I went into Funny Story fully expecting to love this. And guess what? I did. I loved this so much. From the first scene of blaring sad songs to the last scene of telling a funny story. I had an absolutely amazing experience reading.
Emily Henry just knows how write characters and stories. She has such a ggood feeling what’s absurd but still realistic, she simply knows where to put a funny sentence, where to make her readers cry.

Funny Story had so much I loved, first of all the characters and their development. I loved how Daphne is quiet and usually invisible but also has a quick wit and good humor as well as her heart at the right place. She’s quick to give people another chance but has enough backbone to say “enough is enough“. Daphne is such a well written character who is shaped by her own decisions as well as her surroundings and who only grows from all of it. She becomes herself even more, standing up for herself and realizes what she wants and who she is. I like that she is her own person but still decides that there are people she definitely wants to have around.
I also really liked Miles. He’s such a *good guy* but in the very best sense of the words. He’s humble, helpful, considerate, yet has flaws. Both Daphne and Miles have them, both of them struggle in their own ways and try to get through it alone. That’s the thing with Emily Henry characters: They aren’t perfect. Never. They have their flaws and quirks, while still being good and interesting and fun to read about. They are incredibly realistic and easy to connect to. It’s not only the protagonists, the side characters all have back stories, feel real (some in weird ways but nevertheless real), and you could just pluck them out of the story and into real life and nothing would feel wrong.

Funny Story‘s romance is also so wonderful! Daphne and Miles have nothing in common except that their ex-partners left them and got together. But they make do with their situation, listening to each other, raging with each other, console each other. They have fun together and heal together which makes them realize a lot about their past relationships as well as what is happening between them and also a lot about their friends and families. They bring out the best in each other while still accepting flaws. There were so many funny moments in their conversations, so many tender ones and so much I could relate to.
I also absolutely adored the side characters and especially Ashleigh and how she welcomes Daphne to her side. Their friendship was such a pleasure to read about!

I feel like I say this everytime I finish an Emily Henry book, but this one might be my favourite. I extremely loved Funny Story and its humor and characters, the way it made me feel a range of emotions I didn’t know I could feel within a single book. I laughed a lot, I cried, I felt for the characters so deeply. One one hand, this was a lighthearted romance, yet it had so much depth in both story and characters. It was a truly funny story with an amazingly written romance, relatable characters, love in every word and sentence and simply said, it was a masterpiece. If I had to read only a single author for the rest of my life, I would probably pick Emily Henry. I can lose myself in her books everytime, again and again, and Funny Story is no exception. It is definitely one of my favourite books of the year, maybe even my favourite already. (Yes I know it’s April.)

📚Book Review📚

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I want to thank NetGalley for approving me for an ARC of this book.

💞Roommates to Lovers
🥰Friendship
😆Banter
🤗Fake Dating

Hands down, this is my favourite of Emily Henry's, and I've loved her previous books. I wanted to savour every moment but couldn't help racing through the pages.

Special thank you to my buddy readers @bex_boys_and_books and @agirlreadsbookss

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What a book! I only thought Happy Place was my favourite so far, Funny story has just taken the spot. Miles and Daphne were such wonderful characters but especially Miles. I laughed, I cried, I really really routed for them and wanted to punch Peter lol.

As with all Emily Henry books you just can't expect a surface level fluffy story this one dealt with so many different issues and I really felt for them both and their break ups, I really felt for Daphne who didn't only have to grieve her relationship but also how her friend had cut contact with her when her engagement ended.

And poor sweet Miles who deserved so much better than Petra, his story and his childhood really resonated with me and for the first time I saw my own story in Miles and loved who he became as a person, always trying, always kind. I understood him.

The chemistry between them both was just wonderful and I really really rooted for them and wanted the world for them

Highly Recommend and can't wait to see what Emily Henry does next!

Emotional, funny, sad, touching and just an all round engaging read.

Miles and Daphne were complicated, lovely, genuine, good, sometimes messy, broken (but not irreparably so) and relatable characters. Their chemistry was perfect from those initial awkward moments when they were roomates jilted by their partners, to those tentative steps into friendship and how that developed into more. There were so many little moments throughout that made me fall in love with them both as characters as they fell for each other. Loved how when they were becoming friends their banter with each other just flowed so easily and was funny, a little dry and bubbling with underlying tension. *the way I swooned at all the different ways/tones in which Miles said Daphne’s name*

They might have been opposites in a lot of ways but each of their exchanges had a spark that left me smiling at how easy, it felt between them and how that evolved into these two people who basically started off as strangers really seeing and knowing one another. The effect of their respective upbringings and how that shaped who they were and how they reacted to their complicated feelings put me through the emotional wringer. It was a sometimes bumpy ride for both of them and I was invested throughout.

Great supporting characters as well and I loved the community Daphne built for herself once she opened up to it. I especially liked the friendship that developed with her and Ashleigh. Another cracking read from Emily Henry. 5 🌟

Always a fan of an Emily Henry read and this was no different. Daphne loved the way that Peter told their story, until it happens that Peter leaves Daphne for his ex Petra, just as Daphne and Peter are about to get married. What is an interesting twist of fate is that Daphne ends up living with Miles, Petra's ex. Daphne and Miles then pretend to be in a relationship. It is a great story and a fun read.

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!