When we think about British rom com novels (aka chick lit), Helen Fielding’s Bridget Jones’s Diary is generally held up as the gold standard. Aside from being enormously popular as books, they were also made into a series of films starring Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, and Hugh Grant.

Not too far behind, we find Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic series. Though not quite as successful and timeless as the Bridget Jones series, it was made into a film starring Isla Fisher and Hugh Dancy.

What a lot of people don’t realise, though, is that the world of British rom coms is remarkably deep, with all sorts of books to choose from. In this post, we’ll specifically limit ourselves to those romantic comedy novels set in London. So – if you’re looking for a great, light-hearted novel about love in London, keep reading.

ONE DAY IN DECEMBER

Author: Josie Silver

Laurie is sure love at first sight doesn’t exist – until it does. One snowy December day in London, she spots the man she’s sure is the one. Sadly, the bus drives off and he’s lost to her. After a year of scanning every inch of London for him, they reunite at a party when she’s introduced as her best friend’s boyfriend.

WOULD LIKE TO MEET

Author: Rachel Winters

Evie Summers is tasked with getting screenwriter Ezra Chester to complete a contactually-obligated romcom for her company. Unfortunately, he’s decided romcoms are totally unrealistic, and he refuses to put pen to page until she proves it’s possible to meet a man like they do on screen.Now, she’s desperately wandering London in an effort to set up her own meet cutes – spilling orange juice on strangers and leaving her number in books all over the city.

WHO’S THAT GIRL?

Author: Alexandra Potter

We all have advice we’d love to give our younger selves – much of it involving hairstyles and fashion choices – but in this book, Charlotte Merryweather doesn’t have to imagine. She’s given the opportunity to turn back the clock.

THE CHOCOLATE LOVER’S CLUB

Author: Carole Matthews

Four London women share a passion for chocolate, and whenever times get tough, they meet at a cafe called Chocolate Heaven to help each other out – whether it’s a cheating boyfriend, a flirtatious boss, or a gambling husband. The women are all very different, but they share a love of chocolate and each other, supporting one another through the best and worst of times.

AGAIN, BUT BETTER

Author: Christine Riccio

Eager for a change, Shane signs up for a semester abroad in London to help undo some of her university mistakes. A new life outside her comfortable bubble won’t come easy – but with a bit of luck, it will be worth it.This one may appeal more to younger readers, as the character is quite young and there’s a definite feeling of immaturity throughout.

THE LITTLE LADY AGENCY

Author: Hester Browne

For all her talents and social skills, Melissa can’t seem to find love. After she loses yet another job, she decides to market herself to single men who need help shopping, entertaining, and navigating social situations.Since her father is an MP and she doesn’t want to embarrass him, she assumes the identity of Honey, wearing a blonde wig to help her clients. Before too long, one man in particular has become a repeat customer – and her identities are in danger of blurring.

SWAPPING LIVES

Author: Jane Green

As director of a magazine, Vicky’s glamorous London life seems perfect. Still, she longs for the comfort and security of a husband, kids, and a house in the country. Across the pond, Amber has a lovely Connecticut home, two kids, and a nanny – but she occasionally longs for a bit more excitement.

When the two decide to swap lives, they find the grass isn’t always greener.