First Impression
Star Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 - 4 stars (see my rating system)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Genre: Romance, Contemporary
Another classic Emily Henry book which does not disappoint!
Items beyond the synopsis and review contain spoilers.
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Synopsis
In Funny Story, Daphne’s life takes an unexpected turn when her fiance, Peter, abruptly ends their engagement to pursue a relationship with his childhood friend, Petra (the one you shouldn’t worry about). Left reeling from the breakup and without a place to stay, Daphne finds herself living with Miles, Petra’s ex-fiance. With the classic plot of fake dating thrown into the mix and a healthy dose of forced proximity, what could possibly unwind in a whirlwind of romantic adventures?
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Book Review
Emily Henry has firmly established herself as the reigning queen of summer reads. With a knack for blending romance, humor, and a side of quirkiness her novels offer the perfect blend of escapism and depth. Her ability to create relatable characters and put them in classic tropes has made her the rom-com summer staple. Funny Story was no different and did not disappoint!
A few thoughts…
- Not your typical meet cute - I don’t think I’ve ever seen this particular storyline! Two childhood friends run off together and the remaining partners wind up falling in love after fake dating to make them jealous. I did find the romance in this quite cute, especially Miles’ small actions that show he stars caring about Daphne as more than a friend before he will admit it out loud.
- Not your usual protagonists - Daphne is a refreshing FMC who isn’t the fearless, bold, dive in head first without flaws. She is a bit reserved in nature, what you would picture in your typical librarian stereotype and her journey in the book to become a ‘me’ instead of a ‘we’ person, finding herself outside of letting a relationship define her is refreshing. How many relationships have we all been in where friends fade to the background as you start dating someone new. Miles is also different than your typical male lead, your typical extroverted boyfriend paired with an introverted girlfrien. He’s a bit of a stoner and doesn’t have the fallback trust fund but is the local guy next door that grows on you with each romantic move and gesture.
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Characters
- Daphne - Our female FMC, a librarian who grew up in Maryland now living in Michigan due to her ex-fiance Petra.
- Peter - Daphne’s ex-fiance, gym aficionado
- Miles - Daphne’s unexpected new love interest. Works at a winery. A people person.
- Petra - Miles’ ex-fiance. Peter’s childhood friend.
- Ashleigh - Single mom who works with Daphne at the library. Used to be married to her ex - Duke - who is a cookie millionaire.
- Duke - Ashleigh’s ex. Was her high school boyfriend but they broke up in college and hooked up when she returned resulting in the birth of Mulder.
- Mulder - Ashleigh’s son.
- Dani - Miles’ first girlfriend.
- Julia - Miles’ sister.
- Jason - Daphne’s dad. Always flakey.
- Starfire - Jason’s new wife. Very into astrology.
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Quotes
My favorite quotes from the book!
“I want to kiss you all the time, Daphne," he says. "Sometimes it's just easier to find an excuse.”
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Book Details
- Series: n/a
- Genre: Romance, Contemporary
- Publishing Date/ Release Date: April 23, 2024
- Format: Book
- Length: 384 pages
- Setting: Michigan
- Tropes: Opposites Attract, Fake Dating, Forced Proximity
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