit for me so I changed jobs. And similarly, I’d always wanted to write a romantic comedy and so, after many years as a lawyer, I started taking courses at night, and eventually I found the courage to quit my legal job and pursue this passion. The underlying theme of all of my books is to encourage readers to pursue their dreams. 

Kathy's book list on romantic comedy to encourage you to pursue your dreams

Kathy Strobos Why did Kathy love this book?

The Summer of Sebastian features computer programmer Helen Hobbs and Olympic athlete Sebastian Clarke, so there are no lawyers here, although Sebastian with his fake dating contract and his citing the various clauses makes a good lawyer stand-in.

Helen wants to save the only home she’s ever known—an idyllic cottage set in the middle of Mendip Hills, near Bristol in the UK. She’s willing to do anything for her dream—and that includes fake dating Sebastian for money.

I adore fake dating romances and this one gets it right—especially with the brilliant banter between Helen and Sebastian. And I love how Helen and Sebastian figure out how to make their dreams a reality. 

By Giulia Skye,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

There’s been a mistake…

Olympic athlete Sebastian Clarke has six weeks to repair the damage to his reputation or lose the funding he needs to finally win that gold. Working as a sports ambassador in England for the summer is the perfect way to prove to his sponsors that he’s still their wholesome hero, and to seal the deal, he’s hired a sweet university librarian to pose as his girlfriend. Cassie is nothing like the Las Vegas showgirls the media stirred the truth with last month, but when she turns up late for their first meeting, Seb doesn’t expect to…


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Book cover of Tap Dancing on Everest: A Young Doctor's Unlikely Adventure

Tap Dancing on Everest By Mimi Zieman,

Tap Dancing on Everest, part coming-of-age memoir, part true-survival adventure story, is about a young medical student, the daughter of a Holocaust survivor raised in N.Y.C., who battles self-doubt to serve as the doctor—and only woman—on a remote Everest climb in Tibet.

The team attempts a new route up…

Book cover of Big Sexy Love

Kathy Strobos Author Of Love Is an Art

From my list on romantic comedy to encourage you to pursue your dreams.

Why am I passionate about this?

I like to read about people pursuing their dream because that’s not an easy thing to do. When I was working as a lawyer at a corporate law firm, I was sure I wanted to become a partner. But eventually I realized that being in-house counsel at a company was a much better fit for me so I changed jobs. And similarly, I’d always wanted to write a romantic comedy and so, after many years as a lawyer, I started taking courses at night, and eventually I found the courage to quit my legal job and pursue this passion. The underlying theme of all of my books is to encourage readers to pursue their dreams. 

Kathy's book list on romantic comedy to encourage you to pursue your dreams

Kathy Strobos Why did Kathy love this book?

This romantic comedy is hilarious, and yet also so emotional.

Olive is scared to try anything new, ever since her parents divorced and her world fell apart. She took a temporary job as a fishmonger to help pay for university, but nine years later, she’s still there. But now her best friend, Birdie, is dying, and Birdie has one final wish: deliver Birdie’s goodbye letter personally to her first love.

Only Birdie doesn’t know where he is—and so Olive has to venture out of her comfort zone and find him somewhere in New York City. But what Olive discovers is herself again—and her own love. This book will have you laughing out loud and crying, but a good crying, and it will definitely leave you with a happy feeling. 

By Kirsty Greenwood,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Get ready to laugh, cry and feel incredible with this NEW laugh out loud funny romance! It's brimming with hysterical feel good moments, heart-melting romance and a friendship you'll never, ever forget! If you like Sophie Kinsella, Lindsey Kelk, Suzy K. Quinn or Joanna Bolouri, then you'll LOVE the hilarious, bestselling books of Kirsty Greenwood.Olive Brewster is a scaredy cat. She doesn't do new or risky. She’s happy enough with her job at the local market, it’s cool that she has no boyfriend to fret over, she even likes that she still lives in her childhood home. No drama, no…


Book cover of Come from Away

Terrie Todd Author Of Rose Among Thornes

From my list on relationships between characters on opposing sides of WWII.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a Canadian author and I set my novels here. When I first attempted to write a book, I chose historical fiction because I thought it would be easier to get my characters into trouble—without cell phones and other modern conveniences to bail them out. I wasn’t wrong. However, the research involved with writing good historical fiction soon gave me a whole new appreciation for the genre and I was hooked. I find the WWII era far enough in the past to provide historical insight into humanity’s many weaknesses and strengths, yet near enough to make it relatable. I’ve been thrilled with the feedback on my faith-based stories.

Terrie's book list on relationships between characters on opposing sides of WWII

Terrie Todd Why did Terrie love this book?

Obviously, I love that this book is set in Canada, like all my own novels. A little-known story coming out of Nova Scotia involves Nazi sailors leaving their U-Boat one evening, on a bet, to attend a small-town dance without their identity being discovered. Graham has artfully taken this possibility on its ultimate “what-if?” journey. What if one of those sailors didn’t make it back to his submarine before it blew up, killing everyone aboard? What if he found a deserted trapper’s cabin to hole up in? What if he met a young Canadian woman whose three brothers were serving overseas? Isn’t it a tantalizing setup? Graham totally delivers in this page-turner.

By Genevieve Graham,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

From the bestselling author of Tides of Honour and Promises to Keep comes a poignant novel about a young couple caught on opposite sides of the Second World War.

In the fall of 1939, Grace Baker’s three brothers, sharp and proud in their uniforms, board Canadian ships headed for a faraway war. Grace stays behind, tending to the homefront and the general store that helps keep her small Nova Scotian community running. The war, everyone says, will be over before it starts. But three years later, the fighting rages on and rumours swirl about “wolf packs” of German U-Boats lurking…


Book cover of Unforgettable

Marci Wilson Author Of Turn the Page

From my list on little-known small-town romances series starters.

Why am I passionate about this?

Having spent most of my life in the Midwest, I know a little (or a lot) about growing up in a small-town environment. When I was younger, I was annoyed by all the things I now find charming about this genre of romance books. The nosy neighbor, the know-it-all jock, the downtrodden wallflower? Stereotypical but oh-so-real. I have written several series set in small towns and have come to love them all. It’s now my go-to genre when I want to sit and relax. 

Marci's book list on little-known small-town romances series starters

Marci Wilson Why did Marci love this book?

I mentioned before that I love how the community becomes part of the story in small-town romance. That has been masterfully achieved in this book.

I enjoyed how the characters were resisting their feelings despite what was obvious to everyone around them. In this Rivals-to-Lovers take on small-town romance, the attraction is strong, the feud heated, and the characters easy to like.

I thought this book had a fantastic balance that kept the story from feeling too heavy.

By Willow Aster,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

A Sizzling, Enemies to Lovers, Workplace, Small-Town Romance by USA Today bestselling author Willow Aster.


Jamison Ledger.

The hottest man I've ever seen.

The enemy I never saw coming.


On one of the worst days of my life, the last thing I planned on was falling into bed with a guy who literally charmed the pants right off me.


Little did I know, that hot, gorgeous man would be Jamison Ledger, the man responsible for the very tears I was crying.


A thief. The very sexy thief who took everything I've ever wanted-my legacy, my happiness, and what I've worked…


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Book cover of Return to Hope Creek

Return to Hope Creek By Alyssa J. Montgomery,

Return to Hope Creek is a second-chance rural romance set in Australia.

Stella Simpson's career and engagement are over. She returns to the rural community of Hope Creek to heal, unaware her high school and college sweetheart, Mitchell Scott, has also moved back to town to do some healing of…

Book cover of Insatiable

Dakota Davies Author Of Falling for My Best Friend

From my list on friends to lovers books for those in their romance era.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have always been drawn to the idea of a friendship turning into lasting love. When two people are friends first, they can be vulnerable with each other, support each other, and develop a tender intimacy before the fireworks. My young adult years as a tomboy and outdoor education instructor meant I was often the only girl among many guys, and I developed some very deep and meaningful friendships. My first love was also a tender friend first, and I’ll never forget the power of our bond. Writing friends to lovers stories always feels like home to me. Enjoy these five friends to lovers “must-reads”!

Dakota's book list on friends to lovers books for those in their romance era

Dakota Davies Why did Dakota love this book?

An excellent friends to lovers romance with all the feels! This is the book that made me a die-hard fan of both Melanie Harlow and the friends to lovers trope.

Local deputy sheriff Noah and big city girl Meg have been burning some serious chemistry since they were teens and Noah saved Meg from drowning one summer when he was a lifeguard. What I loved was how their chemistry ignited when Meg comes home for her sister's wedding. She’s newly single and still heartbroken…and Noah happens to be the perfect fix.

I loved the close friendship they had from when they were younger, and once Meg came home, Noah realized that his crush on her never died. The delicious agony of push/pull from friends to lovers was so well orchestrated, making their HEA top-notch!

By Melanie Harlow,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

I didn’t mean to see him naked--it was an accident.It had to be, right?Because Noah McCormick and I have never been anything more than friends. In all the years I’ve known him, he’s never once laid a finger on me. And even though he was a cute lifeguard at 16 and a hotter-than-hell sheriff’s deputy at 34, he's always been that protective guy I could trust to keep his hands to himself. I never wanted to mess with that.Until I walked in on him getting out of the shower and saw his hard, muscular body totally bare and dripping wet.…


Book cover of Compared

Sara Jane Woodley Author Of The Next Worst Thing: A Sweet, Small Town Romantic Comedy

From my list on reads for a bad day with guaranteed laughs.

Why am I passionate about this?

I started writing sweet romance during the COVID pandemic. At the time, it was the perfect antidote to all of the heaviness, grief, and sadness that everyone was experiencing around the world. When I began publishing my stories, and eventually moved into the sweet romcom genre, I was beyond happy to learn that my books were bringing smiles to peoples’ faces during these challenging times. I’ve always loved romcom movies, and discovering romcom books–not to mention beginning to write these stories myself–opened an entirely new world of possibilities. I pretty much only read romcoms now, and I hope you enjoy the books I’ve recommended here as much as I have!

Sara's book list on reads for a bad day with guaranteed laughs

Sara Jane Woodley Why did Sara love this book?

I’m always excited when a new Kortney Keisel book comes out.

Compared is the first in her closed-door romcom series, and it’s a brilliant debut. This book follows Meg and Tyler in a single dad, teacher/parent romance that is completely swoon-worthy and hilarious.

Kortney does a fantastic job dealing with some harder subjects while keeping the material light-hearted and fun. I always turn back to this book if I want to read something deep and meaningful, but woven with funny scenes and banter.

I also love this book for the close connection between Meg’s siblings and dad. They’re exactly what a family should be.

By Kortney Keisel,

Why should I read it?

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


Book cover of Winter

Stephanie M. Allen Author Of Dueling Fates

From my list on fantasy with a little zingy romance thrown in.

Why am I passionate about this?

I absolutely adore fantasy! I love leaving our world and being transported to another. I love that characters might have magic or crazy heritages. I love the creatures that come with the genre. I adore everything about fantasy. Throwing romantic elements into the story just makes it all that much sweeter. Having a hero with a weakness for a heroine is so comforting to read. Giving the characters someone else to fight for is also a heart-warming, sometimes gut-wrenching, affair. But in the end, having romance in a fantasy just gives it a little extra push to the readers.

Stephanie's book list on fantasy with a little zingy romance thrown in

Stephanie M. Allen Why did Stephanie love this book?

This book was a pleasant surprise for me. The covers look a little bit cheesy, which might be off-putting to some. However, and that’s a big however, I adored this trilogy. The main characters gave off Feyre and Rhysand vibes, the main characters from my first pick. I love a book that is inspired by a popular book, but can hold its own. This can definitely hold its own. And it has the ever-popular “enemies to lovers,” which is my favorite trope to write.

By Audrey Grey,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Winter as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 13, 14, 15, and 16.

What is this book about?

Welcome to Evermore Academy where the magic is dark, the immortals are beautiful, and being human SUCKS.

After spending my entire life avoiding the creatures that murdered my parents, one stupid mistake binds me to them for four years.

My penance? Become a human shadow at the infamous Evermore Academy, finishing school for the Seelie and Unseelie Fae courts.

All I want is to keep a low profile, but day one, I make an enemy of the most powerful Fae in the academy.

The Winter Prince is arrogant, cruel, and apparently also my Fae keeper. Meaning I’m in for months…


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Book cover of Rooted in Sunrise

Rooted in Sunrise By Beth Dotson Brown,

Ava Winston likes her life of routine in Lexington, Kentucky. Then a tornado blows it away. Ava is safe in the basement, but when she emerges, only one corner of her home stands. Rather than crumbling under the loss, she feels a load lifted. Maybe something beyond the familiar is…

Book cover of You Deserve Each Other

Elle Rivers Author Of Contractual Obligations

From my list on romance books with main characters that hook you from page one.

Why am I passionate about this?

My name is Elle Rivers, and I’ve been a romance reader and writer for over ten years. I started reading when I was in high school because I was a lonely kid who loved watching people fall in love. I love the romance genre because it always has a happy ending, and reading about characters overcoming their struggles reminds me that I can also face any hard moments in life. I try to write the same kinds of characters in my books. They’re all a piece of me, and I am so excited that others can read them, too. 

Elle's book list on romance books with main characters that hook you from page one

Elle Rivers Why did Elle love this book?

This book was THE book that made me want to write a marriage in trouble.

It features characters to absolutely hate in the first few chapters, but then they turn it around and become lovable by the end of the book. I love the idea of a married couple (or engaged one) sleeping in separate rooms because of their distance and then they slowly move back into the same room.

This book also features a terrible mom who gets owned by her kid who’s finally had enough of them, which is always my favorite part of any book. This is a novel to get hooked on, and the ending scene where she finds their wedding invitations in the trash had my jaw on the FLOOR!

By Sarah Hogle,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked You Deserve Each Other as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

When your nemesis also happens to be your fiancé, happily ever after becomes a lot more complicated in this wickedly funny, lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy debut.

Naomi Westfield has the perfect fiancé: Nicholas Rose holds doors open for her, remembers her restaurant orders, and comes from the kind of upstanding society family any bride would love to be a part of. They never fight. They’re preparing for their lavish wedding that's three months away. And she is miserably and utterly sick of him.

Naomi wants out, but there's a catch: whoever ends the engagement will have to foot the nonrefundable wedding…


Book cover of The Undomestic Goddess
Book cover of The Singles Table
Book cover of The Summer of Sebastian

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