Ranking Emily Henry's Romance Novels

Romance novels come in various flavors: some captivate your heart, others leave you indifferent, and a few might convince you to abandon the book altogether.

Emily Henry, transitioning from young adult fantasy to reigning romance novelist, has garnered immense popularity in recent years. Her six romance novels have all made a splash on BookTok, and most have potential on-screen futures. But do they all hit the mark as perfect romantic tales? Not quite.

6. 'Happy Place' (2023)

Many think 'Happy Place' doesn't shine as brightly as Henry's other works. Instead of focusing on a central couple, this novel revolves around a group of friends. To some, like myself, the dynamics within the group weren't explored enough to engender genuine interest.

The attention is split, leaving the relationship between Harriet and Wyn underdeveloped, while characters like Sabrina, Cleo, Kim, and Parth hardly receive any focus.

The unbelievable scenario of pretending to still be married during a friend's trip stretched believability. Maybe the Netflix adaptation will present it more convincingly.

5. 'Great Big Beautiful Life' (2025)

Recalling familiar territory, 'Great Big Beautiful Life' intertwines aspiring author Alice's pursuit of crafting a biography of the elusive Margaret Ives with flashbacks of Margaret's past.

While Margaret's past charms through vivid flashbacks, the present-day narrative of Alice competing with a fellow journalist, Hayden, to pen Margaret's story proves less engaging. Their forced chemistry and the too-obvious twist declined to enhance the story.

4. 'People We Meet on Vacation' (2021)

Widely celebrated, 'People We Meet on Vacation' pushed Emily Henry into the spotlight, but it didn’t surpass expectations for everyone. The story of estranged best friends Poppy and Alex rekindling their bond after past misunderstandings is well-written, yet lacked depth in character connection for some.

Their delightful dialogues are a highlight of Henry's storytelling, maintaining the interest despite some character disconnects.

3. 'Book Lovers' (2022)

Though challenging to rank, 'Book Lovers' occupies a spot of affection in many hearts. The narrative tells the story of Nora, a tough literary agent who heads to a quaint town where she runs into Charlie, an editor and former adversary.

The chemistry between Nora and Charlie, paired with Nora’s sibling dynamic with Libby, enriches the book, making Sunshine Falls an irresistibly charming setting. It's understandable why this one's on the path to adaptation.

2. 'Funny Story' (2024)

Daphne and Miles form a delightful duo in 'Funny Story', where both face heartbreak from their respective partners, Peter and Petra, who fall in love with each other.

With nowhere else to go, they cohabitate and faux-date, aiming to ignite jealousy in their exes. Their playful banter and the relationship's development are noteworthy, providing an enjoyable read marked by Henry’s signature witty exchanges.

1. 'Beach Read' (2020)

Taking the top position, 'Beach Read' combines the world of authorship with romance. January Andrews, a romance novelist, finds herself unable to produce her usual work when a challenging time calls for her.

Augustus 'Gus' Everett, a successful literary figure from her past, lives next door, and together they embark on a cross-genre writing challenge. Their rapport reflects the benefits they provide one another: January rejuvenates Gus's joy, while Gus nudges January into taking her craft seriously.

Their realistic relationship and meaningful progressions earn 'Beach Read' its deserved acclaim. With a forthcoming movie adaptation, it is well-positioned for continued success.