I received an advanced copy of beloved romance author Emily Henry’s soon-to-be-released Funny Story and devoured the whole thing in one delightful afternoon. Another one from the master: Earnest, funny, sexy, messy, and deeply relatable.
It had all the classic “will they/won’t they” tension of your favorite comfort TV show (actually now that I think about it, love interest Miles looked a lot like Nick Miller from New Girl in my mind’s eye) along with dialogue that actually made me laugh out loud more than once.
But what really surprised me was how this book dug deep into the characters’ pasts to inform their present emotional motivations, love languages, and even attachment styles in a way that felt open, honest, and realistically feasible for people in IRL relationships to do, too. I found myself rooting for both Daphne and Miles—not just together as a couple but as individuals—to find their happy endings.

Emily Henry is one of my favourite authors and whilst this wasn’t the best book she’s written in my opinion, it was still a great read. I feel like it was really well written as the relationship between Miles and Daphne felt really genuine. I loved learning more about Daphne’s family and there was an appropriate amount of steaminess too!

I have gathered my thoughts, and have finally come to accept that Emily Henry’s latest offering, Funny Story, was an average read at best.

I must preface that going into this, I thought it would rise to the top of my Em Hen rankings as the majority were saying it’s the most romance she’s ever put in a novel—and I thought so for the first 40%. But to my surprise it quickly made its way to the bottom, and to be completely honest it was a struggle to finish.

To be fair to Emily, most romance books decrease in quality after the love interests get together, but this one skyrocketed into my future grave. There was a nagging lack of belief that Miles and Daphne actually liked each other, and it got so absurd where Goodreads user ‘ii’s’ review, ‘the colleenhooverification of emily henry’ has substantial merit.

Not to mention, the third act breakup was one of the worst things I’ve ever read, mans literally left Daphne out in the freezing cold rain. I fear the resolution to said conflict became even more unbelievable, and I truly believe Emily failed the one thing she is actually good at—curating a deep emotional and believable romantic connection.

Now steering away from being a negative Nancy, I do have to give Emily credit for Funny Story in the sense that this felt like her writing at the most confident. Although maybe she should be a little less confident …

Another fabulous read from Emily Henry! The ending was quite predictable from very early on, but the journey to it was far from predictable. In fact, at just after about half way, I had no idea what to expect - everything looked like a done deal, but it was a long way from being resolved.

The characters are wonderful. As a librarian myself, I recognised so many of my traits in Daphne and I totally empathised with her situation. Miles is like a garden bulb - planted deep and taking a long time to show his true colours - but what a wait! He was such a great character and so complex with all sorts of unexpected secrets. He was flawed but had good reason, yet so thoughtful and adventurous and loved by all.

Petra and Peter are well-deserving of each other; I think that Miles and Daphne had lucky escapes.

I chuckled my way through this and enjoyed every page. It is thoughtful and humorous and very, very cleverly planned! Don't miss this read!

Wonderful and heartwarming, with great characters and plenty of romantic tension. Emily Henry is a master of the genre.

4.5 stars

This isn't a light chick lit read. It's a book with layers and some are only lightly there (like that layer of icecream that sticks to the chocolate part of the vienetta when you peel it off the main bit) which could mean some people just don't get the glimpses of the characters that made me love them more. This book is about evolution and growth and how our relationships with our parents could nurture or stunt out relationships with others. It's about being brave enough to stick yourself out there again when it's not worked in the past, or actually believing that you are worthy enough to look at what it is you really want and when you get it feel like you deserve it. And not accepting scraps that are throwm your way. And that sometimes the most unexpected things are the most worthwhile.

I love love love Funny Story. I like Daphne's story very much. At the beginning she is heartbroken, confused and lost. Her fiance left her and she found herself in his town, (almost) homeless, without friends or family.
All she has is a day job in a local library. During the course of the story she finds new friends, explores the town she now lives in and creates a special bond with her roommate.

As readers have come to anticipate, Emily Henry has once again written a modern romance that feels every bit as thrilling for the reader as it does her protagonists. In Funny Story, Henry invites us into a world so filled with delight at the everyday wonders of life, you simply can't help but be charmed right alongside Daphne and Miles.

Emily Henry is fast becoming a must read author for me and this is her best book yet.

When Daphne and finace Peter split up she finds herself stranded in a town she only moved to in order to be with him and with no real friend she finds herself moving in with Peter's new girlfriends ex fiance, Miles. They couldn't be more different. Daphne is a quiet and reserved children's librarian. Miles is a scruffy and chaotic pothead mourning the loss of his ex. They couldn't possibly fall for each other right? From the description I thought this sounded cheesy as hell, but there was sooooo much more to it and I loved it. It was funny but also touching and endearing. Recommend.

I'm still not sure where this book ranks in my overall Emily Henry list. It doesn't top Book Lovers (at this point I genuinely don't know if anything ever will), but do I like it more than Beach Read and Happy Place?

I had a lot of fun with it, for sure. Daphne and Miles are fun to follow. The trademark Emily Henry banter is present, and there were laugh out loud moments for me. I loved how their relationship developed, but I also appreciated how their personal issues were handled. I actually loved their third act fight, it had a few lines that had me buzzing. But I do think, overall, this was missing a little bit of magic.

When I think back on the book, I honestly don't remember much of the specifics or the emotions I had while reading, whereas with Happy Place, I don't think I'll ever forget how tense I felt while reading that book. But that doesn't make Funny Story bad. I was fully invested in them as a couple, and I loved Daphne and Miles as characters, so this is still a book I'm happy to recommend.

This might possibly be Emily's best book.
The characters felt very raw and real, the story flowed seamlessly and I was never once bored. I think many people will end up loving this book and I'm very excited to see what story comes next.

I have never given an Emily Henry book below 5 stars, and that streak remains unchanged! She is truly a mastermind, weaving a story that leaves the hopeless romantics giggling into their pillows yet also staring into space with tears in their eyes.

This book has more of the traditional ‘romcom’ feel than, for example, Happy Place, but still contains Henry’s classic depth of emotion which can feel so soul crushing. It draws on topics such as abandonment, childhood trauma, and losing your identity both in relationships and after a break up.

Although I didn’t relate directly personally to any of the circumstances in this book, I still cried 10+ times as i think everybody can find a little piece of themselves in an Emily Henry character due to how poignantly they capture key aspects of the human experience. Some passages from this book had me full on sobbing, feeling both understood and amazed at how wonderfully emotions are captured throughout.

‘Funny Story’ has the most delightful set of side characters who are as important to this book as it’s protagonists. They highlight the importance of platonic love and always holding onto who you are and your identity. They come from different parts of the protagonists’ lives, yet all come together to create something wholly beautiful.

Although they contain small elements of characters from her previous works, Miles and Daphne are distinctive and well developed. Their love for each other is beautifully described but so is both of their individual personalities, creating a well rounded understanding of them that truly made me root for them.

Once again, this is a romance I recommend to you!! I think it’s beautiful, although in many respects different to its predecessors. A well deserved 5 stars x

So much more than a funny story! As a reader you know you're in safe hands with Emily Henry and she pulls the rabbit out the hat again with this wonderful and magical romance.

NEW SWOONY ROMANCE? 💖 Make sure you hit SAVE for later!

Emily Henry is back with a new book, FUNNY STORY. Her signature style ever present in this engrossing page turner - character driven, her witty humour, and of course some thought provoking themes; talking identity and complex relationships/feelings.

The storyline 🔍 It’s actually not really a FUNNY STORY. Librarian, Daphne, fiancé’s Peter, breaks up with her after realising that he is actually in love with his best friend, Petra, and that he is marrying the wrong woman. Daphne has a week to move out of "their" home, in Waning Bay, Michigan (I want to move to this fictional town!!). With nowhere else to go, she moves in with…. Miles, her ex-fiancé's new fiancée's ex 🙈 … and then they receive a wedding invitation for their exs, and decide to … RSVP TOGETHER! 💌

A book with this name already has high expectations and I’d say it fulfills them!

Great easy read for the beach so if you’re on holiday this year I’d give this a bash.

The situation seems ridiculous but it works and the characters are great.

A very funny romantic comedy, it's been a while since I laughed so much with a romance; I was eager to read Daphne's interactions with Miles. I would read another million pages of them just existing in their own little world.

In this book, the author managed to balance romance, comedy, and sadder topics very well, especially regarding family relationships and belonging. It's definitely a book I'll read again! I loved it so much. Another favorite, for sure!

Prepare for gushing review.

First let me say that I don't think there is a book by this author that I don't love!

Daphne has found herself dumped and homeless in a town where she knows no one and finds herself living with her ex's new flames ex. Comprende?!

~ Friends to lovers
~ Fake dating
~ Roomates
~ Opposites attract

That's all you need to know apart from my feelings about Miles Miles, oooh Miles. How I love thee! He is EVERYTHING I want in a book boyfriend

If you want a romance where you are so emotionally invested that you want to shout from the rooftops about how much you love the characters....then this is your book!

I’ve read and enjoyed every Emily Henry book and this was no different! It was wonderful! I really like Emily’s writing style, it’s so easy to get lost in.

It gave me such a warm fuzzy feeling and made me smile and happy while reading it. What more could you want in a book?!

I found parts; tender, romantic and so cute. I’m such a sucker for romance!

•It had me laughing lots.
•I loved the friendships.
•Ashleigh was so funny and a friend we could all want.
•I really liked Daphne.
•Miles was sweet and endearing.
•The setting was great. Not just the library but the town sounded really lovely.
•The kayaking at sunrise and the barn were scenes I just melted over.
•Favourite line which pretty much sums me up;
“If I’m not at home or work, I’m usually just reading somewhere else.

•Another great line I loved;
We go back to sitting there, touching, watching bonfires dance and the water roll.

Oh the romance! 🥰

And I swear by the motto there is always something good out of something bad.

Definitely add this to your summer reads. I truly loved it.

This was a lovely story, emotional at times and very true to life. Some lovely characters and a great storyline. The kind of conclusion I enjoy..

This is chick lit as its best. When her fiance Peter discovers on his stag night that he's in love with his lifelong best friend, Petra, Daphne Vincent is devastated. Needing somewhere to love she moves in with Petra's ex,Miles. They share amicably for a while without getting to know each other, until inevitably they are drawn together. Invitations to Peter and Petra's wedding hit them both hard and Daphne finds herself inventing the situation where she and Miles are a couple. Many funny situations and emotional times arise - there were several laugh out loud moments, some that brought a tear, and some that got me hot under the collar. Families, friendships and relationships- and absolutely fabulous read. #netgalley #funnystory