Ranking Emily Henry’s 6 latest Books
From Best to Good
Emily Henry has mastered the modern romance novel, her books are smart, funny, and sometimes surprisingly emotional. I’ve read all six of her latest adult romances and wanted to share how I’d rank them, starting with the one I’ll recommend to everyone and ending with the one that, while still amazing, is my least favorite.
1. Funny Story — 5 Stars
This book follows a woman whose life takes an unexpected turn when she moves in with her ex fiancé’s new fiancé’s ex. Forced proximity turns into late-night confessions, awkward humor, and an irresistible romance that feels honest and fresh. The characters are well developed, they grow so much over the course of the story, and even the side characters feel like real people you’d want to hang out with. This book is exactly what I want from a rom-com, it’s smart, warm, and left me completely satisfied.
2. Great Big Beautiful Life — 4 Stars
This is her latest release, and some argue it doesn’t fit the typical romance mold, but that’s exactly why I loved it. Great Big Beautiful Life weaves together two storylines, one contemporary romance that feels a bit insta-lovey but genuine, and another about a woman named Margaret Ives, an heiress with a story to tell, that kept me glued to the page. It’s emotional and layered, and even though the romantic element is more subtle, the care between the characters shines through. Some parts left my jaw on the floor, and the mix of stories worked so well for me.
3. Beach Read — 4 Stars
In Beach Read, two writers, a romance author who’s lost her spark and a literary fiction writer with writer’s block, swap genres for the summer while living next door to each other in adorable lake houses. This setup is classic Emily Henry, sharp banter, plenty of slow-burn tension, and conversations that dig deeper than your typical rom-com. I loved how adorable and genuine their dynamic felt. It’s the kind of book you can easily recommend to just about anyone.
4. People We Meet on Vacation — 4 Stars
People We Meet on Vacation is a friends-to-lovers story about Poppy and Alex, who have vacationed together every summer for years — until one trip ruined everything. When Poppy convinces Alex to give her one more shot at a perfect trip, old feelings resurface. I waited forever to pick this one up, and now I wish I hadn’t. It’s heartfelt, fun, and really captures that mix of longing and hope that makes a friends-to-lovers romance work so well.
5. Book Lovers — 3 Stars
Book Lovers switches up the small town romance trope by giving us two big city book industry rivals who collide during a summer in a small town. Nora is a tough literary agent and Charlie is an editor with zero time for fluff. Together, they’re all banter and tension. What I appreciated most here was how honest their relationship felt. There’s no big dramatic misunderstanding, no forced heartbreak, just two adults who know what they want. I did find it dragged in spots, but the clever dialogue and refreshing lack of unnecessary drama more than made up for it. I actually think upon a reread I would rate it 4 stars.
6. Happy Place — 3 Stars
Happy Place brings together a group of college friends for one last getaway at their beloved Maine cottage. The catch? Harriet and Wyn, once everyone’s favorite couple, are secretly broken up but pretending they’re still together for the sake of the group. The premise promised so much, but the constant flashbacks and all the emotional heaviness left me feeling drained instead of uplifted. All the sweet quotes, pining and happiness are from flashbacks, not the present. It’s beautifully written, but I just wish the story left me feeling more hopeful by the end.