Portia MacIntosh Standalone Novels books in order

Reading order

Portia MacIntosh’s standalone novels make up the bulk of her output, with 35 books published between 2014 and 2026. Each one is a self-contained romantic comedy, typically featuring a British heroine whose love life takes an unexpected turn. The titles are often puns or wordplay, and the premises lean toward the high-concept end of rom-com: a woman stuck with her ex on a trip, a fake dating arrangement that goes sideways, a holiday that puts two mismatched people in close quarters.

The settings rotate frequently. Some books take place in British cities and villages, while others head to Mediterranean beaches, French chateaux, and cruise ships. MacIntosh clearly enjoys putting her characters in holiday mode, and the travel-and-romance combination gives her books an escapist quality that readers have responded to in a big way. She publishes several new titles a year, maintaining a pace that few rom-com authors can match.

Despite the high volume, MacIntosh keeps her books distinct from one another with fresh premises and different lead characters. Whether the heroine is dealing with a nightmare wedding, a scheming ex, or a stranger who turns out to be her new housemate, the core appeal stays the same: funny writing, likeable characters, and a guaranteed happy ending.