I’ve been a fan of Emily Henry for years, from Beach Read to Book Lovers, Happy Place, and People We Meet on Vacations, her books have consistently been my go-to for contemporary romance that’s witty, heartwarming, and just a little swoony. So when Funny Story came out, I knew I had to dive in. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
This book was everything I hoped for: fun, emotional, and filled with characters that feel real enough to sit next to you at a coffee shop. In this review, I’m keeping things completely spoiler-free, so you can enjoy it without worrying about plot twists.
What Funny Story Is About (Spoiler-Free)
Without giving too much away, Funny Story follows Daphne, whose life takes an unexpected turn when her fiancé, Peter, reveals he’s in love with someone else. Suddenly stranded in the charming lakeside town of Waning Bay, Michigan, Daphne finds herself with a new job as a children’s librarian, which barely covers the bills, and a reluctant roommate: Miles Nowak, the ex of Peter’s new love.
Daphne and Miles are total opposites. She’s practical, organized, and mysterious (her coworkers joke that she’s either FBI or in witness protection), while Miles is scruffy, chaotic, and finds comfort in heartbreak ballads. Naturally, they avoid each other at first, but as summer progresses, an unexpected friendship (and some deliberately misleading photo ops) brings them closer.
It’s witty, fun, and heartwarming, and the chemistry between the characters makes every scene feel genuine.
My Thoughts While Reading
Reading Funny Story was such a treat. Emily Henry’s writing style is effortlessly engaging, light, funny, and a little swoony, which makes it a perfect contemporary romance for cozy afternoons or summer reading.
I loved how relatable the characters felt. Daphne’s awkwardness and careful planning, paired with Miles’ chaotic charm, made every interaction entertaining and believable. The romance felt earned, and the book struck a great balance between heartwarming moments, humor, and those occasional swoony scenes that Emily Henry is known for.
While it might not be my absolute favorite book of all time, I thoroughly enjoyed it and found myself laughing, smiling, and occasionally swooning. I gave it 4.5 stars because it hit all the right notes for a fun, engaging romance.
The Characters & Chemistry
The real highlight of Funny Story is the character development. Daphne and Miles are both flawed, human, and extremely easy to root for.
Daphne’s careful, analytical personality is a great contrast to Miles’ impulsive, chaotic energy. Watching them navigate their own heartbreak, awkward first interactions, and slow-building friendship was a joy. And yes, there’s romantic tension, sometimes flirty, sometimes sweet, that keeps you turning the pages.
Even the side characters feel well-developed, adding layers to the story without overshadowing the main duo. I could relate to their struggles, laugh at their awkwardness, and enjoy the small-town charm of Waning Bay along the way.
Writing Style & Atmosphere
Emily Henry has a signature writing style that blends humor, emotion, and charm seamlessly. In Funny Story, she captures the feeling of a summer town, the awkward hilarity of romance, and the personal growth that comes from unexpected situations.
Her prose is clean, witty, and easy to read, making it hard to put the book down. The story flows naturally, and the pacing is perfect, not rushed, but not dragging either. Even the quieter moments feel meaningful, giving readers a chance to connect with the characters and their journeys.
Who Will Love This Book
If you’re a fan of contemporary romance, witty banter, slow-burn romance, and well-developed characters, Funny Story is for you. It’s perfect for:
- Fans of Emily Henry’s previous books (Book Lovers, Beach Read, Happy Place).
- Readers looking for a fun, feel-good romance.
- Anyone who enjoys small-town romance settings.
- Those looking for a summer read that’s light, funny, and heartwarming.
A quick note: there are some spicy moments, so if that’s not your thing, you can easily skip over those parts without losing the story.
Final Thoughts & Rating
Overall, Funny Story by Emily Henry is a delightful, swoony contemporary romance that delivers exactly what fans love about her books: witty dialogue, charming characters, and a heartwarming storyline.
It’s fun, engaging, and perfectly balanced between humor, emotion, and romance. I gave it 4.5 stars because it’s an enjoyable read that will leave you smiling and invested in Daphne and Miles’ story.
If You Liked Funny Story, You Might Also Enjoy…
Here are a few recommendations if you loved Funny Story or want more Emily Henry vibes:
- Book Lovers by Emily Henry – another witty, swoony contemporary romance.
- Happy Place by Emily Henry – a heartwarming story about friendship, love, and personal growth.
- Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter – a fun, feel-good romance with charming characters.
Check them out on Amazon!
*This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend books I’ve read and genuinely loved.
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