Emily Henry Books in Order: 5 Addictive Reads

I will never forget the moment I finished Beach Read. I was in my favorite reading chair, the sun was setting, and when the enemies finally turned, I didn’t just close the book—I threw my Kindle across the room. I was screaming, completely undone by the delicious agony of loving someone you were so sure you hated.

That’s the magic of Emily Henry—she bottles that lightning and serves it up in every single book. Her stories are packed with witty banter that makes you laugh out loud, and an emotional depth that doesn’t just leave you breathless—it guts you.

But with so many incredible books, the biggest question is: where do you even start? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. This is your ultimate guide to reading Emily Henry’s books in order.

Start Here: Emily Henry’s Most Beloved Books in Order

Emily Henry’s books are the perfect blend of witty banter, emotional depth, and swoon-worthy romance. But where should you start? Whether you’re new to her work or revisiting old favorites, this guide will help you dive into her most beloved stories.

Beach Read

⚡ 🏆 NYT Best Seller | ⭐ 4.1 (150k) | 🌶️ 2/5 | 👀 Dual POV

What happens when two bitter writing rivals are forced to be neighbors for a summer? A raw, obsessive spiral and a tension so thick it feels like you’re suffocating. This book is the definition of an emotional gut-punch wrapped in a perfect summer romance.

January is a bestselling romance author who no longer believes in love, and Augustus is an acclaimed literary fiction author stuck in a rut. They couldn’t be more different. To break their respective writer’s blocks, they strike a deal: Augustus will write a happily-ever-after, and January will pen the next Great American Novel.

This book is the only entry point that matters into the Emily Henry universe. It’s for anyone who craves that slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers dynamic—the kind fueled by banter so sharp it cuts, and a vulnerability so deep it hurts.

People We Meet on Vacation

⚡ 🏆 NYT Best Seller | ⭐ 4.0 (200k) | 🌶️ 2/5 | 📚 Standalone

Can two best friends who had a massive falling-out find their way back to each other over one last trip? This book asks that question and then proceeds to rip your heart out and piece it back together, one vacation at a time.

Poppy is a wild-child travel writer, and Alex is a quiet, khaki-wearing teacher from her hometown. For a decade, they had one perfect week of vacation together every summer. Until two years ago, when they ruined everything. Now, Poppy convinces Alex to take one more trip to try and fix what they broke.

If you’re a sucker for heartfelt humor and the brutal, slow-motion agony of a friends-to-lovers romance, this book will become your new obsession. It’s a journey through past and present that feels achingly real.

💬 Reader Quote: “Beach Read made me laugh, cry, and fall in love all over again. Emily Henry is a genius!”

For the Rom-Com Enthusiasts: Emily Henry’s Witty & Snarky Gems

If you love rom-coms with sharp wit and snarky banter, Emily Henry delivers every time. These books are perfect for readers who want to laugh out loud while falling in love.

Book Lovers

⚡ 🏆 Genre Classic | ⭐ 4.1 (120k) | 🌶️ 2/5 | 👀 Dual POV

What happens when two literary rivals—a cutthroat agent and a brooding editor—are stuck in the same small town for a month? You get a romance that is so meta and clever it feels like a love letter to book lovers everywhere.

Nora Stephens is a literary agent known as “The Shark.” Charlie Lastra is an editor she loves to hate. When Nora’s sister drags her on a trip to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina, the last person she expects to run into is Charlie. Again. And again.

This book is an absolute must-read. It masterfully pokes fun at classic rom-com tropes while simultaneously delivering a story that is swoon-worthy, hilarious, and packed with all the feels you could ever want.

Funny Story

⚡ 🔥 Hot New Release | ⭐ 4.3 (50k) | 🌶️ 2/5 | 👀 Dual POV

Can fake dating your ex-fiancé’s new love’s ex-boyfriend lead to something real? The premise alone is a wild ride, and this book delivers a story that is fresh, funny, and deeply romantic.

Daphne is left picking up the pieces when her fiancé realizes he’s in love with his childhood best friend, Petra. Stranded in a beautiful new town, she ends up rooming with the only person who could possibly understand: Petra’s ex, Miles. Their plan to fake a relationship for the summer is chaotic, messy, and absolutely brilliant.

This is the perfect book for anyone who loves the fake-dating trope. The chemistry is electric, the humor is on point, and it’s a beautiful, uplifting story about finding love where you least expect it.

If you love stories with high stakes and even higher chemistry, Explore Ana Huang’s addictive romance series.

Emily Henry’s Emotional Masterpieces: Stories That Hit You in the Feels

Emily Henry’s books aren’t just romances—they’re emotional excavations. These stories are perfect for readers who want to laugh, cry, and feel every single moment.

Happy Place

⚡ 🏆 NYT Best Seller | ⭐ 4.0 (300k) | 🌶️ 2/5 | 👀 Dual POV

Can you pretend to be in love with your ex for one week to keep your friend group from falling apart? This book throws you into that exact excruciating scenario, and it is both gut-wrenching and breathtakingly beautiful.

Harriet and Wyn were the perfect couple, until they weren’t. They broke up months ago but still haven’t told their best friends. Now, on their annual group vacation, they’re stuck sharing a bedroom, faking it for everyone they love.

This is the book you pick up when you want a story with real substance and secondhand pining so intense it hurts. It’s for readers who crave deep, powerful storytelling that will stick with them long after they’ve turned the final page.

For more stories that perfectly balance heart and heat, Discover Abby Jimenez’s heartwarming romances.

Breaking Down Emily Henry’s Top Tropes: Why We Love Them

Emily Henry’s books are beloved for their masterful use of classic romance tropes. Here’s why these tropes resonate so deeply with readers.

• Enemies-to-Lovers: Explored in Beach Read and Book Lovers, this trope thrives on the delicious tension and witty banter between two people who can’t stand each other… until they can’t live without each other. The slow burn is absolutely addictive.
• Friends-to-Lovers: Central to People We Meet on Vacation, this trope tugs at the heartstrings with its deep emotional history and the “will they or won’t they” agony. It’s all about the shared memories and the fear of risking it all for love.
• Fake Dating: A fan-favorite in Funny Story, this trope adds a layer of humor and high-stakes sparks to any romance. We all love watching two people pretend to be in love, only to see the lines blur and real feelings emerge.

💡 Quick Recap:

• Enemies-to-Lovers: Tension and banter galore.
• Friends-to-Lovers: Emotional and heartfelt.
• Fake Dating: Hilarious and swoon-worthy.

Safety First: Spice Levels & Trigger Warnings for Emily Henry’s Books

While Emily Henry’s books are light on spice, they tackle emotional themes that some readers may find triggering. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate.

⚠️ Note on Triggers: Emily Henry’s books often explore themes of grief and loss. While they are ultimately uplifting, sensitive readers should proceed with caution.

FAQ

In what order should I read Emily Henry books?

The recommended order to read Emily Henry’s books is to start with Beach Read for a classic introduction, followed by People We Meet on Vacation and Book Lovers. This reading path gives you a perfect taste of her style before you dive into her newer works.

Are Emily Henry books a series?

No, Emily Henry’s adult romance books are all standalones. While they share a similar witty and emotional tone, you can read them in any order. There is no overarching Emily Henry books connected universe to keep track of, so you can jump in with whichever story catches your eye.

What is the best Emily Henry book to start with?

Beach Read is the perfect starting point. It beautifully encapsulates everything we love about her writing: sharp banter, a slow-burn romance with incredible tension, and characters with real emotional depth. It’s widely considered the best Emily Henry book to start with and will get you hooked immediately.

What is the Emily Henry new book release date?

Emily Henry typically releases a new book each spring. For the most up-to-date information on the next Emily Henry new book release date, it’s always best to check her official website or social media channels for announcements.

What’s the difference between Emily Henry’s adult romance vs young adult books?

While her witty voice shines in both, her adult books focus on contemporary romance with older protagonists navigating careers and complex relationships. Her YA novels, like A Million Junes, explore themes of first love and growing up, often with a touch of magical realism.

Is there a complete list of Emily Henry’s books by year?

Yes! While this guide focuses on a thematic reading order, a complete Emily Henry books list by year for her adult romances is chronological: Beach Read (2020), People We Meet on Vacation (2021), Book Lovers (2022), Happy Place (2023), and Funny Story (2024).

Conclusion

Emily Henry’s books are a masterclass in contemporary romance, blending humor, raw emotion, and characters so unforgettable they feel like old friends. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or just discovering her work, this guide to Emily Henry’s books in order is the perfect starting point. Ready to dive in? Your next favorite book is waiting.