Television Rom-Coms

Tell Me Lies is originally a novel by Carola Lovering. Emma Roberts and Karah Preiss with Belletrist executive produced the project for television, a ten episode series on Hulu. Not to be creepy, but we could stare at Grace Van Patten’s face forever. Toxic relationship alert for many different characters throughout the show. Likeable characters are not super prevalent. It’s more of a “love to hate” them kind of thing. College drama with many layers and a hint of mystery. For fans of: dark romance, college student drama, themed parties, spicy sex scenes, and immature antics. In addition, the show caters to seekers of early 2000’s nostalgia— blackberry phones and “Such Great Heights” by the Postal Service among other underrated songs of the time. We dig it. 4 /5 hearts.

Do you need a good cry? If so, we highly recommend the Netflix show From Scratch. Attractive European chef meets even more attractive American artist. Love, pasta, and family drama ensues. Dreamy Italian scenery meets an equally dreamy Italian soundtrack. Tembi Locke wrote the emotional memoir titled From Scratch A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home. We recommend the limited series for anyone who loves: travel, romance, Italy, food, family, and art. Zoe Saldana’s performance is absolutely breathtaking, and we look forward to seeing her face in Avatar (even though it is not a rom-com). 5/5 hearts.

Movie Rom-Coms

Your Place or Mine

February 10, 2023 Netflix. Long distance friends to possibly lovers? Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher. Need we say more?

The Idea of You

Anne Hathaway has signed on to this story, so we are sold before we even know what it is about. Rumored to be inspired by Harry Styles, Robbinne Lee’s The Idea of You is about: “Sophie, 40-year-old divorced mother, braves the heat to go with her daughter to Coachella, after her dad cancels his trip with his 15-year-old. There, she meets the lead singer of a band.” (IMDB). We love a book-to-movie adaptation. Release date unclear (either late 2023, or early 2024).

Barbie is coming to theatres July 21, 2023 and we cannot be more excited. It might not exactly count as a “rom-com” per se, but will undoubtedly be amazing with Margot Robbie as Barbie, Ryan Gosling as Ken, and Greta Gerwig directing. Expect a massive overload of fashion inspiration and the color pink.

Rom-Com Books

Happy Place by Emily Henry. The logline sounds sort of White Lotus ish: “A couple who broke up months ago make a pact to pretend to still be together for their annual weeklong vacation with their best friends” (goodreads). Available for purchase April 25th, 2023.

Vacation Wars by Meghan Quinn. Tessa travels to Santorini with her family before her sister’s wedding. The search for love is on. Excitement, flirtation, and adventure ensues. Available for purchase April 18, 2023.

The Fraud Squad by Kyla Zhao. It sounds like The Bling Ring meets Crazy Rich Asians, and we are here for it. Singapore high-society and a mysterious gossip columnist? It also sounds like Gossip Girl meets Devil Wears Prada. We are ready for all the glamour. Available to read January 17th, 2023.