ASKING FOR TROUBLE

Author: Elizabeth Young

Unmarried and thirty, Sophy is far less troubled about her situation than her mother is. To silence her mum’s lectures, she invents a boyfriend named Dominic – but it backfires when her sister gets married and she needs to find someone to fill the role.

Desperate, Sophy hires a handsome London escort. The lies quickly spiral out of control and she realises she’s actually quite fond of her pretend Dominic…but can she make it work with a man she’s hired as an escort?

THE AUTHENTICITY PROJECT

Author: Clare Pooley

Julian Jessop doesn’t believe people are truly honest with each other, so he starts writing the truth of his own life in a journal he leaves in a local cafe. Soon, others are adding entries and lives are connected in strange and wonderful ways.

RUNNING IN HEELS

Author: Anna Maxted

When a young woman’s best friend “leaves her” to get married, she panics. This 2002 novel focuses on what she does next – and it’s chaos. Between the breakdown of her relationship, a totally unsuitable affair, and all manner of family drama, it’s a light, fun read for those who want to step back to the innocent days of early 2000s London.

COCKTAILS FOR THREE

Author: Madeleine Wickham

Madeleine Wickham is the pen name of Shopaholic author Sophie Kinsella, and she uses the name for books that feature ensemble casts and slightly darker or edgier themes than what you’d normally see in “chick lit” or traditional romcoms.

This particular novel follows three women and the secrets they share over monthly drinks – from secret lovers to the struggles of motherhood to ghosts from the past. If typical romcoms are just a little sweeter than you like, these books may be just the thing for you.

HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU

Author: Mhairi McFarlane

Anna Alessi is a thirtysomething history expert with a generally good adult life, but her childhood was full of bullying. When a man who once humiliated her shows up in her life, everything is turned upside down. She’s reminded of all those old feelings – but at the same time, James seems like a changed man. He’s polite, mature, and maybe just the slightest bit appealing. Can she trust him?

SINGLE IN THE CITY

Author: Michele Gorman

When 26-year-old American Hannah moved to London on a whim, she was hit by major culture shock before she even got over her jet lag. Now, she has to figure out how to find a job, make friends, meet men, and actually build the life she wants.

JUST FRIENDS

Author: Elizabeth Grey

Violet Archer has a glamorous job at a London ad agency and a cute co-worker who makes every day a little bit better. Unfortunately, one crazy night out leaves all the great things in her life in jeopardy – plus, Violet begins to realise she has actual feelings for her co-worker.

This is the first book in a series set in London, and if you’re not a fan of swearing and a bit of sex, you may want to avoid this one.