The Review

What happens when your fiancé trades you for his best friend, and her ex-boyfriend becomes your accidental savior? Emily Henry’s Funny Story answers with humor, heart, and a bit of spice. A tale of love, self-discovery, and resilience, this novel captures the bittersweet beauty of starting over and finding connection in the most unexpected places. Though not without its flaws, it’s a heartfelt story that lingers long past the last page.

Please proceed with caution as there are a few spoilers ahead.

Henry’s second novel set in Up North Michigan, in the fictional town of Waning Bay on the Leelanau Peninsula, follows Daphne, a children’s librarian who uproots her life to live with her fiancé, Peter, in his lakeside home. Daphne believes she’s living her dream life—until Peter wakes her one morning to announce he’s running off to Italy with his childhood best friend, Petra. Daphne has until their return to move her things out so Petra can move in. Devastated and uncertain of her next move, Daphne’s life takes a turn when Petra’s now ex-boyfriend, Miles Nowark, shows up on her doorstep. Both heartbroken, they forge an unlikely alliance: Daphne moves into Miles’s spare bedroom while she plans her return to the DMV (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia) to be closer to her mother.

After six weeks of silence, Daphne and Miles finally connect over their shared misery when they learn their exes are getting married—and both Daphne and Miles are invited to the wedding. Assuming the invitations are pity gestures, they drunkenly decide to RSVP “Yes”. When Peter calls Daphne to assure her she doesn’t have to go alone, having only marked “1” on her response card, she doubles down that she won’t be alone and declares Miles is her boyfriend. What follows is a hilarious and heartfelt journey of forced proximity, fake romance, and personal growth as Daphne and Miles navigate their messy feelings and unexpected chemistry.

Though this is only my second Emily Henry novel, I’d argue it’s her best yet. As someone who typically avoids romance novels, I was hesitant— but when I noticed the audiobook was marked as “Available Now” on Libby I didn’t think twice before jumping on that “Barrow” button.. I’m so glad I did because I was utterly smitten. The sharp dialogue, witty banter, and heartfelt moments kept me hooked, while the spicy scenes—much steamier than in Beach Read—were a delightful surprise. Pro tip: don’t listen to this audiobook while snowboarding. There’s nothing more awkward than being slightly aroused while sitting next to a random old guy on a chairlift.

Despite its many strengths, the novel isn’t without flaws. While Julia’s unannounced visit felt like a pivotal plot point, the subsequent arrivals of Daphne’s dad and her Starfire made the story feel disjointed and repetitive. I remember even thinking to myself, who else is just going to pop up unannounced, Daphne’s high school boyfriend, here to declare is love now that he see’s Peter is out of the picture. These moments, while touching, could have been replaced with more pre-wedding shenanigans, like an engagement party, bridal shower, or pre-wedding cookout, to better sustain the humor and pacing.

Reflecting on Funny Story, I’m struck by how deeply it speaks to the messy, unpredictable nature of love and life. Emily Henry has a gift for capturing the humor in heartbreak and the resilience required to rebuild after loss. Daphne and Miles’s story isn’t just about romance—it’s about self-worth, healing, and finding joy in unexpected connections.

Funny Story reminds us that sometimes, in the wake of heartbreak, laughter and a little chaos are the best remedies for healing—and that love often finds us when we least expect it. For fans of sharp dialogue, emotional depth, and a touch of spice, this novel is a must-read. While it’s not quite perfect, it’s a journey well worth taking.

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Short Review (AKA TLDR)

Emily Henry’s Funny Story is a heartfelt and humorous tale of love, self-discovery, and resilience, set in the fictional town of Waning Bay, Michigan. It follows Daphne, a children’s librarian, who moves in with Miles, her ex-fiancé’s new girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend, after their respective relationships fall apart. The two bond over their shared heartbreak and concoct a fake dating scheme to attend their exes’ wedding.

The novel shines with its sharp dialogue, witty banter, and unexpected emotional depth, complemented by steamier scenes than Henry’s previous works like Beach Read. While entertaining, the story stumbles with repetitive plot devices, such as unannounced visits from secondary characters, which detract from the pacing and momentum.

Overall, Funny Story captures the humor in heartbreak and the unpredictability of life and love. Though not perfect, it’s a compelling read that balances humor, emotion, and spice, making it highly recommended for fans of romance and self-discovery stories.