Romance Archives - Addicted to Writing

7 Romcom Movies That Prove Starting Over Can Be Sexy (or At Least Hilarious)

Posted on May 25, 2025 Written by Pinar Tarhan

Heads up: This post contains affiliate links.

Some of the best romantic comedies start with chaos: A breakup, a big move, a terrible job loss… Or in Bridget Jones’ highly endearing and relatable case, the character herself.

And yet, somehow, things fall into place with a few messy detours and (minor) disasters.

If you’re in the mood for characters who hit the reset button—intentionally or not—these 7 romcoms deliver laughs, love, and plenty of second-chance energy:

Under the Tuscan Sun

Nothing like buying a crumbling villa in Italy to distract from a messy divorce.

As far as the themes of change and fresh start go, you cannot not watch Under the Tuscan Sun. It’s heartwarming, funny, and a bit more on the realistic side as far as romances go. (Hint: Watch it for the hot fling and not necessarily the HEA -even though that also comes.)

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that if Raoul Bova is in a movie, I have to check it out. The same goes for Diane Lane of course, but I’m assuming you’re more familiar with the talented and always gorgeous Lane (Unfaithful, Nights in Rodanthe, A Walk on the Moon).

I’ve had a crush on Bova ever since I watched La Finestre di fronte (Facing Windows). My Italian is certainly better because of him.

Based on Frances Mayes’ memoir Under the Tuscan Sun.

Fun fact: Raoul Bova played Sylvie’s old flame Giancarlo for an episode in Emily in Paris. (Season 4).

La Dolce Villa

This time, our impulsive, cheap Italian villa-buying female main character is young adult Olivia (Maia Reficco), despite the protests and concerns of her father Eric (Scott Foley). Seeing that he can’t change her mind, he helps with the renovations, and in the process, they sort out the issues in their relationship. And we get a nice romance potential for Olivia while Eric falls for the town’s beautiful mayor.

Side effects of the film? In addition to wanting a Scott Foley (Felicity, Scandal) in your life, you will want to move to Italy.

I was tempted to renovate, and I hate renovations with a vengeance!

Forgetting Sarah Marshall

When your ex checks into the same Hawaiian resort… cue disaster. And recovery.

If you like your romcoms clean, stay out of this one. Not because it has sex scenes, but because it features Jason Segel naked. And when Paul Rudd is in a comedy, the language is well…R-rated.

But Forgetting Sarah Marshall is hilarious, adorable, and relatable.

Trying to get over the girl who crushed his heart, he runs off to Hawaii for a vacation. Unfortunately, she happens to pick the same resort for a getaway with her new beau. Hilarities ensue. Luckily for him, he meets gorgeous and friendly Rachel (Mila Kunis), who is so different from his ex in all the best ways.

Bonus: The ex is played by Kristen Bell, a treat for Veronica Mars fans.

Legally Blonde

Technically a courtroom comedy—but Elle Woods reinventing herself? Iconic.

When the pretty, kind-hearted, shopping-savant sorority darling Elle Woods gets dumped by her Harvard-bound boyfriend for not being serious enough, she sets her eyes on Harvard to get him back.

But once accepted, she realizes what a douche he is and sets out to be the best law student there is. Good karma is awesome, and her new admirer Emmett is a cute, decent, and lovely law TA who will appreciate Elle for exactly who he is.

I know you probably watched Legally Blonde a few times. But it’s never enough, is it?

Based on the novel by Amanda Brown, inspired by her own life.

Bonus: The supporting characters and cast are awesome.

10 Things I Hate About You

An awesome modern adaption of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, 10 Things I Hate About You (is the ultimate love letter to finding and loving yourself, giving peer pressure the middle finger, and finding love in the most unexpected places – even though there’s some serious plotting going around behind the scenes.

When new high school student Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) falls for popular girl Bianca (Larisa Oleynik), she informs him that she’s not allowed to date until her feminist older sister Kat (Julia Stiles) dates. Unfortunately for Cameron, Kat has sworn off men due to them being idiots and assholes.

Cameron and his new best friend make the perfect plan: Pay handsome rebel Patrick (Heath Ledger) to take her to prom. But things never go exactly as planned as Patrick and Kat start to fall for each other, and Bianca and her crush Joey have a plot of their own.

Is this the best high school-set movie of all time? It’s one of my all-time faves.

Bonus: Allison Janney and Gabrielle Union are in the cast!

Bridget Jones’s Diary

New year, new diary, same chaotic charm. Bridget is the queen of imperfect progress.

This year, I saw Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy at the cinema and loved it. So to honor this hilariously romantic and chaotic romcom book/movie series, I rewatched the first three films. Can’t choose; I love them all.

The first film starts with Bridget (Renée Zellweger) trying to keep (and fail) New Year’s resolutions while dealing with her crush on her sexy yet dissolute boss Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant). Complicating things is old family friend Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) seemingly cold, reserved, and with extreme disdain for Cleaver.

But as Bridget will soon find out, neither man is exactly what he seems.

Bonus: Based on the best-selling book series by Helen Fielding, the film was co-written by her.

The Holiday

Because sometimes a house swap and running into a hot stranger that comes with said house is all you need.

Beautiful movie trailer maker Amanda ( Cameron Diaz) is stuck after being cheated on by her boyfriend.

English publishing employee Iris (Kate Winslet) is depressed after seeing her unrequited love get engaged.

Both women end up on a house-swapping website, trading Los Angeles for London.

As they adjust the vastly different lifestyles (country cottage vs. LA mansion with a pool) during Christmas, both run into men from each other’s lives: Iris sparks with Amanda’s friend Miles (Jack Black), and Amanda crushes on Iris’s brother Graham (Jude Law).

But what will happen once the end of their holiday approaches?

Bonus: Iris’ unrequited love is played by Rufus Swell and Cameron Diaz’ ex is Edward Burns. Tiny cameo by Dustin Huffman.

If you love a “fresh start” story with humor, heart, and maybe a hot surfer (ahem), you might also love A Change Would Do You Good. Janie doesn’t buy a Tuscan villa, but she does escape her old life —with wildly unpredictable results.

What’s your favorite romcom with a “new life, new love” vibe? Movie/novel/TV series… I’m always taking recs!

P.S. Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you click and buy, I earn a tiny commission—like, bookmark-sized. It helps keep my bookshelves full and my stories caffeinated. Thanks for supporting my writing habit!

Book Launched: Romantic Comedy Novel A Change Would Do You Better

Posted on June 14, 2023 Written by Pinar Tarhan

A Change Would Do You Better is finally available on Amazon as an ebook and paperback! It’s also part of KU.

A Change Would Do You Better is the second book in A Change Would Do You Good romcom series and follows most of the same characters from A Change Would Do You Good (book 1) and the story continues.

However, both books can be enjoyed as standalone. And there will be book 3, expectedly called A Change Would Do You Best.

A Change Would Do You Better blurb:

About a year ago, Janie moved to San Diego for a fresh start after a devastating loss. The big changes she made paid off: She’s happily dating her hunky surfer neighbor Kevin.

Change has been contagious because the colorful neighbors and friends she met along the way got their fair share:

Linda loves being a fitness trainer and her budding relationship with a budding rockstar.

Therapist Greg’s finally found purpose in his career.

Janie’s old friends Andy and Sarah have moved back, and they have a lot to catch up on.

Things are going great, except….

Kevin’s new student is hellbent on seducing him.

Andy and Sarah are keeping a huge secret from Janie that might ruin their friendship forever.

Linda’s boyfriend is about to co-star in a steamy video with one of America’s sexiest women.

Greg might be dating the wrong person yet again.

A Change Would Do You Better is a sequel that can be enjoyed as a standalone. It follows the characters from A Change Would Do You Good, while introducing new twists and love interests.

Finding love is hard. Making a relationship work in the real world is even harder. Will your favorite couples make it?
Read on to find out.

Romantic Comedy Writing Lessons from Netflix’s A Tourist’s Guide to Love

Posted on April 29, 2023 Written by Pinar Tarhan

A Tourist’s Guide to Love is a 2023 romcom by Netflix, starring Rachael Leigh Cook and Scott Ly. It’s a fun, sweet and romantic story about a woman who is challenged to get out of her comfort zone first by a break-up and then by a free-spirited tourist guide in Vietnam.

First, let me get this out of the way. This is a happy movie about a non-toxic romantic relationship that starts as a friendship. So, if your favorite romantic movie is The Notebook, you will probably not enjoy this one.

This is not to say the protagonists don’t have problems. They do. But no one dies or gets sick. No one plots to keep people apart, and minor disagreements do not turn into shouting matches or served under the guise of passion:

Plot Summary

After travel executive Amanda (Rachael Leigh Cook)’s 5-year relationship comes to a disappointing end, her best friend/business partner Mona (Missi Pyle) sends her to Vietnam to get over her disappointment and to evaluate a local tour guide company for purchase. Amanda is all ready for a packed visit jammed with activities, but her tour guide Sinh (Scott Ly) has other ideas.

As he encourages her to take a moment and enjoy everything, the instant chemistry and connection between them grow. But unfortunately, their different residences aren’t the only thing standing in their romance: He doesn’t know Amanda is there to buy his uncle’s company. Add the ex who is regretting the break-up, and things get complicated.

The movie is like slow travel. It appeals to your senses, presents another culture respectfully, and introduces you to fellow travelers who could be your best friends. And there is a lovely romance brewing which will end happily of course.

What can the movie offer you if you write romcom?

You can tone down the chaos. Sometimes readers and watchers need and want to relax. You can offer beautiful escapism with a sense of calm.
Internal and external conflicts can be introduced and amped up without people acting like jerks to one another.
Adults can (and should) experience romance in a healthy, respectful, non-toxic way while still conveying passion and attraction.
Cultures can co-exist wonderfully.

Fun cast facts:

Mona is played Missi Pyle, who played the love interest of Ross in an episode of Friends. She’s the girl Ross whitened his teeth for. If you know, you know. 🙂
The leads are in their 40s (even though they look younger), so you don’t have to give the movie a pass if you’re bored of only seeing 20-somethings find love on the screen.

Want more love non-toxic, escapist love stories? You can try my romcom novels Making A Difference (M.A.D.) and A Change Would Do You Good. (Though my chaos levels are higher due to the premise and large cast of the books.;))

A Change Would Do You Good: The Complete Novel Soundtrack

Posted on January 19, 2022 Written by Pinar Tarhan

Writers often ask each other what they listen to as they write.

While I often don’t listen to music, I will listen to a particular song if that song embodies the mood or even the events of the scene.

And if my characters are listening to a song in a scene, I’ll listen to that song over and over again until I finish writing said scene.

Below is the complete soundtrack to my romcom drama novel A Change Would Do You Good. I listed which chapter the song is mentioned, as well as when/why it plays and which character plays it.

If you like rock music, and in some cases, dance music, check these songs out. If you can, play them as the characters hear them.

Ch 1

Highway to Hell – AC/DC

Janie listens to this as she drives off to her new life.

Ch 4

Four minutes – Madonna and Justin Timberlake feat. Timbaland

This is Ben’s alarm song. He dances to this every…well, afternoon. He’s got the moves.

Ch. 7

All Night – Def Leppard

Denise’s giving one of her legendary parties at her beach house again. She dirty dances to this gem with her hunky date.

My novel isn’t a clean romance, and I’d wager this song alone would disqualify me from the genre even if I tried to write one. 🙂

Sweet Emotion – Aerosmith

A gorgeous stranger puts this song on the jukebox at Denise’s party, and Kevin’s pleased to flirt with someone who shares his taste in rock music.

Ch. 9

Def Leppard – Two Steps Behind

Janie’s housewarming party is going great, but she gets emotional when she hears this come on.

Def Leppard – Rock On

We are still at Janie’s party. Life, and the party, must go on. And so it does with Rock On’s catchy riff.

Fun fact: I was there… A thousand years ago… OK, it wasn’t 1000 years ago. But it was 2006, in Sweden and I saw Def Leppard live at a rock festival. I was in the second room, and I listened to Rock On.

Ch. 10

I Like The Way – BodyRockers

Ben puts this on as he helps Linda move out. Linda isn’t too happy about his celebratory mood.

Two Steps Behind – Def Leppard

Yes, again. This time Janie puts this on purpose while going down the memory lane at Lenny’s apartment. But when it gets too much, she puts on the next song to cope.

Life Goes On – Poison

Ch. 13

21^st Century Sha La La La Girl – Def Leppard

Linda basically hears this in her head as she enjoys a shopping spree.

Ch. 15

Nothin’ But A Good Time – Poison

Linda plays this at her new job.

Ch. 16

Don’t Stop Believing – Journey

This is Janie’s ringtone. She gets an emergency work-related call.

Ch. 18

Lay Your Hands on Me – Bon Jovi

Kevin and Janie have to hitchhike, and their “saviors” make one of them drive as they make out in the backseat of the car. Song on the radio? Lay Your Hands on Me.

Surfin’ USA – The Beach Boys

After a huge fight, Kevin and Janie are ready to make up and move on when Kevin’s phone rings. This is the ringtone. On the nose? Yes. Very appropriate and in-character? Also yes. Unfortunately, the caller bears horrible news.

Ch. 20

Blind Faith – Warrant

This song plays during the novel’s last scene.

Bonus 1: Have you ever needed someone so bad – by Def Leppard

I originally wrote this novel as a TV series. (So yes, a sequel is in the works.)

I printed out each episode and handed it to my friends along with the cassette(s) the songs were on. (I was born in 1984, if the word cassette had you wondering.)

And because it was a TV series, I sometimes added mood songs. So, while a character was in deep thought, I’d name a background song.

I had to cut this song out because I cut the scene, but just because it is no longer in the story, it doesn’t mean the character still doesn’t feel this way.

It played while Kevin was thinking of Janie. He is a secret romantic, that one.

Bonus 2: Marilyn Manson. (Any song you choose by Manson is fine.)

Any time Ashley is partying, you can play a Manson song you like. If Manson’s originals freak you out a bit, how about some rockin’ covers like Sweet Dreams or Tainted Love?

Check the book on Amazon if the songs got you curious: https://www.amazon.com/Change-Would-Do-You-Good-ebook/dp/B08YJMRN4P It’s free to read on KU.

Want a specific country link? Hit me up @zoeyclark on Twitter, and I will send it over.

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