As an avid reader with a bookshelf dominated by romance novels (about 80% of my reads), I’m an unabashed fan of romantic comedies (rom-coms).
If you’re a rom-com aficionado like me, the term “meet cute” likely rings familiar. It embodies that delightful, often quirky, and humorous first encounter between two characters destined for love in a story. These moments not only set the tone but ignite the chemistry that fuels the narrative. For me, a great meet-cute often determines my interest in a book.
In this post, I’m thrilled to share my top 8 rom-com meet-cutes from novels, picked based on personal preferences. These scenes made me swoon, giggle, or sigh with delight. While there are numerous fantastic examples out there, these stood out in sparking joy for me.
The Best 8 Rom-Com Meet-Cutes
The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
When Alexa and Drew get trapped in an elevator, a chance encounter sparks an unexpected connection. Alexa, on her way to celebrate her sister’s promotion, finds herself in the company of Drew, a pediatric surgeon in town for a friend’s wedding. As they wait for the power to come back on, they share cheese and champagne, Drew impulsively asks Alexa to be his fake date for the wedding to avoid his ex-girlfriend.
I love this meet cute because it’s simple but effective. It shows how two strangers can connect over a shared situation and find something in common. It also sets up the premise of the fake dating trope, which is one of my favorites in romcoms. Though, I personally don’t know how likely it is to meet the love of your life while trapped in an elevator.
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Olive Smith, a biology PhD student, finds herself in a pickle when she impulsively kisses Adam Carlsen, a renowned professor, to cover up a lie. Adam, a highly respected figure in their department, proposes an intriguing deal: they’ll fake a relationship to serve their own purposes. Their arrangement involves Olive helping Adam secure research funds by posing as his “root” at Stanford. Their collaboration sets the stage for a unique, humorous tale with an unexpected blend of science, romance, and the fake relationship trope.
This type of meet cute is hilarious and awkward. It shows how Olive is impulsive and desperate, while Adam is curious and pragmatic. It also sets up the premise of the fake relationship trope, but with a twist: Olive wants to approach love as an experiment. There is a reason this book is popular on Booktok, and it’s also one I repeatedly read because it always causes butterflies in my tummy!
Beach Read by Emily Henry
January Andrews and Gus Everett, both struggling writers in their own right, are neighbors thrown together by circumstance. Each facing writer’s block and personal challenges, they decide to challenge each other to write outside their comfort zones for the summer. This sets the scene for a slow-burn romance filled with literary competition, personal growth, and evolving feelings, showcasing the complexities of life, love, and differing perspectives on writing.
Are you a fan of slow-burns and snark? Or enemies-to-lovers? You’ll probably like this love story, especially since it shows how January and Gus have a history of competition and attraction, but also have different views on writing and life.
Just Haven’t Met You Yet by Sophie Cousens
Laura Fox, a journalist fascinated by meet-cutes, embarks on a mission to find the owner of a misplaced suitcase she believes is destined to be her soulmate. Her journey leads her to the Channel Islands, where she hires a grumpy cab driver named Ted to help track down the mystery man. Along the way, Laura uncovers family secrets, unexpected attractions, and truths about love while intertwining her quest with a story about her parents’ epic romance.
Have you ever thought about meeting your soulmate through serendipity? Like if you accidentally picked up the wrong suitcase at the airport?
If you’re a fan of the movie Leap Year, I highly recommend this book. Laura is a hopeless romantic who believes in fate and destiny, but she’s also forced to face reality and make some choices throughout the novel.
The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren
Jess Davis, a single mom and freelance statistician, reluctantly signs up for GeneticAlly, a DNA-based dating app, as a favor to her best friend. Surprisingly, she gets matched with Dr. River Pena, the CEO of the app, with an incredibly high compatibility score. To Jess’s disbelief, she realizes River is the same person she encounters daily at her local coffee shop. When River proposes a mutually beneficial deal, their story unfolds as a clever exploration of love, science, and the potential for unexpected connections.
This is my absolute favorite romance book, especially because the meet-cute seems semi-plausible: matching with each other on a DNA-based dating app. It’s definitely a 5-star read, and I would highly recommend the second book, True Love Experiment.
Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
Macy Sorensen, a pediatric resident engaged to businessman Sean, unexpectedly reunites with her childhood friend and first love, Elliot Petropoulos, after an eleven-year separation. Their chance meeting at a coffee shop rekindles memories of their shared love for books and words. Macy grapples with past heartbreak and secrets, as she navigates the emotions stirred by reconnecting with Elliot, leading to a poignant exploration of lost connections, painful regrets, and enduring love.
Did you ever wish you had a secret closet library as a child? Well, if you read Love and Other Words, you might be able to satisfy that desire – all while reading an adorable book with an equally adorable meet-cute with a best-friends-to-lovers romance.
A Not So Meet Cute by Meghan Quinn
Lottie faces an unexpected predicament after losing her job, leading her to an unconventional solution: seeking a marriage proposal from a stranger in Beverly Hills. Huxley Cane, a successful businessman in need of a faux fiancée, encounters Lottie during his search for a suitable candidate. Their arrangement evolves into a fake engagement, initially driven by practicality but gradually blossoming into something deeper. As their charade unravels, they discover unexpected layers in each other, sparking genuine feelings amidst the pretense.
Imagine meeting the love of your life while walking through your neighborhood. That’s exactly what happens in this book – but with a lot of spice and smut. So, if you’re looking for chemistry, spice, and humor, this fake dating trope might be your next favorite read.
When in Rome by Sarah Adams
Pop star Amelia Rose seeks respite from her hectic life and lands in Rome, Kentucky, after her car breaks down. She finds refuge at Noah Walker’s house, a grumpy pie shop owner, where their contrasting personalities clash. Despite their differences, their interactions lead to a blossoming connection as they discover common ground. As Amelia’s escape clashes with reality, the duo navigates personal challenges, forming a heartwarming tale of finding love and solace in unexpected places, emphasizing the value of simplicity and genuine connections.
Final Bookish Thoughts:
From elevator mishaps to secret libraries, these memorable moments bring laughter, joy, and sparks of romance. Whether it’s through fake dating, enemies-to-lovers dynamics, or serendipitous adventures, these novels remind us that love can bloom in the most unexpected places.
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