Emily Henry always kills it with the banter! I loved the characters she created here. I tend not to be able to laugh a lot during romcoms but I laughed so much while reading this story! I was completely obsessed with it.

Thank you to NetGalley for the Arc of Funny Story. As a children's librarian, this book really hit the spot for me. The main character, Daphne was lovable and relatable. The story itself was somewhat predictable but thoroughly enjoyable. I finished this book in 2 sittings and loved every second. I always look forward to another Emily Henry story.

This book takes place in a tourist city in Michigan and I couldn’t help but want to live in the pages and spend some time on the lake. In this roommates turned lovers novel we find librarian Daphne finding her fiancé has left her for his best friend. She moves in with the best friend’s ex, Miles, and he shows her the beauty of her new home as they get to know one another. It was a fun journey getting to follow along!

Full of banter and a sweet love story, this is Emily Henry at her best! Also loved the meditations on friendship and holding onto your own identity when you enter a relationship.

Funny Story. Best EH Book yet.
Ever wish you could crawl back into one of your favorite comfort shows and just live there for a bit? That is what Funny Story was for me. It was the best combinations of New Girl, a dash of Gilmore Girls, a sprinkle of Emily in Paris, and a few tablespoons of the rest of my faves. It was as if Emily Henry took the best ingredients and tropes to bake the best of rom-com cookies. I didn’t even think all of the elements in Funny Story would mesh well, but EH is a pure genius in creating this warm hug of a book.

emily henry has done it again. this book reminded me of why i love to read. the attention to detail within the story was something that will had me from the beginning. miles and daphne are my second favorite couple that’s she’s every written and that is a HIGH BAR to reach. the side characters in the story really brought it to life. what a pleasure it is for the world to have this masterpiece bestowed on them. the romance is soooooo beautiful like i wont be recovering from them anytime soon. emily did her big one with this one. i don’t wanna spoil much but this book? this is the one.

Is there ever a time when I won't believe Emily Henry doesn't have spy cameras throughout my house, or agents digging into my background? I joke with all my friends about how real and amazing all the characters feel like part of my life is in these books. This is no different for Funny Story. I am a librarian, in Maryland, raised by a single mom who worked in banking and tried her hardest to give me the best life she could. I read this book while I was sick with COVID-19 and kept going back and rereading pages because it would take my breath away. And Emily, if you ever need to know more about a 30-something-tall girl married to a shorter dude-librarian-hobby potter, reach out. I'd love to chat.

This is one of the best romance books I have ever read! ♾️/5 ⭐️!! Ex’s getting reveng€?? Roommates?? Fake dating!! Opposites attract!!! The combination of tropes I didn’t think I needed all in one book!! I got so attached to these characters I didn’t want it to end!!

Oh my! I loved this so much. I'm a hit or miss EmHen fan and this was exactly right. Full review to come closer to publication but I can safely say this will make all the Emily Henry fans out there very happy.

Another solid Emily Henry book! As a children's librarian, I was hoping for more from that aspect of the story. I wanted to see a more accurate depiction of the library and its happenings within its day to day operations. That said, overall the story was cute and charming and everything you come to expect from an Emily Henry novel.

Thank you Berkley Publishing for the free book! #BerkleyPartner

I saw something a while ago say that you are either a Beach Read and Book Lovers person or a People We Meet on Vacation and a Happy Place person. I am the former and have wondered where Funny Story would fall.

As always, Emily Henry makes the settings of her story feel like a character in and of themselves and it’s incredible how she can paint such a beautiful picture with her language and the way she writes.

First, the story. The fiance falling for the girl-best friend who he told her not to worry about… we’ve heard it before but it still worked and Henry did it so well. Then, the fiancé and boyfriend who were left start living together and fall for each other. So simple but so compelling and you know exactly how it will end but you still want to see it through.

Daphne and Miles are so wonderful and such complex characters. I felt like I knew them as well as they knew each other. Daphne is a children’s librarian and at the end of the summer is hosting a read-a-thon for the library goers, an event she enjoyed as a child. We learn so much about her and her ability to love, her overcoming her cynicism, and her realizing that she is worthy of so much more in her life. Her dad was not around a lot when she was a kid and she always felt second best to anything else he had going on in his life and she was. He would take her to the library (where her love for libraries developed) and he would be flirting with the librarian instead of hanging out with her. He gave her such a negative view of herself and what she meant to others. And she and her mom used to move around a lot so she ended up not trying to hold on to friendships and eventually just fell into her ex-fiancee's life instead of creating her own. She understood that by the end she needed to be more independent and stop just relying on someone else to make her friends, buy her house, and create her happiness. I love that she finds friends and a community in Waning Bay. I loved Daphne and related to her a little too much. Miles was a little rough around the edges at first but we learn so much about him and his love for just about everything. He also has issues stemming from his parents and was faced with how he didn’t feel his feelings because his mother made him feel like everything wrong was always his fault. He did piss me off when his excuse for freaking out when things got serious between them was I panic when things get real, what does that even mean?

The side characters were also incredible and Henry always seems to write such great side characters that genuinely add something to the story. Even Peter and Petra who were the villains of the story added so much even when Peter pissed me off by coming crawling on his knees for Daphne…

This was such a beautiful story about changing and changing for the better. Daphne fucked up and missed celebrating Ashleigh’s birthday but she owned up and took accountability. Which was refreshing for a character in a rom-com. They typically try to justify shitty mistakes that they made but she knew she messed up and she apologized. Both Miles and Daphne were able to own up to their issues when they hurt each other and they were both able to understand where the other was coming from. It was also refreshing to have their issues stem from somewhere and not be made up from a bad breakup or something. And they were both aware of their issues and willing to be better and learn.

I’m not sure I had many criticisms of this book. It was well written, the story was flushed out, and the characters learned something and found happiness. It didn’t have that wow factor of some books but it was a very enjoyable romance.

A quote I loved:

“And I feel lucky every time you look at me. Not because I think I’ve managed to earn you, but because it feels like you don’t need me to. Like you just … like me.”

4.5/5 Emily Henry needs to stop making me want to move to Michigan.

In true Emily Henry fashion, I was immediately pulled into the story. The premise was so entertaining - I was very invested in the drama of two people’s exes leaving them for the other. Watching Miles and Daphne live together while trying to reconcile with this insane situation was so hilarious. I thoroughly enjoyed witnessing Daphne and Miles become friends while healing from their breakups and learning to enjoy their lives. Miles’ characterization was a major highlight for me. He was such a sweetheart and was not afraid to show his emotions. I loved his character development and his flirty personality had me swooning. The setting was also developed extremely well. I felt like I had been to this Michigan town before because of how immersive the descriptions were.

Unfortunately, the resolution fell flat for me which is why this wasn’t a full 5 star. I didn’t get that overwhelming feeling that I usually get at the end of Emily Henry books when the final love confessions occur. I think I needed just a little bit more romantic development because it felt slightly rushed to me. I hold Emily Henry’s books to a very high standard so it seems unfair to be so picky, but compared to her other books, this didn’t wrap up as strongly for me personally.

Although I wished for a more impactful conclusion, I loved the character development, the emotional writing, and witty banter. Emily Henry KNOWS how to write a romance with depth and Funny Story definitely fits in well with her previous works.

Thank you Berkley Romance for the advanced copy!

emily henry is at her best when she's writing about people who love and live for books. the concept of this book is immaculate to me and the execution of it does not disappoint. while the fake dating is a bit on the back burner, the falling-for-your-ex-fiance's-new-fiancee's-ex-boyfriend of it all is soooo rich with humor and angst and complications and making out against a truck because peter is watching!! i love daphne and miles (GREAT names) together and as characters because they're both messy and trying to be better and find steady ground after this huge life derailment and honest and funny and earnest. it's a very human story with very human and flawed characters, but it's also fun and beautiful and lovely. all the third act conflicts were a bit too much for me at the end, but overall i truly enjoyed this and am desperate to listen to this on audio later this year. (4.25/5 stars)

Easily my favorite Emily Henry book, Funny Story beautifully captures the essence of human imperfections, reminding us that everyone makes mistakes, but redemption and growth are always within reach.

Miles and Daphne's evolving connection serves as the beating heart of the story. Emily Henry skillfully portrayed their progression from friendship to romance. As they bonded over shared experiences and misery, I found their connection authentic and endearing. The emphasis on acts of service and physical touch (UGH I LOVE MILES) had me giggling and kicking my feet at 3 am!

The book explores the concept of individuality—that we should avoid losing our true selves while seeking a sense of belonging. Daphne has consistently identified as part of a 𝘸𝘦 throughout her life, rather than embracing an 𝘐. The characterization of Daphne deeply resonated with me. There were moments when I found myself pausing and reflecting after reading a passage, mainly because her narrative mirrored aspects of my own life. I find this really special since I seldom experience this kind of relatability and comfort with a book character. Daphne’s character development surprisingly helped me better understand myself.

Moreover, the book also underscores the importance of being present in the moment, highlighting that life's true beauty lies in the mundane. I was reminded that showing up matters, and these little things ultimately shape our existence.

Funny Story isn't just a romance novel; it's a nuanced exploration of the human experience, a reminder that in our flaws and vulnerabilities, we find our truest selves.

Thank you Berkley Romance and NetGalley for the ARC!

Oh my god this was INCREDIBLE. I will say I was not the biggest fan of happy place but I was very optimistic about Funny Story and I was VERY HAPPY with the emotions this one brought out of me.

Daphne and Miles are so grounded as characters, and I feel like I completely understood why they made very decision they made through the book. Miles especially endeared himself to me quickly. Emily Henry has a history in her adult books of writing women finding their place in the world and stumbling on a PERFECT MAN (I am not complaining, Charlie Lastra please call me), but I think I love Miles so much because he was ALSO a broken boy, making mistakes and figuring out how he was going to move forward in his life after this complete derailment. He was kind, and sweet, and GOOD, but also flawed. I grew to love him in the face of those flaws and forgive his VERY HUMAN mistakes just like Daphne.

I cannot wait for the audio version because I know Julia Whelan is going to eat this UP. Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the opportunity to read early ily!!

LOVED IT! I always love Emily’s writing, and this one did not disappoint! My favorite thing about this book was the way it really made me feel the emotions the characters were feeling. Few authors do this as well as Emily - she has a way of writing emotions that just really hits the reader right where it’s supposed to. I adored Daphne, the FMC, and really connected with her a lot. Miles, the MMC, had me swooning. Side characters were spot on as well. As always, after reading her descriptions of northern Michigan, I have now added another spot to my vacation bucket list. I just cannot say enough good things about this book! More to come with links to my post closer to pub date!

Best Emily Henry book!

-that's me everytime Emily Henry releases a new book since Beach Read.

And yes, in my honest opinion, Funny Story is my top 1 in the Emily Henry universe.

What's funny about this book is how the story started with Daphne revealing that her fiancee, Peter, is calling off the wedding after attending his bachelor's party with his childhood bestfriend, Petra. For me, this is effective because it made me root for Daphne right from the start.

After the breakup, Daphne moved out of their newly-bought house to a shared apartment where Petra's former fiancee, Miles, is living so the setup is that Peter and Petra is off gallivanting about their upcoming wedding while their ex-fiancees Daphne and Miles are living in a cramped apartment starting their life from scratch.

This is an adult romcom and to be honest the writing is superb because you can easily distinguish the romance parts and the funny parts in a way that it is balanced along with a dash of emotional redemption before the novel ended.

Daphne Vincent is a main character that is easy to root for after reading the first few chapters and knowing her experiences in life as an only child of divorced parents, as a student who has to move places to places due to her mother's work, as an adult who wasn't able to secure enough friends, and as a partner who had been dumped days before their wedding.

Daphne is a shy sunshine character who loves books, people, and places even though the only constant fixture in her life is books that's why she ended up being a librarian in Waning Bay library where she resided for good with Peter.

Miles is also a lovable sunshine character who is also a people person. Miles can easily run as a mayor in Waning Bay and he will have a chance to secure the post given how good he is with his connections.

Mix Daphne and Miles in a tiny apartment with their broken hearts and you'll have an epic story that is filled with humor, hope, compassion, and love.

This book is emotional. Aside from the romantic development between Daphne and Miles, we also get to read their improvement as individuals who had terrible childhood experiences - Daphne with her daddy issues and Miles with his lack of parenting figure.

Both Daphne and Miles grew up having this image in their head of what they need to achieve in order to suffice the hole that one (if not both) of their parents left. Yes, this book is for girlies with daddy issues and as someone who grew up with a father that is, most of the time, absent in the family picture, reading about how Daphne and Miles healed from their trauma and released their feelings to each other felt therapeutic.

This book is inspirational. I think one of the underlying themes that is injected in Funny Story is the message about how people can change. And yes, this change or transformation may not be 100% or 360° turnaround but it highlights the possibility that human can change if they start with small steps.

This book is easy to love. Daphne and Miles, as individuals, are lovable already so it's not hard to picture them as a couple who brings the best in each other. Love Daphne Vincent and Miles Nowak.

Overall, this is a masterpiece and I can't wait to reread it again once I have a finished copy. 5stars

This is my favorite Emily Henry book. I was convinced that nothing would ever top <i>Beach Read</i> for me, but this one is EVERYTHING. It's wise and comforting and (lightly) angsty, healing and hopeful and just so SO fun. 🥹

These characters are complex, messy, deeply relatable, and so unexpectedly perfect for each other. I just love stories that give 30-somethings the space to still be growing and making mistakes and figuring their lives out. 💙

Emily Henry does it again! She consistently produces characters and stories that are authentic, touching and hilariously chaotic. Funny Story leans towards romcom, but still has the depth and emotion that readers are familiar with when it comes to Henry’s writing. There’s a reason why she’s one of the most highly regarded writers in the romance genre.

Funny Story subverts multiple romance tropes, lending for an incredible meet cute. Daphne and Miles become roommates after they are both dumped by their respective significant others who have decided to date each other instead. If that’s not messy enough, to make said exes jealous, Miles and Daphne pretend to date each other. To keep up the ruse, the two of them begin to hang out and start to realize that the sparks they’re faking might actually be real.

The dialogue in this book is seriously top notch. There are so many laugh out loud moments where I felt like I was reading direct conversations I’ve had with friends and loved ones. One of the themes of this book is loving someone in small moments just as much as in big ones and Emily Henry gives us so many tiny, tender moments between Daphne and Miles. As a male main character, Miles is very different from Henry’s other leading men, but his idiosyncrasies and positivity were incredibly charming. Daphne is a character that many readers will find themselves mirrored in. I mean, she’s a children’s librarian…if that’s not relatable to the book lovers than I don’t know what is!

Thank you to Berkley/Berkley Romance and NetGalley for providing me with this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review! Funny Story is out April 23!

I mean it's Emily Henry's world and I'm just living in it. I'm starting to subscribe to the odd number books theory but I was nervous going into this. Book Lovers is one of my favorite books of all time and Happy Place, though I enjoyed parts of it, was a disappointment in comparison. But Funny Story hit. I already can't wait to reread. The banter was bantering, it was paced so well, and I love that we got more of a friend group than previous books. I LOVED the message of finding love but still building your own life and the way Daphne approached her relationship at the end of the book. if I had to offer one critique, it's that I wish we got to see a little more of their adventures together (like in Beach Read) but we still got plenty of on page time together so I was not disappointed in the slightest. I cannot wait to have a physical copy in my hands!