Oh my gosh did I love “Funny Story” by Emily Henry.
This was my first Emily Henry book, and it certainly won’t be my last. There has been a lot of mixed reviews regarding her books: you either love them or don’t. For me, I had high expectations going in, and I was not disappointed. “Funny Story” was a formulaic masterpiece in the romance genre that kept me flipping the pages well into the night.
Starting off with the characters because characters can sometimes make or break a book. The characters in “Funny Story” were some of the most realistic characters I have ever read about — these are people you would meet in real life.
I adored Miles, our main male character. He was every bit the type of man you’d want in a partnership: sweet, adventurous, passionate and the biggest hype man. I fell for him right away, and he’s not the typical six-foot-five, muscular hero that romance books so often describe. It was the realistic nature of his character which made him so lovable. Also, I felt so protective of him when Peter would make snide comments about him.
Daphne, our main female character, was also very likable. She erred on the side of caution, but after what she went through, I understood. Like Miles, she was passionate and caring, and toward the end, she became a bit adventurous like Miles. Together, they made themselves better and really grew individually and together. Daphne, especially, grew as a person throughout the book.
The side characters were a lot of fun, too. Daphne’s coworker and friend, Ashleigh, was a riot and someone you need in your life. Julia, Mile’s younger sister, was such a free spirit. I enjoyed seeing the main characters interact with one another throughout the book. Some of the best scenes were when the four of them were together. It was like one chaotic friend group that you can’t help but love.
The characters overall were just very relatable. They went through real life situations that maybe some people can relate to.
Now, let’s get to the romance. The spice was very tame and low, which I enjoyed because the romance and relationship was really able to take form. It started as a fake dating situation that eventually evolved over time. Daphne and Miles really got to know one another and cross some difficult bridges together that made their relationship even more solid. What I didn’t love was the “should-I-shouldn’t-I” part of the romance. That’s just not my jam — I always want to see the main characters together, but I understand why it was like that. Both main characters had some trust issues within their families and past relationships. It makes the relationship even more real in that regard. (Their exes Peter and Petra both SUCKED.)
I enjoyed seeing their romance progress, and I thought the pacing of it was great. Sometimes with romance books, it’s too rushed. Miles and Daphne’s pacing was just right. You were rooting for them from the beginning and their first kiss was just that much more satisfying. There needs to have that buildup and what-ifs that come with starting a new relationship.
Henry’s writing was what every romance novel should be like. It’s poignant, but it doesn’t take itself too seriously. There’s still room for some laughs. It makes me excited to read more of her books and the stories that she builds because she has a romance masterpiece on her hands with “Funny Story.” She also has a way of describing the scenes so well that it feels like you’re right there with the characters.
Overall, I give this book 4.5 stars. I adored it, and I adored Miles’ character. That is the type of guy you should aspire for! He really cared for Daphne and just wanted the best for her. I honestly can’t say enough good things about this book!
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