Member Reviews
emily!!! you can't keep getting away with this (this = releasing excellence every year)!
we have some really classic tropes here ~ opposites attract, fake dating, forced proximity ~ and all of these combined made for such a fun story. daphne is a librarian and i love to see emily henry characters in bookish spaces, because you can tell how much of a love letter it is to libraries, books, and bookish spaces where we can find community. miles is such a lovebug, his personality really shines through even though we have a single pov style! he's very charming and easygoing, but he's also observant and he takes really good care of the people around him, sometimes to his own detriment. daphne is a little more reserved and careful, and she wants to make bonds with people that stick, which stems a lot from her childhood. going hand in hand with that, i loved the found family element of getting to explore daphne's budding friendship with her friends from work, i think it's very relatable to anyone in their late 20s/early 30s trying to make friends as an adult.
i personally loved happy place, but if you're someone who read that and didn't find the romance to be central enough, this one might hit the right balance. we still get these layered characters who go on these really deeply emotional journeys on their own, but its also paired with the fun romcom beats. i love that these characters were definitely flawed and they make mistakes on page, but we always find them coming back to each other even stronger than before. great banter! great chemistry! (and physical touch is both of their love languages, so...)
thank you berkley & netgalley for the eARC!
This book was so beautiful I loved it so much and I did shed a few tears reading it !!! I loved Daphne and Miles story. I felt so connected to all the characters. Emily Henry’s books are written in a way where you can physically see yourself in the world she describes. The summer nights, the food , the perfect moments they all felt magical. I loved how Daphne and Miles met and how they took a bad situation and turned it into something great. I loved how Daphne was a librarian and how much she cared about the library and children. I also loved the small town vibes in this book and how everyone knew each other. I loved how Miles could befriend anyone and loved reading about him and Daphnes adventures. I also loved how they were first roommates and then turn into best friends and then lovers. I loved Ashleigh ( Daphne’s friend) and Julia ( Miles sister as well). I adored the farmers market , late night cooking and all the other
Funny Story Review
“The same universe that dispassionately takes things away can bring you things you weren't imaginative enough to dream up.”
Hopeful - Funny - Tender
This book is like a giant teddy bear wrapping you in a big hug.
Daphne thought she was living her and Peter's story. They met, fell in love, and moved back to his lakeside hometown of Waning Bay, Michigan. But when Peter confesses his love for his childhood best friend Petra, Daphne realizes she now needs to start her own story. First order of business when starting your own story? Finding a roommate, even if that said roommate is Petra's ex, Miles.
OPPOSITES ATTRACT
FOUND FAMILY
PTSD REPRSENTATION
ALL THE BANTER
STEAMY MOMENTS
READING BETWEEN THE TEARS
BOOKISH CHARACTERS
All the stars for an auto-buy author, Emily Henry.
I have truly enjoyed every book I've read by Emily Henry. Miles and Daphne are so lovable and of course her being a librarian makes this such a fun book! Funny Story is the perfect summer read and Julia Whelan is the perfect narrator! I will definitely be recommending this book to patrons who are looking for a fun and lighthearted romance.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Publication date: 23 April 2024
This is the fourth Emily Henry book I've read, and I think she is exceptionally talented at creating banter between her characters. However, the premise of this story didn't work for me. I was excited about the female main character being a librarian, but the storyline fell flat. Also, I favored the male main character's perspective over the female main character. There were likable characters in this story, and I can see how this book could be a good read for others, but it just wasn't for me. Thank you, Net Galley and Berkley Romance, for the ARC!
Emily is back with a new book that is quickly becoming a fan favorite! What would you do if your fiancé left you for his childhood best friend right before your wedding? If your answer was move in with the fiancée stealers ex’s boyfriend, you would be spot on. 🤣
This one follows Daphne and Miles as they try to mend their broken hearts together, while their former significant others are, together. Miles is quite fun and funny and I immediately fell in love with him. The interactions between Daphne and Miles were wonderful and I loved how their relationship grew. The sub characters in this one were some of my favorite too, they added a lot to the story, especially how important other friendships are.” Both MCs have pasts that they need to deal with they are hurting their future together. It’s just a really wonderful journey to go on.
4.5⭐️
Now THIS is a rom com baby!!!!
What do you do when your ex leaves you for another woman who is his friend and also in a relationship?
Well you move in with the other guy who got dumped and talk crap about how horrible ur exes are!
The way this couple Daphne and Miles just warmed my heart with their friendship blossoming into something more??? I loved reading them falling in love!
The aspect of fake dating was so good I just knew every time the exes would show up it was time to turn up the fake dating and I loved it!!
What do you do when your fiancé decides to leave you for his best friend? Well… it’s kind of a Funny Story… move in with her ex-boyfriend and pretend to be a couple to make them jealous. From there, I’ll let you use your imagination. Overall, it was a cute story about a girl navigating her life through heartbreak.
Emily Henry if you wrote a book about paint drying I would preorder it, request it on netgalley, read it imemdiatly, rave about it, post a review and then sit by the phone waiting for yoour next release to pop up.
yep she's that good.
Emily Henry's "Funny Story" is a heartwarming and humorous tale that delves into the complexities of relationships and personal growth. Set against the charming backdrop of a quaint Michigan beach town, the novel follows two protagonists whose exes have found love with each other. This unlikely twist leads them to move in together, sparking the beginning of an unexpected and endearing friendship.
As they navigate the peculiarities of their living arrangement, the protagonists' bond deepens, evolving into a staged romance that serves both as a source of amusement and a protective shield against their vulnerabilities. Henry masterfully portrays their journey, blending wit and warmth to explore the nuances of their connection.
The characters' internal struggles add a layer of depth to the narrative, making their eventual romantic revelation all the more satisfying. Through their interactions, Henry addresses themes of healing, self-discovery, and the courage to embrace genuine emotions.
"Funny Story" is a delightful read, filled with laugh-out-loud moments and poignant reflections. Emily Henry's signature blend of humor and heart shines through, making this novel a must-read for fans of contemporary romance.
Emily Henry puts literal CRACK into her books you guys, literal crack. I don't know how else to explain how she does it time and time again and hits it out of the park, but she does. It's witchcraft or something I swear. I wish I could articulate it better but her books just make me feel something and it's a warm hug that hurts so good. It's like a warm hug after having hypothermia and it burns so good but it hurts. It hurts to good!!!!!
All hail Queen Emily Henry!!!!
Daphne and Peter are headed to the altar, until his bachelor party, where his childhood best friend, Petra, declares her love for him. Peter and Petra leave their partners and decide to get engaged. So, Daphne is crushed and forced to move out of Peter's home, and she moves in with Petra's former boyfriend, Miles. Miles and Daphne commiserate over their former partners deception, and to get back at them, Daphne tells Peter that she and Miles are an item. As Miles attempts to show Daphne Michigan and help her overcome her feelings of not belonging, he and Daphne begin to fall for each other. However, both Miles and Daphne have issues of trust and feeling loved, and it isn't easy for either one to admit their feelings.
This is a really sweet story and examines lots of family and relationship issues.
Emily Henry has outdone herself! She has created fun and witty characters that melt your heart and make you want to live in a cute small town and make friends with a bunch of randos.
An amazing book by an amazingly talented author. I will read anything she writes and enjoy it with all of my heart!!
My favorite part of every Emily Henry book I've read is the dialog. Henry has a wonderful way of creating natural flowing dialog with plenty of wit, heart and depth. In this story, the main character, Daphne, is going through heartbreak after her fiancé, Peter, calls of the wedding to pursue his life long best friend Petra. Without a place to live and a closet packed full with wedding supplies, Daphne moves in with Miles, Petra's ex-boyfriend. Both are working through grief and heartbreak. When they receive an invite to Peter and Petra's wedding only a short few weeks later, the two decide to attend the wedding. Daphne even tells Peter that she and Miles are dating. Daphne is working to run away from Waning Bay, Michigan where everything reminders her of and is connected to Peter. Miles has a different idea, proving to Daphne she shouldn't run and she should make Waning Bay her home. When things begin to develop, the two learn about themselves, find acceptance in their pasts, and grow together.
I really enjoyed the book; however, I'm pretty sure a part of that is because Daphne is a children's librarian. I loved the moments where Daphne talked about her patrons, and that Henry made the library a part of the story. Miles is a great leading man. He is kind, generous, flawed, and provides a wonderful balance to Daphne. I loved the heart felt moments where both Miles and Daphne talk about their childhoods and the trauma that it brought to their adult lives. And again, that dialog. I adore how the characters interact with each other. Henry even gets a bit spicy in Funny Story. Those moments are well written as well, filled with heart. Along with Daphne and Milo, Funny Story has a good amount of unique side characters that bring plenty of flavor to the story.
As a whole, it's a solid rom com. Henry adds a lot of extras to the story. There is plenty of romance, but also themes of hope, healing, and growth. It was a quick read and one I will put on my 'to read again some day' shelf.
4.5 stars! This book made me cry and laugh and smile so much. These characters are so incredibly special. Emily Henry always does such a great job of flushing out her characters well so that they are complex, whole people and that’s what gets me so invested in her books. This love story was full of beauty, mistakes and two imperfect people trying to figure it out. I highly recommend this so much.
Thank-you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group, and Emily Henry for the eARC.
Okay fine YES you got me. I loved this book. I am a basic bitch. SO WHAT.
This is my second-ever EmHen, and it almost didn't come to be! My first was for a book club and, to put it lightly, I did not enjoy. But MAN am i glad I decided to give her another shot, because I had a GREAT time.
How has blondie managed to churn out yet another 5 star read??? She must be studied!!
I related so much to both Daphne and Miles and reading this was such a delight. I didn’t want it to end and I am already planning an audiobook reread. Miles, the man that you are!
Another hit from Emily Henry. I immediately fell in love with both Miles and Daphne and I couldn't put the book down until I reached their HEA!
This is my second book by Emily Henry, the first book I read was Book Lovers and had to read another because I just fell in love! If you have not read Book Lovers, then I highly recommend you to.
Funny Story is a heart warming friends to lovers story that I just devoured. Miles is such a sweet caring person who I fell in love with! He opened up Daphne in a way that she never expected. He is just the perfect friend who will go out of his way to make you happy and as a boyfriend, he will definitely not only please you, but make you want more.
Daphne was a closed book who also had trust issues. Miles opens her up and gives her a new perspective of not only the town they lived in, but also the people and eventually she rediscovers herself.
This is such a good book that tugs at your heart! I can not wait for my next read by Emily Henry! Thank you NetGalley, Berkley Publishing and the author for my advanced copy!