Emily Henry Books in Order (Plus Where to Start)
If there is one romance author that everyone wants to read, it’s Emily Henry, and that’s true for several reasons. Her stories feel equal parts comforting, emotional, and quietly addictive, especially if you love friends to lovers books.
Her books are the kind you pick up for the banter and stay for the emotional depth, and somehow, her characters always end up being the ones you can’t stop thinking about days later.
But here’s the thing, not every Emily Henry book hits the same, and if you’re new to her work, it can be hard to know where to start (or what to skip depending on your mood).
That’s exactly why I put this guide together. Below you’ll find all of Emily Henry’s books in order, plus my quick recommendations on where to start based on the kind of romance you’re craving.
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Where to Start with Emily Henry
If you’re new to Emily Henry, I wouldn’t start at the beginning. Instead, start with one of these depending on what you’re in the mood for:
If you want the perfect friends-to-lovers romance: 👉 People We Meet on Vacation
This is a must-read if you love friends-to-lovers with the best slow burn that builds amazing chemistry between Poppy and Alex. Emily alternates chapters in the present and the past, unfolding their love story over time leading to the best emotional payoff.
If you want something cozy, character-driven, and quietly emotional: 👉 Book Lovers
This love story is for the enemies to lovers fans and those readers who love to read about the book publishing world. I ate up every moment of banter between these two, plus it gives good small town romance vibes.
And if you want something with a more serious bent with strong banter and chemistry: 👉 Beach Read
Emily’s first adult romance is a must-read if you love books about authors and great rivals to lovers chemistry. Plus, it utilizes the best forced proximity tension to really build the connection between characters.
My Favorite Emily Henry Books (Ranked)
If you’re just looking for her best, these are the ones I always recommend first:
1. People We Meet on Vacation
This book is so good that I’ve reread it multiple times and with every read it just seems to get better and better. It’s a perfect, slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance with unforgettable characters.
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2. Funny Story
This book is one of her most engaging and emotionally layered stories with great chemistry and character growth. It’s storyline hits for anyone who’s ever experienced a heart-wrenching breakup.
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If you’re trying to decide between her books, I break down my full ranking here: Best Emily Henry Books Ranked
3. Happy Place
This is one of those second chance romances that pulls you in from the start and makes you wonder when and where it all went wrong. I loved the small friend group dynamic that has lasted for years since college that leans into emotion, nostalgia, and complicated relationships.
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4. Book Lovers
This is a smart, character-driven romance that feels a little different from the typical small-town love story. It’s for all the readers who’ve ever wanted to be a character in a romance novel.
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Emily Henry Books in Order
If you want to read Emily Henry’s books in publication order, here’s the full list:
If You Like Emily Henry, Try These Authors
If you love character-driven romance with emotional depth, strong dialogue, and unforgettable relationships, you’ll also enjoy:
- Abby Jimenez: for emotional romance with humor, heart, and incredibly lovable characters
- Taylor Jenkins Reid: for layered love stories with strong emotional arcs
- Christina Lauren: for engaging, romantic reads with great chemistry and banter
- Carley Fortune: for nostalgic, emotional romances with a strong sense of place
Looking for more books like Emily Henry’s? Start here:
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