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emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Julia Whelan remains QUEEN OF AUDIOBOOKS. Love her so much and this was an easy listen because of her.
I liked this story just fine, but I didn't love it the way I expected to. Like all of the previous EH novels I've read in the past, it hits on some heavy hitting topics and has depth in ways that a lot of romcoms miss. But interestingly enough, I don't think I would classify this book as "funny" at all, and I guess I was expecting more humor with the title having FUNNY in it?
The setting of the story may have been my favorite part and it definitely has me excited to visit Michigan this summer! The town felt like a character in and of itself, it felt very Stars Hollow in a way. Some of the characters throughout the town really made it fun, too. I do wish that the setting of Daphne's work, the library, had been better fleshed out.
I liked Miles a lot (despite his constant wearing of Crocs) and I found him very endearing. I wish we had seen more growth in Daphne throughout the story, but she also was a very realistic, believable character. I wish we had gotten more of Julia.
Overall, it was a decent book and I wasn't bored, but it's not my favorite romance I'll read in 2024.
I liked this story just fine, but I didn't love it the way I expected to. Like all of the previous EH novels I've read in the past, it hits on some heavy hitting topics and has depth in ways that a lot of romcoms miss. But interestingly enough, I don't think I would classify this book as "funny" at all, and I guess I was expecting more humor with the title having FUNNY in it?
The setting of the story may have been my favorite part and it definitely has me excited to visit Michigan this summer! The town felt like a character in and of itself, it felt very Stars Hollow in a way. Some of the characters throughout the town really made it fun, too. I do wish that the setting of Daphne's work, the library, had been better fleshed out.
I liked Miles a lot (despite his constant wearing of Crocs) and I found him very endearing. I wish we had seen more growth in Daphne throughout the story, but she also was a very realistic, believable character. I wish we had gotten more of Julia.
Overall, it was a decent book and I wasn't bored, but it's not my favorite romance I'll read in 2024.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing, Abandonment
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
My summary: Daphne Vincent is devastated when her fiancé, Peter, breaks up with her on the morning after his bachelor party—for his longtime *platonic* best friend, Petra. In desperation of needing a place to live, Daphne ends up moving into the apartment of Petra’s ex, Miles. Her and Miles generally stay out of each other’s way for weeks until one night of wallowing leads to a fake dating lie in an attempt to make their exes jealous. As the fake dating ruse leads to friendship, the blur between which feelings are real or fake becomes more confusing.
My thoughts:
This is an absolutely hilarious story of a jilted bride going on to fake date her ex-fiancé’s new fiancée’s ex. But there is also a lot of depth to the story as well. You can’t help but immediately fall in love with Daphne and Miles—and then, in turn, root for them to fall in love.
I devoured this book in two days. I really appreciate the character arcs of both Daphne and Miles. Although I wanted a warm and fuzzy romance with the only strife being the whole jilted bride start to the story, I think it was so much better because of the focus on the personal issues that Daphne and Miles each face and overcome. It IS a warm and fuzzy love story, but with a lot of layers to it that give it a rawness that I wasn’t expecting yet thoroughly enjoyed.
I always enjoy the book-oriented characters in Emily Henry’s books and this one features Daphne as a children’s librarian. I really enjoyed that element of the story and I love my local library so I appreciate the homage to small local libraries.
I avoided romance as a genre for my most of adult life—too many Nora Robert’s-style romances as a 13-year old kind of ruined the genre for me. Then Emily Henry’s Beach Read came along years ago and it was my first of what I would call a contemporary romance. And I absolutely adored it and the way I felt while reading it. It opened up romance as a genre to me and now I have found myself mostly reading romance in the years since. Beach Read will likely always be my favorite of hers for this reason—but Funny Story is a darn close second place for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Drug use, Abandonment, Alcohol
Moderate: Infidelity
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content, Abandonment, Alcohol
Minor: Infidelity, Classism
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Cursing
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Emily Henry makes you feel like you’re the only one reading her book. Which is a good thing—a great thing!! Let me explain.
When you’re reading one of her books, you almost feel like it’s a secret. Like if one of your best friends writes a book and you’re the first one to read it. Like you have the inside scoop. Like it’s exclusive. Like this story was meant to be read by you. Like its contents are something for you to cherish and feel in your own time, your own way.
Her writing does this magical thing where you feel so present inside her words that you never really leave them. You read other books, move on to other titles, but her stories remain. When all else feels like a dribble, her novels are the ocean. Constant. Resonating. Engaging with you even in your subconscious.
What I loved about Miles and Daphne was that they were so in tune and in sync with one another’s feelings and expectations, even when they thought they weren’t. The right person can make all the difference in the wrong moments.
Miles is easygoing and thoughtful, confident but considerate. Daphne is gentle and shy but also braver than she thinks and tougher than she gives herself credit for. They make a great pair of roommates, friends, cohorts, lovers. They are two halves of one whole that, for much of the book, they seem to acknowledge but don’t let themselves indulge in for fear of messing the good parts up, or not thinking they are what the other needs. They go through situations and feelings together, simultaneously, without realizing it. I like how natural and adult their conversations are, how honest they can be with one another when they need to, and how goofy and flirty they can be when they want to. How easily they fit into each other’s lives, literally and figuratively.
Most mature of her books I think, as far as characters and their actions. Well-rounded novel, nothing feels rushed or drags along. Perfect pacing. I wish I felt a little more connected to the characters’ decisions, but that’s more of a personal thing.
When you’re reading one of her books, you almost feel like it’s a secret. Like if one of your best friends writes a book and you’re the first one to read it. Like you have the inside scoop. Like it’s exclusive. Like this story was meant to be read by you. Like its contents are something for you to cherish and feel in your own time, your own way.
Her writing does this magical thing where you feel so present inside her words that you never really leave them. You read other books, move on to other titles, but her stories remain. When all else feels like a dribble, her novels are the ocean. Constant. Resonating. Engaging with you even in your subconscious.
What I loved about Miles and Daphne was that they were so in tune and in sync with one another’s feelings and expectations, even when they thought they weren’t. The right person can make all the difference in the wrong moments.
Miles is easygoing and thoughtful, confident but considerate. Daphne is gentle and shy but also braver than she thinks and tougher than she gives herself credit for. They make a great pair of roommates, friends, cohorts, lovers. They are two halves of one whole that, for much of the book, they seem to acknowledge but don’t let themselves indulge in for fear of messing the good parts up, or not thinking they are what the other needs. They go through situations and feelings together, simultaneously, without realizing it. I like how natural and adult their conversations are, how honest they can be with one another when they need to, and how goofy and flirty they can be when they want to. How easily they fit into each other’s lives, literally and figuratively.
Most mature of her books I think, as far as characters and their actions. Well-rounded novel, nothing feels rushed or drags along. Perfect pacing. I wish I felt a little more connected to the characters’ decisions, but that’s more of a personal thing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Alcohol
Moderate: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief
Minor: Drug use
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Emily Henry did it again!
Funny Story is my new favorite Emily Henry book! I love the characters, I love the romantic chemistry and the friendship chemistry. I love the town, and the vibe, and everything about this book.
Daphne and Miles are so cute, and their story is LITERALLY such a funny story! This is EH’s funniest book yet, and I loved it so much. The set-up of the fake dating is hilarious, and Miles is probably my new favorite book boyfriend.
The family dynamics in the book are great! I love Daphne’s mom, I love Julia, I love all the different types of families we see. I even, somehow, kinda like Starfire (iykyk).
Read this book if you love
💜 fake dating
💜 forced proximity
💜 strong friendships
💜 libraries
💜 being a tourist in your own city
💜 laughing so hard you wake up your cat
I love this book with my whole heart. 5 stars.
Thank you Berkley Romance for giving my an early copy and the opportunity to learn an honest, voluntary review.
Funny Story is my new favorite Emily Henry book! I love the characters, I love the romantic chemistry and the friendship chemistry. I love the town, and the vibe, and everything about this book.
Daphne and Miles are so cute, and their story is LITERALLY such a funny story! This is EH’s funniest book yet, and I loved it so much. The set-up of the fake dating is hilarious, and Miles is probably my new favorite book boyfriend.
The family dynamics in the book are great! I love Daphne’s mom, I love Julia, I love all the different types of families we see. I even, somehow, kinda like Starfire (iykyk).
Read this book if you love
💜 fake dating
💜 forced proximity
💜 strong friendships
💜 libraries
💜 being a tourist in your own city
💜 laughing so hard you wake up your cat
I love this book with my whole heart. 5 stars.
Thank you Berkley Romance for giving my an early copy and the opportunity to learn an honest, voluntary review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content
Minor: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Delightful as always.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content, Abandonment, Alcohol
Minor: Cancer, Terminal illness, Death of parent, Pregnancy
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Funny story... everyone rushes to update their ranking of Emily Henry's novels so I feel like I have to start this review off with this book might be better than Beach Read in my mind. Emily Henry's novels are formulaic, but that's the part that makes them fun for me to read. I know she's going to break my heart and put it back together every time. That's what makes them comforting and cozy in my mind. I loved Daphne and Miles' happily ever after and I think Miles is one of my new favorite book boyfriends. Thanks to Julia Whelan's narration, I felt their love and struggles so deeply. I caught myself holding my breath during moments of conflict. More than a beautifully written meet-cute, this story gets honest about messy relationships- whether that's between friends or family or lovers. All of the book and foodie references brought a smile to my face and I just loved that we got a Michigan setting again. I think anyone who has grown up living in or visiting the Great Lakes will be able to picture themselves in this book. A must-read romance for Spring!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Emotional abuse, Abandonment
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Honestly, how do you even begin to review an Emily Henry book aside from *pterodactyl screeching noises* and *unintelligible fluttery hand gestures* to properly convey how much you love it? Just when I thought I couldn't love her romcoms more, she goes and writes Funny Story.
Since 2021, I have not managed to find a single romance novel to top my obsession with People We Meet on Vacation--and I have read several hundred romances. How Emily managed to beat her own book is absolutely beyond me. Funny Story now takes first place in my favorites list.
As I was reading my eARC (thank you, THANK YOU, Berkley) I decided to highlight everything that stood out to me. Three paragraphs into the first chapter and I was already highlighting a quote that had me snorting with laughter. The rest of the book made me feel precisely as giddy as those first few lines and I managed to highlight nearly 40 quotes and added countless notes.
Something that constantly impresses me with Emily's writing style is that while she maintains a classic romcom formula (meaning that the book is equally as funny as it is romantic), she doesn't skimp on depth and emotion. I have cried nearly as many times as I have laughed while reading each of her novels and Funny Story was no different. It dealt with themes like emotionally abusive family members and toxic romantic relationships. But it doesn't just glaze over them or make them feel unimportant. They're an integral part of the story and handled with so much grace.
This book also gave me an element I never knew I needed (?) in an EmHen novel: found family. It may have manifested in an untraditional sense, but it was absolutely part of the narrative and I really loved how it was cultivated and nurtured throughout the story. By the end of the book, I felt as though Ashleigh's friendship with Daphne was just as important as the romantic relationship with Miles.
If you're looking for something feel-good that will make you laugh so hard you nearly pee yourself, cry a little, and just fall in love with love all over again, you need to pick up Funny Story. I had the best time ever reading this book and I can't wait to pick it up whenever I'm craving some extra comfort. All the stars for this fantastic romcom!
Since 2021, I have not managed to find a single romance novel to top my obsession with People We Meet on Vacation--and I have read several hundred romances. How Emily managed to beat her own book is absolutely beyond me. Funny Story now takes first place in my favorites list.
As I was reading my eARC (thank you, THANK YOU, Berkley) I decided to highlight everything that stood out to me. Three paragraphs into the first chapter and I was already highlighting a quote that had me snorting with laughter. The rest of the book made me feel precisely as giddy as those first few lines and I managed to highlight nearly 40 quotes and added countless notes.
Something that constantly impresses me with Emily's writing style is that while she maintains a classic romcom formula (meaning that the book is equally as funny as it is romantic), she doesn't skimp on depth and emotion. I have cried nearly as many times as I have laughed while reading each of her novels and Funny Story was no different. It dealt with themes like emotionally abusive family members and toxic romantic relationships. But it doesn't just glaze over them or make them feel unimportant. They're an integral part of the story and handled with so much grace.
This book also gave me an element I never knew I needed (?) in an EmHen novel: found family. It may have manifested in an untraditional sense, but it was absolutely part of the narrative and I really loved how it was cultivated and nurtured throughout the story. By the end of the book, I felt as though Ashleigh's friendship with Daphne was just as important as the romantic relationship with Miles.
If you're looking for something feel-good that will make you laugh so hard you nearly pee yourself, cry a little, and just fall in love with love all over again, you need to pick up Funny Story. I had the best time ever reading this book and I can't wait to pick it up whenever I'm craving some extra comfort. All the stars for this fantastic romcom!
**Unrelated and semi-unimportant but fun fact time: A truly delightful part of this for me was that the Richmond they reference time and again is Richmond, Virginia... which just happens to be where I was born and raised and lived until 2021. Seeing it mentioned over and over made me really happy. Now, if only I could convince Emily to do more tour stops there...
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Abandonment
Minor: Vomit
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Drug use, Emotional abuse, Abandonment, Alcohol
Minor: Cursing, Infidelity, Racism, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail, Classism