Step into the sparkling world of the Dirty Martini Running Club, where martinis flow, friendships shine, and love stories unfold with a side of laughter! Claire Kingsley’s romantic comedy series is a delightful escape for fans of witty banter, swoon-worthy romance, and heroines who are as relatable as they are hilarious. From fake relationships to accidental Vegas weddings, this series serves up modern love with a twist of humor that keeps readers hooked.
Centered around a tight-knit group of friends who share drinks, dreams, and dating disasters, the Dirty Martini Running Club books are standalone rom-coms that blend heart and hilarity. Whether you’re a seasoned romance reader or new to the genre, this series promises to charm with its quirky characters and feel-good vibes.
How Dirty Martini Running Club Began
Claire Kingsley, a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author, crafted the Dirty Martini Running Club series to capture the joy of friendship and the chaos of modern dating. Inspired by her love for sassy heroines and heartfelt romance, Kingsley launched the series in 2019 with the prequel novella Everly Dalton’s Dating Disasters. Her goal was to create stories that feel like a night out with your best friends—full of laughs, a few tears, and plenty of chemistry. The series’ name, a nod to the group’s favorite cocktail, reflects its playful and spirited tone.
The Heart of Dirty Martini Running Club
The series kicks off with Everly Dalton’s Dating Disasters, a novella that follows Everly’s hilariously awful first dates, setting the stage for her journey in Faking Ms. Right. In this first full-length novel, Everly, a sunny assistant, agrees to pose as her billionaire boss Shepherd Calloway’s girlfriend, leading to steamy fake-dating antics and real feelings. Falling for My Enemy (also titled Love According to Science) brings rivals Hazel and Corban together in a nerdy, enemies-to-lovers romp fueled by witty banter and undeniable chemistry. Marrying Mr. Wrong delivers a laugh-out-loud tale of Sophie, a clumsy heroine, and Camden Cox, her childhood nemesis, who wake up married after a wild Vegas night. Finally, Flirting with Forever wraps the series with Nora and Dex’s steamy single-dad romance, complete with heartwarming family moments.
Themes of friendship, self-discovery, and love shine throughout the series, set against the vibrant backdrop of Seattle. Kingsley’s style is light yet emotionally rich, blending slapstick humor with tender moments. Each book stands alone but features recurring characters, making the series feel like a warm reunion with old friends. The strong female bonds—dubbed the “Circle of Trust”—add depth, celebrating women who lift each other up through life’s ups and downs.
Why Dirty Martini Running Club Resonates
The Dirty Martini Running Club series has carved a niche in the rom-com genre with its fresh take on classic tropes like fake dating and enemies-to-lovers. Fans praise Kingsley’s ability to craft relatable characters who feel like real people, from Everly’s optimism to Sophie’s endearing clumsiness. The series’ blend of humor, heat, and heart has earned it glowing reviews, with readers calling it “escapism at its best” and a “perfect mix of swoon and sass.” Its focus on strong friendships and authentic emotions resonates deeply, offering a feel-good read that lingers long after the last page.
As romantic comedies continue to thrive, the series stands out for its modern sensibility and inclusive spirit, appealing to readers seeking both laughter and connection. It’s a testament to Kingsley’s skill that even a lesser-known series like this one feels so vibrant and alive.
- Publication Years: 2019–2023
- Number of Books: 5 (4 novels, 1 novella)
- Genre: Romantic Comedy
- Setting: Seattle, Washington
Grab Everly Dalton’s Dating Disasters and dive into the Dirty Martini Running Club’s world of laughter, love, and martini-fueled adventures!