Topical Tips: Valentine’s Day

by Damla

There is something irresistible about classic romantic comedy movies from the ‘90s and 2000s: unrestrained humor and drama all rolled into one emotional rollercoaster with a safe formula that always delivers a heartwarmingly happy ending. So for this Valentine’s Day, find your perfect match in the new and upcoming romance books that were inspired by some of the most beloved rom-coms of the past decades with our top picks.

1. First Time Caller – B.K. Borison
Based on: Sleepless In Seattle (1993)
In this brand new novel based on an absolute classic when it comes to rom-coms, 12-year-old Maya calls in to Heartstrings, a romance hotline hosted by the (secretly bitter and jaded) radio host Aiden, to ask for dating advice for her 29-year-old single mom, Lucie. With an interview that goes immediately viral, the whole town becomes invested in Lucie’s love life as does Aiden, surprisingly.
Sounds familiar? Much like its inspiration, First-Time Caller is a heartwarmingly cheesy, romantic slow-burn, with a bit of added spice for romance lovers.

2. The Good Part – Sophie Cousens
Based on: 13 Going on 30 (2004)
Growing up hard can be hard, even when you are in your 20s. Struggling to move up the career ladder, sharing a flat with irritating housemates, terribly disappointing dates… Wouldn’t it be great if you could just skip all that mess to get to the good part of your life in the future?
Which is exactly what Lucy does in The Good Part, when she finds a curious little wishing machine in a tiny, forgotten shop. Except, is that what she really wants, having skipped all the important decisions and character building moments in her life?
Funny, heartwarming, emotional, and thought-provoking without losing its lightheartedness, The Good Part is perfect for the lovers of Jennifer Garner’s time-traveling classic.

3. You, Again – Kate Goldbeck
Based on: When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Alright, perhaps this movie barely misses the ‘90s, but When Harry Met Sally is almost a cult favorite when it comes to rom-coms. (Nora Ephron really knows how to tug on those heartstrings, huh?)
In a classic tale of enemies to friends to potential lovers, this decade-spanning (eventual) love story starts off with two acquaintances, who decidedly dislike each other and meet again years later to find themselves becoming friends. It is a beautiful look at the complexities of life, love, and identity from different perspectives set to the background of New York City.

4. Say You’ll Be Mine – Naina Kumar
Based on: My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)
Essentially channeling all the swoony ‘90s rom-coms in its essence, Naina Kumar’s slow-burn romance features lots of pining with a twist of fake-engagement trope. The story even kicks off similar to My Best Friend’s Wedding: What to do when you realize you are in love with your best friend just as he is getting married? Try to sabotage the relationship like Julia Roberts to get the guy? Or fake it till you make it out of your crush and move on?
With an added cultural layer of Indian traditions, this is one wedding you will want to crash.

5. Fancy Meeting You Here – Julie Tieu
Based on: 27 Dresses (2008)
Oh, the overwhelming weight of always being the bridesmaid on an endless chain of friend weddings… Until it is finally your turn to tie the knot.
Fancy Meeting You Here combines the chaotic fun of weddings with the perfect level of tension that stems from “best friend’s brother” and “opposites attract” tropes. And there is great South Eastern Asian rep to crown it all!

6. You Deserve Each Other – Sarah Hogle
Based on: How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days (2003)
What says true love better than sabotage, mind games, and pranks? (Plenty of other, better things. Don’t be toxic, I beg.)
But the rollercoaster of emotions, the butterfly-inducing ups and the deliciously mischievous lows, make this lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers situation a hellishly entertaining romantic comedy. Like its original inspiration, it is the fantastic mix of humor and sentiment that makes this rom-com tick (like a bomb.)

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