FIVE MILLION STARS. This is without a doubt my favorite and best Emily Henry. The plot point of the “others” after someone else gets their happily ever after, fake dating, forced proximity, opposites attract - just ALL OF IT.

Ugh. Just - go read this one 😍😭

Of the works by Henry I've read I might say that this is the most successful?

That does come with a few caveats though, because it's me and of course it does.

I'm a girlie that wants dual POV in a romance and I think that's important to note because a lot of this feels like Daphne's story. Which in the context of the book and now characters view her, is important... but it doesn't necessarily feel like two characters shared journey. It doesn't feel like characters coming together, and at times it feels like a sequence of plot contrivances made up for a fictional story ( which is all a book really is, but truly good books transcend that into something that feels universal, y'know? ).

Anyway, this is the story of how Daphne's partner Peter leaves her for his childhood best friend, Petra. Now Petra being on this bachelor's trip should have already been a red flag, but Daphne moving into a house where her name was not on the deed despite the fact she was supposed to be marrying this man is wild. Hell, the fact that they bought a whole house before they were married seemingly so he could exclude her from having her name on the house should have been bad enough. But, newly single and not really interested in looking at the list of apartments that Peter left for her before running off to have a sexcation with his new girlfriend Petra, Daphne decides that it'd just be easier to move in with Petra's jilted partner Miles.

Now Miles really is the saving grace of this book. Daphne is almost too cookie cutter of a romance heroine, but that's fine. The two get along for the most part, giving each other as much space as is possible in the dingy two bedroom apartment that Miles used to call home with Petra.

It's not until a wedding invitation arrives for the pair that the duo decide to go out and drink at the utter absurdity of them getting an invitation. It's one of the first bonding moments the pair have. The next morning hung over Daphne realizes that she has RSVP'd to the wedding and when Peter calls to confirm that RSVP she makes up this lie about her and Miles being together....

It's here that we encounter our first issue. Dear Reader you might think that this little lie is going to be the premise for the rest of the book, that we are going to read about their fake relationship in the context of the book leading us toward that Labor Day wedding they RSVP'd to. I just want to do you the favor and let you know that's not actually what's happening.

You see when Daphne and Peter got together and were planning their life, they were living in the great Commonwealth of Virginia, the book is set in the great State of Michigan; more importantly Daphne's mother is living in the great state of Maryland. This is important because in the eighteen months she spent living in Michigan the only people she associated with were Peter's friends and she doesn't really have anything keeping her in this small town she finds herself in. Other than her job at the library and this fundraiser that was all her idea. It's this fundraiser at the end of the summer that we're really headed toward, something the narrative makes no secret about. It's this deadline that Daphne and Miles agree too when they set out to get Daphne to see just how great this small town can be.

The book is filled with some great side characters that you always get when you set your book in a small town and the main character has to get to know people. It's fun and cozy in the ways that you would expect and these friendship dates feel organic enough. Though on each one the reader and those around Daphne and Miles are always told that they aren't really together. Honestly the biggest plot hole in this book is everyone finding out that Daphne and Miles aren't really together and that fact never getting back to Peter or Petra; something that has to happen to keep the third act conflic in tact I suppose.

It's also important to know that Daphne and Miles' relationship with their parents are almost mirrored. I say almost because at least Daphne has a positive relationship with her mother whereas both of Miles parents were complicit in the abuse that his mother inflicted on him and his sister. The complex relationship that our main characters have with their various family members is explored for both, but only Daphne is able to get any kind of resolution. Partially because while we can't get his perspective, Miles' role in the narrative does seem to be to change into the kind of man that would be Daphne's perfect match. Not because he already is that already but because the narrative needs for him to shave parts of who he is to fit that.

The book does a lot of telling us who Daphne and Miles are, but the actions that each of them take don't ever really seem to match exactly this vision of who Emily Henry thinks that she's writing about. This feels really obvious with Miles and the way that we are meant to forgive him for some of the third act actions because he was also off being a manic pixie dream man.

Maybe I'm just a hater, but I do think that Miles knowing what he does and how he was supposed to be this champion for Daphne, good man or not and wanting to be helpful it does seem very silly to be helpful in the particular way he wanted to help in this story. Especially when he couldn't be bothered to say something...

Some of the issues with this book definitely have to do with wanting to use fake dating as a tool to incite these characters into being together, but it feels like almost anything could have pushed these two in that direction and as every character that crosses their path is immediately told the truth and all these excursions are framed platonically and extended to third parties it seems silly for it to even be part of the narrative. Even Petra and Peter's wedding serves as a plot contrivance that has nothing to do with the plot of the book, Peter and Petra have very little to do outside of being the boogeyman in our characters minds.

The community was fun to be in, and Ashley and Julia did a lot to make the book enjoyable. Miles really is a swoonworthy hero, but the fact we didn't get his persective did make a lot of what he was doing just feel off kilter and routinely undercut him as a character I was rooting for. Daphne... she might have been a little raggedy in the beginning and had a monologue moment at the end that seemed to say she didn't think Miles was going to be the one in a way most romance books want you to believe the hero will be the one... was ultimately fine? Just like the book. Lots of low lows, but it was ultimate a book that was easy enough to get through and definitely better than than pink book she tried to peddle as a romance last year.

I really loved this one! It was a bit of a mess which was one of it great qualities! The main character was fun and sassy as usual and I loved her! The main man was 😍😍😍😍 loved him too! I’m not sure if I love it more than Beach Story yet… I really connected with that story! I love how much Miles really morphed into this amazing and caring man when he started out as what seemed like this unmotivated bum! I think people are going to love this one!! So pick it up when it comes out in a couple weeks!

Thank you to the publisher for the eArc.

Emily Henry has done it again and I couldn’t be happier! Her books hold such a special place in my heart and I’m so happy that this one lived up to my expectations.

The chemistry between Daphne and Miles felt so real and the banter is back and just as good! Aside from the romance that had me kicking my feet, the friendships Daphne slowly forms in this book were just as cute and heartwarming. It was so nice to see the idea of having no idea how to make friends as an adult explored in such a relatable and grounded way.

I will continue to read absolutely anything Emily Henry writes and recommending it to everyone who will listen!

Thank you so much to Berkley Romance, PRH Audio, Libro.fm, and Netgalley for providing advanced copies of this! All thoughts and opinions are still my own.

Emily Henry just never misses for me. I find her romances to be so endearing and humor completely relatable. And this latest book was no exception.

This reads quintessential Emily Henry - humorous, slightly heavy themes, and relationship you can't imagine working out.

The relationship between the main characters was fantastic. I loved getting to watch them slowly get to know each other and develop feelings. By the time they finally got together it felt so impactful since we got to actually watch them fall in love.

And just like in her other books, both main characters have personal things they need to work through. I always appreciate when the relationship isn't the "fix" but a way to help them grow.

If you're an Emily Henry fan, this will definitely be another hit for you. Everything about was heartfelt and somehow so relatable.

And if you're an audiobook listener, Julia Whelan, one of my absolutely favorite narrators, narrates this book and is (as always) outstanding.

At this stage in the game I don’t think any fans of this author actually need to know what tropes are going to show up in the next/latest release however if you’re looking for a summary, here you go : fake dating, for revenge (ish), opposites attract, they are also roommates.

Honestly, beyond the fact that it’s an EmHem — so of course I was desperate for this — I was drawn in with the “love interest is Nick Miller coded” pitch and while I wouldn’t say that’s wrong, Miles is definitely not as Nick Miller-y is I would’ve expected. Which, sorry to say, was kind of a bummer. But I got over it as things went on because Miles seemed to be a literal darling. Pure sunshine (though not without a little stormcloud tagging along for some depth). You could almost be fooled into thinking this was also a grumpy x sunshine trope except Daphne wasn’t actually grumpy, just reserved, practical, a little closed off under her armour, and took time to warm up. And not without cause, either. And it was their earlier interactions that had me thinking that, despite how things started off, this would be all rom and com and no angst at all and would, actually, be a funny story. Because there I was laughing and kicking my feet and loving the ride.

Until maybe the magic started to wear off a bit and I realized there was a little less substance, a few less layers, no real plot beyond some vibes (normally not a problem for me in a romance if I can get behind the characters, except..), and, worst of all, I found myself actually a little confused about who these characters really were when I wasn’t being told, over and over again, who they should be.

In abstract, in concept, it all works so well. And in some moments, if you treated it like a vignette, it was perfect because this author’s writing, her setting, it’s all so good. Great, even. As is usually the case with her characters, too. But in this case, for FUNNY STORY, on a whole, with all things combined? It doesn’t fully track.

And also there was the fact that riiight around the 75% mark — and sure you might (rightly) assume that’s around the third act break-up and so that’s usually where things fall apart — I just found there was more than usual happening which sort’ve made sense considering the mess everything was, but then (t h e n) something happened that I absolutely did not love. I think your mileage will vary with this one but I was pretty annoyed that the author had some side characters make a certain choice and wish it had been left alone. Also, whereas normally I love a good EmHem confessional love monologue, these ones felt a touch too extra.. though maybe it was just because I was trying to settle back into the characterization I had lost beforehand. Or maybe it was just a little too rushed and pacey near the end. Maybe all of the above.

But everything outside of these things? The early fun? The (noticing a trend) early tension? The small town vibes? So good. Even this, my lowest rated EmHem ever, is still a really good read because this woman can w r i t e. I just wish the end had been as good as the start.

Emily Henry, you have to stop doing this to me! The banter and tension were top-notch, my heart was sufficiently mangled, I laughed, I cried. I loved this book.

Thank you Berkley Pub for the free book and thank you PRH Audio for my #gifted listening copy of Funny Story! #PRHAInfluencer #PRHAudioPartner #BerkleyBookstagram #berkleypub #BerkleyIG #berkley

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐄𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐲
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐚 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

★★★★★

I don’t know how it’s possible, but Emily Henry keeps getting better and better! Funny Story gets ALL the stars!!!!

Daphne always loved the way her fiancé, Peter, told the story of how they met. That is, until she realized he was actually in love with his childhood best friend, Petra. Now, stranded in Waning Bay, Michigan, working as a librarian and without friends or family, she proposes to be roommates with Miles, Petra’s ex-boyfriend. Miles is scruffy and disorganized, and Daphne is the complete opposite. While at first the two mostly avoid one another, until one day, while drowning their sorrows, they form a friendship and also develop a plan to get back at their exes. After all, there’s no chance these two will fall in love, right?

This book was just so perfect. The characters, the banter, just everything. I loved how Henry included past family trauma and relationship issues on both sides and how well that flowed into the storyline. I mean just everything about this book was just so well done. I cannot find a single thing I did not like. I also loved all of the book references! Funny Story is without a doubt a top book of the year.

🎧I alternated between the physical book, and the audiobook, narrated by Julia Whelan. When Whelan is the narrator, how can you not listen, right? She was spectacular, as expected. I mean just a top notch performance! I could not imagine anyone else ever narrating an Emily Henry book. Talk about a dynamic duo with Emily Henry and Julia Whelan! I don’t care how you enjoy this book, but you are in for a real treat whether you read or listen to this one!

💙Found Family
💙Fake Dating
💙Forced Proximity
💙Roommates
💙Opposites Attract
💙Librarian + Book References

Posted on Instagram - Mini Review-on March 11, 2024: http://www.instagram.com/nobookmark_noproblem
Posted on Goodreads on April 9, 2024: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/144922955?ref=nav_profile_l
**Posted on Instagram - Full Review- on or around April 23, 2024: http://www.instagram.com/nobookmark_noproblem
**Posted on Amazon on April 23, 2024
**-will post on designated date

I would like to preface that I’ve moved away from contemporary romance novels, but over the years I’ve read every Emily Henry book except Happy Place (on the library waiting list STILL). I think in order of her books I’ve enjoyed from fav to least fav it would be Beach Read, People We Meet then Book Lovers. So, if you have a similar ranking than me you may really enjoy this one, too!

This was easily my favorite of her books so far! Daphne and Miles are so incredibly lovable. The banter is well done—really all the dialogue in here is great and brought the characters to life. I loved Daphne’s journey of trying to discover herself and establish a life that doesn’t revolve around her partner. And MILES — he feels like someone I know in real life.

The story was well put together, even the subtle things like the countdown and changes to the chapter titles were clever. I loved all the descriptions of this Michigan town too. As someone who has visited the region before it felt pretty spot on and I was able to see this town so clearly in my mind.
—

My only complaints were name choices, like Mulder and Peter/Petra. I always had to double check to make sure I knew who I was reading about. Also didn’t love all the mentions of Daphne’s food moan. All minor, silly things that thankfully did not take away from the story for me.

Thank you Berkley for the ARC!

It’s going to take me at least three refills of my olawa and 37 applications of aquaphor to rehydrate after all of the heartfelt tears I cried while finishing this book.

Infinity stars forever and ever and ever. I now have a renewed will to live and to appreciate the beauty of this earth (how could I not, when Emily Henry inhabits it!!?!!?!) ♾️♾️♾️♾️

I want to preface this review by saying: I think it is impossible for me to read an Emily Henry book and not have a good time. Her writing and characters are literary catnip for me and I absolutely eat her books up time and time and time again. With that being said, this one sadly didn't become a new favorite of mine like I was hoping it might. Don't get me wrong, there were many moments between Daphne and Miles that had me grinning from ear to ear and kicking my feet, but I couldn't help but feel like I wanted even more of them together than we got. I feel like Funny Story had a little too much plot and not quite enough romance which feels like a stupid thing to say about a *book* but I think that the girlies who get it, will get it lol

TL;DR: this was a lot of fun but I wanted more smoochin'

cw: divorce/separation, cheating, death of a loved one, cancer, emotionally manipulative parents, absent parents

Given how much hype is around Funny Story, it’s hard to try to talk about everything without giving too much away. When going into an Emily Henry book, it’s best to know as little as possible so you’re willfully unprepared for the emotional bomb she’s going to drop on you.

With a title like Funny Story, this book does follow Daphne who gets dumped by her fiance as he wants to be with his girl best friend. Peter kicks her out of their house and she ends up rooming with Petra’s former boyfriend, Miles. While it takes a while for these two to become friends, it eventually happens.

To try to make things more bearable, they agree to fake-date to prove to Peter and Petra that they’re moving forward. All in all, it seems like a foolproof plan until feelings get involved. I won’t give too much away on that end, but as with most Emily Henry stories, this book isn’t just about their relationship.

Daphne is trying to figure out life in a new city as she hasn’t been away from her mother much and she worries. She’s also dealing with a father who floats in and out of her life. Miles is also dealing with some family issues and at one point, takes his younger sister in. Frankly, this book doesn’t shy away from those topics and it ends up playing a factor in their relationship.

While this book doesn’t live up to the title's moniker of being funny, Emily Henry manages to pull off a compelling romance while juggling it with real-life elements. I don’t know how Emily Henry continues to do this with every single release. While Funny Story doesn't feel as romantic, I think this one will appeal to those wanting something more from their romance books.

5++ stars

I swear Emily Henry gets better and better. This one truly spoke to me with the way it delves into difficult parental relationships and recognizing the trauma that those relationships can cause.

I love a good first act breakup book because the events that come after are always super juicy. In this, we find out that Daphne’s fiance has discovered the love shared between he and his childhood best friend, Petra. Unfortunately, that means that THEIR carefully planned life won’t be happening anymore.

Kicked out of their house, Daphne is out of options. Why not run to the only other person who might feel a smidge of her pain, Petra’s ex, Miles…?

A friendship starts to bloom, even if it involves them faking a relationship to show just how moved on they both are… What’s the harm? What’s the worst that could happen? What happens when the fake feelings start to become real?

Not only do we have this storyline that is my literal catnip, but we have these wonderful characters. Daphne and Miles are both such great people. This book deals with commitment issues and difficult family relationships. Also, Daphne is a children’s librarian and we get to see all sorts of fun shenanigans.

I was very excited about this one since I have loved all of Emily Henry's romance novels. However, this one fell flat for me in a few ways, so it ended up being my least favorite.

What I liked:
•the first 50%-the pacing was good, I was captivated by the story, and I enjoyed the romance
•The banter between the 2 main characters!!
•Waning Bay and it’s descriptions. Emily Henry sets a scene so well.
•The premise was honestly fun. 2 people bonding over their shared relationship failure & trauma? It was a good dynamic

What I didn’t like
•So it was “fake dating”…but majority of the people in the story knew it was fake, and they only had to keep up the appearance of fake dating like twice
•I didn’t like either of the main characters. They both came off immature & slightly annoying to me sorry
•I get that quirkiness is one of the things Emily Henry does best, and I usually love it. However it felt overdone in this book. It was trying to be quirkier and more eccentric than it needed to be.
•The romance was so….odd? It was like up and down up and down and then we barely got to see the main characters together.
•I didn’t leave this book feeling like these two characters were meant to be and would survive all obstacles together.

Ohh Emily Henry you have done it again. I always look forward to when a new book of hers lands on the shelves and this one delivered. Funny, heartwarming, compulsively readable; a perfect romantic read. Funny Story is indeed a funny story but like all her books, so much more than what meets the surface.

<i>ARC Provided by NetGalley<i>

funny story is in fact not a funny story. however, in emily henry fashion... it is a beautifully written story and i absolutely adored this with all my heart and will probably think of nothing else for the foreseeable future.

Thank you, Berkley and NetGalley, for both my free book/e-book for review.

There is simply something special about reading an Emily Henry book. It's like being caught in a gentle drizzle on a sunny day, with the promise of a rainbow just around the corner. Her words have a way of weaving magic, drawing you in from the very first page.

In her latest novel, Funny Story, Ms. Henry once again displays her unmatched talent for banter. The dialogue between the characters is sharp, witty, and always on point, creating an atmosphere that keeps you engaged and wanting more.

Daphne, the protagonist, is a character who resonates on a deeply personal level. Her childhood experiences have left a lasting impact on her, turning her into an introvert who struggles to navigate social settings. As she moves to a new place where she knows no one, the reader can't help but feel a pang of empathy and curiosity about her journey.

But it's not just Daphne's story that captivates. The relationship between the two protagonists is given great care and attention, allowing it to develop organically. As their connection grows, the walls they've built around themselves crumble, exposing their vulnerabilities and the essence of who they truly are. It's a beautiful exploration of human connection and the power it holds.

And amidst Ms. Henry's masterful storytelling, I found myself getting to know Daphne in a way that felt intimate and real. Her quirks, her insecurities, and her hidden depths were gradually unveiled, allowing me to form a bond with her character. I couldn't help but root for her every step of the way.

Reading Funny Story is like embarking on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. It's a heartwarming tale that explores the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of self-discovery. By the end, you'll be left yearning for more, eagerly awaiting Emily Henry's next masterpiece.

All hail Emily Henry! Another amazing read from one of my favorite authors. She really understands the complexities of relationships. As someone who has complicated feelings about family, I connected so hard to Daphne and her struggles with her parents, partner(s), and friends. Daphne's insecurities surrounding being capable of being loved and her struggle to learn to trust in others was so real and familiar and real. The characters are complex and broken and make mistakes.

It's also another Emily Henry that makes me want to move to a small town in Michigan on the lake and live my best life. Finally, I rarely see a book that features a librarian be so true to life. I often see them as some kind of sappy cliche, when life as a librarian is so much closer to the one portrayed in this book. Yes, there are wonderful parts where you get to connect with others through books, but you also have to clean vomit off the floor and deal with creepy callers and people who get mad at you because you don't know their Gmail password. Emily did her research and, from one librarian, it's very appreciated!


Tropes:
fake dating
opposites attract
friends to lovers
forced proximity
found family

I think a rarely found and truly magical power of a good author is when you read their books and feel a connection with each of them as if the books are written for you. The story is so relatable, their experience, your own. You find yourself nodding at something they do or say, understanding their reaction completely. You cry at their pain, and then again at their happiness.
This happens every time I read one of Henry's books. There were many emotional similarities, but as a children's librarian, I loved that she got that delight and joy of storytime right on the money.

I can't pick a favorite book, just like I can't pick a favorite author, but I can say she's at the top for me.


Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing this advance reader's copy for an honest review.

4.5 amazing stars!

”This is enough.”
“I’m not doing anything.”
“Then why do I feel better?”

Funny Story is our fifth book by Emily Henry, and our love affair with her stories continues. We adore her characters, they’re so warm, charming, and relatable, and Daphne, Miles and their pals have cemented themselves in our hearts, along with so many others Emily Henry has created. Funny Story did convey a somewhat, for want of a better word, morose undertone, however, Emily Henry managed to perfectly balance the sadness, the emotional and the funny in a such a beautifully harmonic way.

”You’re wonderful. You’re the reason for the word wonderful.”

For Daphne Vincent and Miles Nowak, their lives are turned upside down, everything they thought they knew is brought into question when Peter, Daphne’s fiancée and Petra, Miles’s girlfriend, decide to take the relationship beyond friendship. Moving in together and leaving Daphne and Miles heartbroken and becoming roommates.

“I think it might break my heart to be someone you don’t like.”

When Daphne uprooted her life to follow Peter to Waning Bay, Michigan, she saw a life before her, one very different to her life now. As a librarian at Waning Bay library, broken hearted Daphne decides she will see out the summer, to complete her heart project, the Read a Thon for the children. Returning to her one constant, her Mum. Miles Nowak, nursing his own broken heart has other plans. He decides to show Daphne the parts of Waning Bay she hasn’t experienced, and hope she falls in love with the town enough to stay.

”Thank you,” he says.
“For what?”
“Just, thank you.”

We fell in love with Miles, Daphne, their friends, and adored experiencing the beauty of Waning Bay with Daphne. Waning Bay became a character all on its own. We dipped our toes in the sea, we became excited about the Traverse City Cherry Festival. We wanted to pack our bags and move there!

Will the sweet gentle Miles convince Daphne her place is in Michigan, will she fall in love with more than Waning Bay? Will their hearts heal. Well, you’ll love every minute of finding out all the answers. Another winner from this fabulous author.