18 Authors Like Susan Elizabeth Phillips: Masters of Romantic Comedy

Discover our list of heartwarming romance and laugh-out-loud humor with these authors like Susan Elizabeth Phillips’s irresistible charm and wit.

Romantic comedies have long been a literary staple, offering readers delightful escapes into enchanting tales of love, laughter, and happily-ever-afters. These stories expertly blend humor and romance, allowing readers to fall in love with both the characters and the author’s unique voice. The appeal of the rom-com genre lies in its ability to elicit a wide range of emotions while delivering the satisfying resolution we all crave.

Award-winning author Susan Elizabeth Phillips has truly mastered the art of the romantic comedy novel. Her most popular titles include It Had to Be You, Match Me If You Can, and Natural Born Charmer—books that have defined contemporary romantic comedy for decades. Phillips’s signature blend of witty dialogue, compelling characters, and heartfelt emotion has influenced countless authors in the genre.

This list of authors like Susan Elizabeth Phillips will introduce you to talented writers who share her irresistible charm, ensuring your love affair with rom-com literature continues to flourish.

Must-Read Authors Like Susan Elizabeth Phillips

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1. Julie James, 1974 -

Julie James exemplifies the successful career transition from attorney to bestselling romance novelist. This Chicago native practiced law while clerking for the U.S. Court of Appeals, but her creative side led her to sell two screenplay options to Hollywood producers. After her second screenplay was optioned, James made the bold decision to quit law and pursue writing full-time.

Her gamble paid off spectacularly. Several of James’s books, including The Thing About Love, have appeared on prestigious bestseller lists such as Booklist’s Top 10 Romance of the Year and the American Library Association’s Reading List for Top Genre Novels. Her legal background adds authenticity to her stories featuring lawyers and courtroom drama.

James shares Phillips’s talent for creating smart, witty heroines who can hold their own in verbal sparring matches with equally intelligent heroes. Her dialogue crackles with the same energy that makes Phillips’s books so addictive.

“So she cracked open the case file and settled in at the table with her glass of screw-it-I’m-officially-a-divorcée-wine as she began to take notes.”

Julie James, The Thing About Love

2. Rachel Gibson, 1961 -

Rachel Gibson has built her reputation on witty contemporary romance novels featuring quirky characters in equally quirky settings. Her engaging writing style and memorable characters quickly propelled her to both New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists, establishing her as a major voice in contemporary romance.

Simply Irresistible, the first book in her Chinooks Hockey Team series, showcases Gibson’s talent for situational comedy. The story follows Georgeanne Howard, who flees her wedding and finds herself sharing a ride with hockey star John Kowalsky. Their one-night stand leads to unexpected consequences, and when they meet again seven years later, sparks fly in the most complicated ways.

Gibson excels at the same type of fish-out-of-water scenarios that Phillips loves, placing sophisticated characters in unexpected situations where humor and romance naturally emerge. Her sports-themed romances often feature the same blend of competitive banter and sexual tension that makes Phillips’s work so appealing.

“He must have had one hell of a good time last night. He just wished he could remember.”

Rachel Gibson, Simply Irresistible

3. Lisa Kleypas, 1964 -

Lisa Kleypas brings a unique background to romance writing—she was a Miss America pageant contestant in Atlantic City in 1986 before becoming a bestselling author. This Temple, Texas native began writing during her years at Wellesley College and successfully sold her first book at just 21, demonstrating early mastery of the craft.

While known for both contemporary and historical romance, Kleypas’s contemporary work shares Phillips’s gift for blending romance with supernatural or unexpected elements. Dream Lake, set in fictional Friday Harbor, tells the story of a woman innkeeper who believes love has passed her by and Alex Nolan, who’s given up on love entirely. The supernatural twist adds depth without overwhelming the central romance.

Kleypas matches Phillips’s ability to create characters who seem impossibly perfect for each other while putting them through obstacles that test their commitment. Her writing balances humor with genuine emotional depth, creating stories that satisfy both the heart and the funny bone.

“The ghost wasn’t certain how long he had been at the house.”

Lisa Kleypas, Dream Lake

4. Jennifer Crusie, 1949 -

Jennifer Crusie (pen name of Jennifer Smith) has earned recognition as one of romantic comedy’s finest practitioners, winning the prestigious Rita Award from the Romance Writers of America twice—for Welcome to Temptation and Getting Rid of Bradley. Her success stems from her ability to create engaging, witty stories that balance humor with genuine romantic tension.

Bet Me exemplifies Crusie’s approach to romantic comedy. The story follows Minerva Dobbs, who encounters notorious heartbreaker Calvin Morrisey after being dumped by her boyfriend. The bet they make sets the stage for a humorous and heartwarming love story that explores themes of self-worth and genuine connection.

Crusie shares Phillips’s talent for creating heroines who are smart, funny, and relatable without being perfect. Her male protagonists are equally well-developed, offering the kind of witty verbal sparring that makes dialogue-driven romance so satisfying. Like Phillips, she understands that the best romantic comedy comes from character development rather than situational gags.

“Once upon a time, Minerva Dobbs thought as she stood in the middle of a loud yuppie bar, the world was full of good men.”

Jennifer Crusie, Bet Me

5. Kristen Proby, 1974 -

Kristen Proby represents the modern success story of contemporary romance, building a prolific career with over 40 novels that have earned her spots on both USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists. Her diverse background—including professional photography, massage therapy, medical billing, and hospital emergency room work—brings authentic detail to her varied storylines.

Forever with Me, part of her popular With Me in Seattle series, demonstrates Proby’s skill at creating compelling romantic scenarios. The story follows successful winemaker Dominic Salvatore and wedding planner Alecia Holden as they navigate undeniable chemistry and emotional connection. Proby’s ability to create sexual tension while maintaining emotional authenticity mirrors Phillips’s own approach.

Proby shares Phillips’s gift for creating contemporary settings that feel both glamorous and accessible. Her characters often have successful careers and complicated personal lives, leading to the kind of romantic complications that drive compelling storytelling.

“I can hear Italy in his voice. His body is tight with yearning, but he’s holding himself steady, waiting for my decision. Every muscle is pulled tight. He’s trembling.”

Kristen Proby, Forever with Me

6. Susan Andersen, 1950 -

Susan Andersen began her writing career at 30, believing she finally had enough life experience to create stories others would enjoy. Her intuition proved correct when HarperCollins published her first book, Shadow Dance, at 39. Since then, Andersen’s work has appeared multiple times on the New York Times bestseller list.

The Ballad of Hattie Taylor showcases Andersen’s versatility, setting a romance in turn-of-the-century Oregon. The story follows young Hattie as she fights for her rights as a woman without losing the love of Jake Andersen. This historical setting allows Andersen to explore themes of independence and partnership that resonate with contemporary readers.

Andersen shares Phillips’s talent for creating strong heroines who don’t sacrifice their personalities for love. Her ability to blend historical settings with timeless romantic themes demonstrates the same storytelling sophistication that makes Phillips’s work endure across different eras and settings.

“Keep your sonovabitchin’ hands to yourself, mister,” a young and irate voice instructed him. The man lunged again, his upper torso momentarily disappearing into the car’s doorway. He reappeared with a wild-haired, wild-eyed, spitting, struggling moppet in his grasp.”

Susan Andersen, The Ballad of Hattie Taylor

7. Denise Grover Swank, 1972 -

Born in Kansas City and extensively traveled, Denise Grover Swank eventually returned to her roots to write from her Missouri home. Her worldly experiences color the characters in her books, which have appeared numerous times on New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists. Swank’s versatility spans urban fantasy, young adult, romantic suspense, mystery, and straight romance.

One Paris Summer demonstrates Swank’s skill at creating immersive settings and emotional journeys. Following Sophie Brooks, who’s sent to Paris for the summer with her estranged father, the novel explores themes of family, forgiveness, and unexpected romance. Swank’s detailed descriptions of Parisian life add authenticity while the characters’ emotional development drives the narrative.

Swank shares Phillips’s ability to use exotic or glamorous settings as backdrops for fundamentally human stories about connection and growth. Her international perspective adds sophistication to romantic scenarios while maintaining the emotional accessibility that makes great rom-com so appealing.

“Sometimes the hardest person to forgive is ourselves.”

Denise Grover Swank, One Paris Summer

8. Susan Hatler, 1986 -

Susan Hatler represents the new generation of romance writers who grew up writing and naturally transitioned to professional authorship. Since elementary school, she’s written poetry, stories, and journal entries, eventually becoming a USA Today and New York Times bestselling author after deciding to pursue writing full-time.

The Second Chance Inn exemplifies Hatler’s approach to small-town romance. Set in Blue Moon Bay, the story follows Wendy, who has painful memories of being abandoned as a baby in this town. When love blossoms unexpectedly with handsome millionaire Max, Wendy must confront her past while embracing new possibilities.

Hatler shares Phillips’s gift for creating redemptive love stories where characters overcome painful pasts through romantic connection. Her small-town settings provide the kind of close-knit community atmosphere that enhances romantic development, similar to Phillips’s own approach to setting and character interaction.

“He was hot -smoking hot and he started walking toward me.”

Susan Hatler, The Second Chance Inn

9. Christina Lauren

The dynamic writing duo Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings, known collectively as Christina Lauren, represent the modern evolution of romance writing. Both authors started as fan fiction writers online before joining forces to create unforgettable love stories that consistently land on New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.

Beautiful Bastard showcases their ability to create intense romantic tension through workplace dynamics. Following hardworking intern Chloe Mills and her demanding, arrogant boss Bennett Ryan, the story explores how professional antagonism can transform into irresistible attraction. Their collaboration allows for complex character development and authentic dialogue.

Christina Lauren shares Phillips’s talent for creating romantic scenarios where initial conflict gives way to deeper understanding and genuine connection. Their contemporary settings and workplace dynamics reflect modern relationship challenges while maintaining the timeless appeal of enemies-to-lovers romance.

“You realize early in life that beauty is only skin-deep, and ugly goes straight to the bone.”

Christina Lauren, Beautiful Bastard

10. Meghan Quinn, 1982 -

Meghan Quinn has built her reputation on witty humor, relatable characters, and emotional depth that consistently resonates with readers worldwide. Her books regularly top Amazon’s and USA Today bestseller lists, demonstrating her ability to connect with contemporary romance audiences seeking both entertainment and emotional satisfaction.

Right Man, Right Time represents Quinn’s approach to modern romance challenges. This standalone novel explores an age-gap relationship where the couple engages in humorous push-and-pull dynamics before falling deeply in love. Quinn’s ability to address contemporary dating concerns while maintaining romantic optimism mirrors Phillips’s own approach to modern love stories.

Quinn shares Phillips’s gift for creating dialogue that sparkles with wit while revealing character depth. Her stories often focus on friendship’s importance alongside romantic love, showing how supportive relationships enhance rather than compete with romantic partnerships.

“Did you just try to use some alpha-hero voice on me?”

Meghan Quinn, Right Man, Right Time

11. Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, 1939 - 2007

Kathleen E. Woodiwiss pioneered the historical romance genre, paving the way for future writers with her rich storytelling, vivid settings, and complex character development. Beginning her prolific career in the late 1960s, she established many conventions that contemporary romance writers still follow today.

The Flame and the Flower, Woodiwiss’s debut novel, tells the captivating story of Heather Simmons and Captain Brandon Birmingham. Set in 18th-century England, this sweeping romance follows the couple’s tumultuous relationship as they overcome adversity, betrayal, and societal expectations. The novel’s success established the template for historical romance that continues influencing the genre.

While writing in a different era and subgenre, Woodiwiss shares Phillips’s commitment to creating strong romantic relationships that develop through conflict and mutual growth. Her influence on romance writing continues inspiring contemporary authors who blend historical settings with timeless romantic themes.

“The clothes he wore bespoke of elegant taste, but his mincing manner did little to enhance a masculine mien.”

Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, The Flame and the Flower

12. Taylor Jenkins Reid, 1983 -

Taylor Jenkins Reid brings entertainment industry experience to her writing, having worked as a casting agent before launching her successful literary career. This background influences her novels, which often explore celebrity culture, ambition, and the price of fame while maintaining focus on authentic character relationships.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo exemplifies Reid’s approach to contemporary fiction with romantic elements. Following a reclusive Hollywood icon as she recounts her glamorous life to a young journalist, the novel explores themes of love, ambition, and identity. Reid’s ability to create emotionally resonant stories while examining celebrity culture demonstrates sophisticated storytelling.

Reid shares Phillips’s talent for creating characters who seem larger than life while remaining fundamentally human and relatable. Her exploration of how public personas interact with private relationships offers the same kind of insight into human nature that makes Phillips’s work so compelling.

“You have to find a job that makes your heart feel big instead of one that makes it feel small.”

Taylor Jenkins Reid, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

13. Nicole Ellis, 1968 -

After leaving her career as a tax accountant, Nicole Ellis of Washington State unleashed her creativity to write over a dozen cozy mysteries and sweet romance novels. Her passion for creating stories with Pacific Northwest backdrops has made her a fan favorite, beloved for writing about charming towns, friendly faces, and characters with big hearts.

The Inn at Willa Bay demonstrates Ellis’s skill at ensemble storytelling. Following multiple women including Meg (who’s returned home to care for her ill mother), Cassie (struggling as a single mother), and Zoe (whose career has stalled), the novel weaves together various storylines about second chances and community support.

Ellis shares Phillips’s ability to create community-centered stories where romantic relationships develop within supportive social networks. Her small-town settings provide the intimacy and interconnectedness that allow both romantic and platonic relationships to flourish naturally.

“It’s gorgeous,” the bride-to-be said breathily as she spun around in slow circles. This is like being in a secret garden.”

Nicole Ellis, The Inn at Willa Bay

14. Maggie Osborne, 1941 -

Maggie Osborne established herself as a master of historical romance, known for strong heroines and vivid storytelling that transports readers to different times and places. Her ability to create intricate plots and richly detailed settings earned her recognition, including serving as President of Romance Writers of America.

Silver Lining showcases Osborne’s talent for creating compelling historical narratives. Following Low Down, a tough and resourceful woman who embarks on a dangerous journey, and Max McCord, a man haunted by his past, the story develops their relationship against the rugged landscape of the Old West. Osborne’s immersive storytelling creates unforgettable characters and timeless themes.

Osborne shares Phillips’s commitment to creating strong romantic relationships built on mutual respect and shared challenges. Her historical settings provide the same kind of dramatic backdrop for character development that Phillips uses in contemporary scenarios.

“A long sigh of resignation skittered down the mountainside like an ill wind.”

Maggie Osborne, Silver Lining

15. Katherine Allred, 1963 -

Born in Arkansas and a member of Romance Writers of America, Katherine Allred studied journalism before embarking on her writing career spanning over 18 years. Her stories are known for well-developed characters, engaging plots, and emotional depth that resonates with readers seeking authentic romantic experiences.

The Sweet Gum Tree exemplifies Allred’s approach to romantic storytelling. Following childhood friends Alix French and Nick Anderson, who reunite years after life has taken them on different paths, the story explores how past connections can be renewed and deepened through shared experience and growth. Allred’s evocative writing creates poignant, unforgettable narratives.

Allred shares Phillips’s talent for exploring how childhood relationships can evolve into adult romance, showing how shared history provides foundation for deeper connection. Her Southern settings add regional authenticity while exploring universal themes of love, loss, and redemption.

“As with most small town southerners, respectability was as much a part of my DNA as was my hair and eye color.”

Katherine Allred, The Sweet Gum Tree

16. Natasha Anders, 1983 -

Natasha Anders made an impressive debut and became a finalist for the Romance Writers of America RITA Award. Living and writing in Cape Town, South Africa, Anders brings international perspective to contemporary romance, drawing from her nine years in Japan as an English teacher to create authentic multicultural experiences.

The Unwanted Wife demonstrates Anders’s ability to tackle difficult romantic scenarios. Following married couple Theresa and Sandro, who are on the verge of divorce, the story explores how relationships can be rebuilt when both partners are willing to work through their problems. Anders’s willingness to address challenging relationship dynamics shows emotional sophistication.

Anders shares Phillips’s commitment to creating realistic relationship conflicts that require genuine character growth to resolve. Her international background adds cultural depth while exploring universal themes of marriage, commitment, and personal transformation.

“With those five words, he killed the afterglow, destroyed the intimacy of the moment, and relegated the act into nothing more than a biological imperative.”

Natasha Anders, The Unwanted Wife

17. Nicole Jacquelyn, 1972 -

Nicole Jacquelyn transformed her early passion for writing into a successful career after college graduation, building a broad fan base that eagerly anticipates each new installment in her various book series. Her ability to create compelling characters and dramatic storylines has established her as a significant voice in contemporary romance.

Craving Constellations, the first book in her popular Aces series, follows Brenna and Dragon, two people with troubled pasts who seek solace in each other. The story addresses adult themes and features explicit content, demonstrating Jacquelyn’s commitment to authentic portrayal of contemporary relationships with all their complexities.

Jacquelyn shares Phillips’s understanding that the best romance comes from characters who heal each other through love and support. Her willingness to address difficult subjects while maintaining romantic optimism creates stories that resonate with readers seeking both entertainment and emotional depth.

“My husband strangely never asked to meet my pop.”

Nicole Jacquelyn, Craving Constellations

18. Mary Jo Putney, 1987 -

Born and raised in New York, Mary Jo Putney enjoyed a successful career as a designer before her first completed manuscript earned her a three-book contract with Signet Publishing. This transition from design to writing demonstrates the creative foundation that informs her approach to storytelling and character development.

The Diabolical Baron, Putney’s debut novel, has stood the test of time and remains popular today. Her books have consistently ranked on Publishers Weekly, USA Today, and New York Times bestseller lists. Writing under both her own name and the pen name M.J. Putney, she’s demonstrated versatility across different romance subgenres.

Putney shares Phillips’s ability to create romantic scenarios that balance historical authenticity with timeless appeal. Her understanding of both visual design and narrative structure creates stories that satisfy both intellectually and emotionally, much like Phillips’s own sophisticated approach to romantic comedy.

“Jason’s mouth crooked cynically. “I’m sure any young lady will find it easy to fall in love with my title and fortune even if my person fails to please.”

Mary Jo Putney, The Diabolical Baron

The Evolution of Romantic Comedy in 2025

Romantic comedy in literature continues evolving while maintaining the core elements that make it so beloved. Authors like Susan Elizabeth Phillips established the foundation, but contemporary writers are expanding the genre’s boundaries while preserving its essential appeal.

Modern Trends in Rom-Com Fiction:

Diverse Representation: Contemporary authors bring varied cultural backgrounds and experiences to traditional rom-com scenarios, creating more inclusive narratives that reflect modern society.

Professional Equality: Modern romantic comedies feature characters who are equals professionally and intellectually, moving beyond outdated power dynamics to explore partnerships between capable, independent people.

Mental Health Awareness: Today’s rom-com authors address anxiety, therapy, and emotional well-being with sensitivity, showing how healthy relationships support rather than fix mental health challenges.

Digital Age Romance: Contemporary stories incorporate social media, dating apps, and digital communication as natural parts of romantic development, reflecting how modern people actually meet and connect.

Global Perspectives: Authors from different countries and cultures bring fresh viewpoints to familiar tropes, expanding the genre’s appeal and authenticity.

Realistic Relationship Dynamics: Modern rom-com focuses on communication, consent, and emotional intelligence, creating healthier relationship models while maintaining entertainment value.

These authors understand that the best romantic comedy serves as both entertainment and emotional support, validating the importance of love and laughter in our lives. They create stories that acknowledge contemporary challenges while maintaining the genre’s essential promise: that love, combined with humor and understanding, can triumph over life’s complications.

Whether you prefer contemporary settings, historical backdrops, or international locations, these authors deliver the wit, warmth, and romantic satisfaction that make Susan Elizabeth Phillips such a beloved writer. Each brings their own unique voice while honoring the genre’s commitment to proving that love and laughter make the perfect combination.