Another fabulous story from this author, I just loved the characters and their journey together. The setting is perfect, beaches and a library! The most important theme here though is friendship and the joy it brings to peoples lives.

Another hit by Emily Henry.
I loved these characters. I also loved the premise of the two ex dickheads that made the main character and the love interest move in together. And then, I loved the development and everything around it. It was pretty perfect. I loved seeing our main girl, Daphne, get friends and see her through her job and all of it. I had a great time, shed a few tears and was transported. So basically, what a great romance is meant to do.
No notes. Can't wait for the next one.

After having problems with Emily Henry's last book, I went into this one with caution.

Funny Story has an interesting premise to kickstart the journey, flawed but still likeable main characters with witty dialogue, a fabulous array of supporting characters, the usual side connection to books (which I love was libraries this time) and a rich story delving into topics not just about romance.

This is the Emily Henry I love.

I say this about every new Emily Henry book, but this one is my new favourite! She just gets better and better; Funny Story was the perfect book. It had loveable and realistic characters, a great plot, a believable fake dating trope and of course, perfect writing. I immediately was immersed in the town of Waning Bay and it was so gripping from the start. I couldn’t put it down!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Penguin for the ARC!

Well, I *think* I've found my new fave Emily Henry story! I mean, I always love her books, but there was something about this one that just really hit deep. I haven't laughed/cried so deeply and interchangeably in a long time, and it was an absolute delight to read Henry's latest book.

Funny Story is about two characters, Daphne and Miles, whose (now ex-)partners leave them to be together. Understandably, Daphne is devastated when her ex-fiancé, Peter, breaks off their engagement to shack up with his childhood best friend Petra.

Suddenly finding herself fiancé-less and homeless, Daphne moves in with also newly single, Miles. And, funny story... it might be the best thing that ever happened to either of them!

One of my favourite things about this story was how two completely opposite characters dealt with their horrible break-ups and fell into a seemingly unlikely friendship. At face value, they couldn't be more different, and yet, underneath it all, they were more similar than imagined.

It was also really enjoyable to see the differences between Daphne's relationship with Peter (ugh) and Miles (happy sigh). And, it wasn't necessarily even big things/moments. It showed a lot of hidden depth about how people are often willing to accept the love/effort we think we deserve. Daphne went through a lot of personal growth in this book and I was absolutely here for it.

And Miles. I don't even have words for how much I adored Miles. He also had some thinking/growing up to do, but I have nothing but heart eyes for that man.

If you enjoy contemporary romance and/or opposites attract, check out this book! It was so enjoyable, I stayed up half the night to binge-read it in one sitting; I have no regrets. Five stars all around.

oh wow...
I'm glad I waited with finishing this after the tortured poets department released, cus it just rip my heart out so much more😀🫶

Honestly, I don't even know where to start, this book isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea, but I liked it. Emily Henry has a very specific writing style and the way she writes characters is really realistic and flawed. If you like previous books by her, you won't be disappointed. We have another book loving heroine, who thinks she's unlovable and the man, who shows her, it's as easy as breathing.

Thank you Netgalley for providing digital advanced copy in exchange for honest review.

I love everything that Emily Henry writes. It’s just such a fresh of breathe air for me and all the relationships she portrays makes me feel all giddy. I loved the plot about how Daphne’s fiancée cheats on her with his best friend, so by convenience she has no where to live and ends up moving in as a roommate with the best friend’s ex, Miles. Seeing Mikes and Daphne getting to know each other and hang out with each other was so adorable. Miles is one of my top 10 book boyfriends. Also, I really loved the growth that Daphne had in this book, as it is something she needed to do for herself. I highly recommend this and can’t wait to get a physical copy to add to my collection.

Funny Story by Emily Henry

Daphne's fiance Peter leaves her for his lifelong best friend Petra and immediately gets engaged and plans their wedding. Meanwhile Daphne moves into Miles' spare room - Petra's ex. The only thing they seem to have in common is their respective exes... or is it?

Wow, Emily Henry just gets better and better! She is by far the best writer for dialogue and I loved this book so much. Great characters, setting, story... and I couldn't put it down. Fabulous - very VERY highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

I think I have to come right out and say it … I am officially an Emily Henry fan. Funny Story is a rom-com/drama about Daphne, a librarian, whose fiance leaves her for his childhood best friend, Petra. With nowhere to go, Daphne moves in with Miles, who also just happens to be the ex-boyfriend of Petra. Events would have it (… of course … that is why we read these books!) that Daphne and Miles pretend to annoy their exes by fake dating. The plot then moves to close proximity romance but rest assured, there is always much more to an Emily Henry novel than pure romance.

‘It’s more, controlling the expectations you have for certain people. If a person lets you down, it’s time to reconsider what you’re asking of them.’

Funny Story may start with all the rom-com chuckles but romances are never all smooth sailing. Apart from dealing with being dumped, both Daphne and Miles have personal family issues that need to be faced. So while romance is what we are all about here, there are equally important personal issues to be addressed in each character's growth arc.

‘… it matters way more that you’re present than that you’re perfect.’

What I love here is … yes, okay, Miles! He is wonderfully sweet. The respect and friendship that develops between the two is heartwarming. There are also wonderful side characters that bring depth to the story, particularly with a view to Daphne’s growth in what it is to be a friend. The fictional town of Waning Bay, Michigan is also brought to life wonderfully well - from wine bars, to beaches, to the library and coffee shops it all adds to the story.

‘All those moments throughout the days, weeks, months that don’t get marked on calendars with hand‑drawn stars or little stickers. Those are the moments that make a life. Not grand gestures, but mundane details that, over time, accumulate until you have a home, instead of a house. The things that matter.’

Funny Story seems to veer more towards drama rather than straight out romcom which I like. With issues of family and friendships, identity and abandonment put under the spotlight it gave so much substance to an already swoon worthy plot. It is everything readers of Emily Henry have come to love - the banter, the angst and the underlying themes of being brave and embracing change.

‘I want to know myself, to test my edges and see where I stop and the rest of the world begins.’

I loved this book- it might even be my new favourite Emily Henry! It was full of fun, and made me laugh as well as cry. Definitely gave me that five star feeling.

cw: cheating, parental abandonment, emotional abuse and gaslighting
When children's librarian Daphne gets dumped by her fiancé, only to announce he's going to marry his 'platonic' best friend, Petra, she's left in urgent need of somewhere to live. Meanwhile, Miles, Petra's ex, needs someone to help pay rent on his apartment. It seems like the perfect solution. Daphne's counting down the days until she can leave town. But can Miles persuade her to stay?
Emily Henry always makes me swoon. I felt for both main characters immediately. I loved Daphne's indignation when Peter tried to downplay his behaviour, and I loved her passion for children's literature, as well as the way she encouraged the readers. Miles was such a cinnamon roll. I loved his idea of being Daphne's tour guide, but more than that, I adored his kindness and how considerate he was of Daphne's feelings throughout. Their banter was hilarious but also so authentic, and I loved how natural their chemistry felt. The intimacy felt earned, yet effortlessly beautiful. I swooned so much. No spoilers, but the scenes with prom and the wedding dress were two of my favourites. Meanwhile, chapter thirty-five absolutely broke me in the best possible way. Did I mention how much I adored Miles? What an absolute SWEETHEART!
I found the narrative on the strain in friendships after a breakup relatable and sadly realistic. That said, I LOVED Ashleigh. She was the kind of whirlwind friend we all need when we're in a rut. I also loved her more vulnerable moments, and my heart broke for her after her birthday. The poker game was brilliant, and, anyone who names their child Mulder is a legend. Meanwhile, Julia, Miles's sister, was a lot of fun, and I felt for both her and Miles when they spoke about their mother. Miles and Daphne both had parental issues, and both had to overcome insecurities born from these issues, which I found moving. I loved that Daphne was finally able to address hers with her father. I also loved that by the end Miles was able to see himself the way others did, and the ending was both moving and deeply satisfying.
Another swoony read from Emily Henry.

Overall Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️.5
Heat Rating: 🔥.5

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own*

Favourite Quotes:

"That a**hole already took your house. Don’t let him take your self‑esteem.”
“It wasn’t really my house,” I say. “It was in his name.”
“It was still your home,” he says.

“It makes me feel a teensy, tiny bit better to think she could see a picture of me sitting in your lap and staring adoringly at you and remember that you deserved that all along.”

You can’t force a person to show up, but you can learn a lesson when they don’t. Trust people’s actions, not their words.
Don’t love anyone who isn’t ready to love you back.
Let go of the people who don’t hold on to you.
Don’t wait on anyone who’s in no rush to get to you.

“I want to kiss you all the time, Daphne,” he says. “Sometimes it’s just easier to find an excuse.”

“...You like people almost as much as they like you. And it makes being around you feel like - like standing in sunlight.”

“You always assume I’m being so selfless. Like it hasn’t occurred to you I might want to hang out with you. So when you turn me down, I have to figure out if you just don’t feel the same way, or if you think you’re doing me some kind of favor. And I never can.”

"I think you’re the first person who’s really seen me. Past what I want people to see. You make the people you care about feel like . . .” He pauses. “Like you want all of them. Not just the good parts. And that’s terrifying to someone who’s spent a lifetime avoiding those other pieces of themselves.”

“I didn’t learn what love was supposed to feel like. It doesn’t feel natural, or come easily to me, to let anyone close. But you—you make love so easy, Daphne. You make me think I already deserve it, exactly how I am.

"...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.” He shakes his head, voice fraying as he corrects himself: “Like you love me. That’s how I feel with you.

This is my first Emily Henry and she comes highly recommended. I've always been hesitant since I don't typically like this type of genre, but I adored this story. I didn't want to put it down.

From the protagonist, to the love interest, and all the side characters, they were brilliant; every single one was written fantastically. Everything felt so real, and I was rooting for the main couple the entire time. I will absolutely be reaching out for more Emily Henry books in the future.

“You’re worth it, Daphne,” he says, hand soft on my jaw and eyes closed.

Rating: 4.5/5

- Fake dating
- Roommates to lovers
- Ex’s new fiancé’s ex!
- Librarian FMC & bartender MMC
- Single POV

I just love Emily’s writing so much! It’s like coming home – the perfect blend of witty banter, descriptive prose, and tender moments. Her banter always delivers, and I freaking love it!

“You are either the friendliest man on the planet or a world‑class serial killer.”
"Why not both?"

The premise of Funny Story is captivating from the get-go! An awkward librarian who loves schedules and can’t handle small talk gets dumped by her fiancé after he declares his love for his “platonic” best friend.

So what else is she supposed to do but move in with her ex’s new fiancé’s ex? And when they get sent wedding invitations, it makes sense to fake a relationship to make them jealous. And for Miles, the nicest guy on the planet, to show her around and make her fall in love with their town… and maybe him in the process.

Daphne and Miles were very much opposites, but I loved their comradeship and dynamic. He had this easygoing, natural way of pushing her out of her shell and supporting her while cataloging all the small things that made her HER.

But as with all of Emily’s books, Funny Story is not without its layers. In this instance, it’s complex family dynamics. It’s Daphne being left behind by those who love her, making her scared to take that leap with Miles for fear he’ll end up not wanting her around, too. It's Miles letting Daphne see all the parts of himself.

“I do want all those parts of you.”
“Good. They want you too.”
Then he kisses me. It’s perfect.

Also, this is 100% Emily’s horniest book yet, and I was here for it.

Eternally grateful to Viking Books for the early copy!

Funny Story gently pressed against all of the tender spots in my heart, and I truly think this is Emily Henry at her best. Daphne and Miles' story is a beautiful reminder that everything will be okay, no matter who you are, where you are in life, and what you may be carrying.

Daphne seems to have it all, the job of her dreams, a fiancé she loves, a big house to build their family together… until Peter, her fiancé, declares his love for his childhood best friend Petra on the night of his bachelor’s party and immediately kicks Daphne out of the house. Now, Daphne’s only choice is to live with Miles, Petra’s heartbroken ex-boyfriend.

Funny Story is actually a funny story. This is a (revenge) fake-dating, friends-to-lovers, meet-cute-ish romance between two people deeply hurt by their significant others, and it all starts when the two a**holes have the gall to invite Daphne and Miles to their wedding.

The romance aside*, this is about finding a place where you belong (and actively making it a place where you belong), making friendships when you’re an adult (I know how hard that is), finding yourself, and learning to love yourself again after going through hell. (*But of course, I loved the romance! I love how kind and considerate Miles was and I could relate to Daphne so much.)

Funny Story might be my favorite of Emily Henry’s novels so far (I still haven’t read Happy Place but soon). It’s lighter than Beach Read or Book Lovers emotionally, which I liked though I was ready to cry my eyes out for Daphne and Miles (it still made me tear up), and it made me feel nostalgic for summer and long for this beautiful town in Michigan. I just loved this book!

i can’t believe i took almost a month to read funny story, but in my defence, i was trying to take my time for once and not binge it all in a week. this book was one that i knew i’d have such a fun time reading based off the premise and it didn’t not disappoint at ALL. the characters all felt so real and fleshed out, the banter was perfect and had me cackling and the romance was absolute perfection.

i knew going into this book that i was going to deeply dislike peter and petra for leaving daphne and miles respectively, but god i didn’t expect to hate them as much as i do. my blood pressure was going crazy anytime they appeared on page. this book was a really funny spin on the romance books that usually has the main character and the love interest leave their current partners for each other. i usually love those stories, with all the drama and angst of their forbidden romance. they never really tell you what happens to ex’s afterwards, how they took the breakups. or if they do, they’re often villainised (although they’re usually already terrible people in those stories) and so you don’t really care how the break up affected them. this book made me look at that trope in such a different light. this time it was the typical ‘main leads’ that were the horrible people who upended all their lives. i love how emily is able to find such refreshing stories to tell in each of her novels, and they never feel repetitive even when they share some elements in their stories.

daphne was a character that i immediately related to with her upbringing almost to a t, it was kind of weird (made me feel like emily had done a background search on me lol). she was such a loving and caring person who simply wanted to live a normal life with the man she loved and ends up being betrayed in the worst way possible and the fallout immediately after made it even worse. it barely took 8 pages for me to root for her and to see her get the happy ending she deserved. her relationships with her mum, ashleigh etc were so wonderful to read, i loved how they were clearly as important as her romance with miles was.

speaking of miles, he instantly became my favourite emily henry male lead from the moment he appeared on page. he gave me golden retriever/brown labrador vibes so much it was so sweet. he is such a romantic and loving person and was honestly for perfect for daphne, even with all his faults. getting to know him and his heartbreaking backstory had me choking up with tears as he opened himself up to daphne. i just want to give him such a big hug. i love that we got to know him so well to the extent we did despite this being a single pov book and with daphne at times struggling to get a read on him.

the romance was written so well and the tension had me gripping my book every time it reached a peak before something would happen to interrupt them (until it didn’t 🌚). they had such effortless chemistry and it felt so organic and real. daphne describing how she felt when she realised she had fallen in love with miles made me feel as though i was her and feeling the exact same way. when it came to the confession scene and the chapters leading up to them, i was so stressed my stomach was hurting, then i was crying when we got to them finally talking it out. i didn’t expect to love these two hopeless romantics as much as i did.
the banter between the two of them was ridiculously amusing and i could genuinely read an entire book on just them talking and interacting with one another. ashleigh was also such a wonderful character and friend and honestly the funniest character in the book, i adore her.

i couldn’t tell you if this book replaced happy place as my favourite emily henry book the same way happy place replaced people we meet on vacation, simply because it feels so differently from her previous novels. it’s definitely in my top 3 favourites but for now, i’m not changing my rankings as i stew on how i feel about them all. it doesn’t change the fact that this book will always stay with me, along with these characters that truly spoke to my soul, they will always have a little corner of my heart.

For some reason, Emily's books have never done anything for me. Until now! I looooved this and literally raced through it. I was OBSESSED!!!

Emily Henry always manages to capture her style in her writing regardless of her different books and it’s something I always find quite comforting to read- familiar without being overly familiar and that was the same in this book.

I really enjoyed the characters in this one; their development felt organic and naturally which helped with the connection I felt towards them and the interest I had in their relationship. I really liked Miles and thought the MC’s had good chemistry that wasn’t over the top. I think to anyone that loves romance they will really enjoy this one.

All that being said I did find this book to have a lot less depth than her other books. Not necessarily in a bad way but I think it felt a lot more romance without any sub genre than her others. For me, what I love about her other books is the way I find parts of myself in the characters however, without the depth I didn’t find myself being able to do this one AS MUCH and sort of found myself comparing these characters to her previous book characters as appose to relating them to myself. Again, this is a very mr preference and I did still enjoy this book I think it’s just something that I personally really look for in a romance with it being a genre I don’t often read.

Overall this book was good but I didn’t enjoy it as much as I would have if there had been a little more depth to the characters and maybe even a bit more humour.

I've found myself completely captivated by the book I'm currently immersed in. It's a captivating blend of mystery, humor, and passion, which have woven together seamlessly to create an emotional journey that resonates with me on so many levels.

With each turn of the page, I'm drawn deeper into the lives of the characters, feeling as though I'm experiencing their joys and struggles alongside them. The mystery elements of the plot keep me eagerly guessing, while the moments of humor and levity provide much-needed relief, allowing me to connect with the characters on a more personal level.

Moreover, the steamy scenes in the book ignite a fire within me, making my heart race with anticipation. It's rare to find a story that manages to strike such a perfect balance between these different elements, but this book does it flawlessly.

As I continue to delve deeper into the story, I find myself completely engrossed in the rich tapestry of emotions it evokes. I'm constantly amazed by the depth and complexity of the characters and their relationships, and I can't wait to see how their journey unfolds.

In a world where every book I read seems to surpass the last, I'm thrilled to have stumbled upon this literary gem. It's a journey I never want to end, and I eagerly anticipate each new twist and turn that awaits me.

Emily Henry never fails to deliver when I want to feel better about the world. Her humorous writing, sarcastic banter and engaging characters always hit the spot.

This book isn't my favourite of hers, but it definitely provides the right mixture of warm, syrupy goodness. It's about Daphne, who finds herself in her early thirties, unceremoniously dumped by her fiancé Peter who runs off with his childhood friend Petra. In a strange town with nowhere to live, Daphne ends up moving in with her ex-fiancé's new girlfriend's ex-boyfriend - got that? He's called Miles, and to save some face, the two thrown-together flatmates decide to tell their respective ex-partners that they're happily dating.

I liked the premise, but this book isn't really about fake-dating. The two develop real feelings for each other quite quickly, and overall they're actually really respectful of each other's boundaries and problems. There's a lot of talk of weddings, but I was disappointed that a wedding never really materialised - I would have loved an Emily Henry wedding, with the fake-date trope on top!

But, ultimately, this book does raise itself above dating tropes. It's actually quite an emotive story of a woman at a crossroads in her life. Getting dumped after her fiancé's bachelor party isn't a great start, but throughout the story she discovers a new place, friendships, and love in equal measure. The Lake Michigan location is brought to life beautifully, with the characters kayaking on the lake, watching the sunsets, visiting farm shops and drinking at bars in barns.

For me, it did feel at times that things fell a little too perfectly - but that's romance. This was ultimately a heartwarming, uplifting story which is guaranteed to melt hearts.