A Definitive Ranking of Emily Henry’s Novels

Book Lovers has all of the components for the perfect enemies-to-lovers romance. Main characters Nora and Charlie are both cynical New York City publishing professionals who happen to run into each other in a tiny, Southern small town. Their attitudes make them refreshingly unique for rom-com protagonists (as the author herself describes them, “They’re kind of assholes, but they’re our assholes”). As she brings them together, Henry leans into classic rom-com tropes while turning them on their head. This book gets my award for the couple with the best banter. The connection these two have is irresistible.

For fans of: Enemies-to-lovers, tall female protagonists.

This is the OG Emily Henry book—the one that started it all (and on many days, my favorite of the bunch). It follows former college rivals and current next door neighbors, novelists January and Augustus, who are both struggling with their latest manuscripts. Over the course of their summer together, they challenge each other to step outside their comfort zones for the sake of their writing, and end up falling in love in the process. January is a perfect example of what I love most about Emily Henry’s protagonists; she’s funny, flawed, and extremely likable. Her journey outside of the romance in this book is incredibly compelling, as she grapples with grief and seeks to grow as a writer. Her chemistry with Augustus is undeniable, and the book is bubbling full of tension. It’s funny, endearing, and cute as hell. This book is the winner of the best happily-ever-after ending.

For fans of: Enemies-to-lovers, he falls first, forced proximity.

This is the sweetest of Henry’s novels, with the most fun rom-com-esque plot. Daphne and Miles become roommates of convenience after their exes dump them to date each other. While healing from their respective breakups, they hatch a plan to fake date and prove to their exes they’ve moved on. Obviously, this pressure cooker of circumstances leads them to falling in love. Daphne’s character growth feels meaningful as she discovers her independence and builds connections in her new home town. But the award I give this book goes to Miles, for being the best love interest in the Emily Henry Universe. He’s kind, witty, endearing, and he loves to celebrate his community—how can you not fall for someone like him?

For fans of: forced proximity, fake dating.

Henry’s second novel follows Poppy and Alex over a decade of friendship, travel, and budding romance. Though it might be a little frustrating for those who dislike miscommunication plotlines, Henry makes it extremely easy to root for a couple like Poppy and Alex. Their chemistry is genuine, and while they seem like opposites, they suit each other perfectly. I’m eagerly awaiting the upcoming film adaptation starring Emily Bader and Tom Blyth. The award I give this book is for its storytelling. The playful structure is engrossing via a series of time jumps and vignettes of trips all over the world. The way each chapter reveals a new part of their relationship, you can tell as a reader that these two deeply care for each other.

For fans of: friends-to-lovers, past/future time jumps, he falls first.

The latest book of the bunch will have you smiling from ear to ear. We follow two writers, Alice and Hayden, vying for the same job—a biography of the heiress and media legend Margaret Ives. While the story begins in enemies-to-lovers territory, it quickly veers into something more like star-crossed lovers. It becomes less of a “will-they, won’t they” and more of a question of when they will. Much of the book focuses on Margaret’s fascinating story, and for that, I award her with the best secondary character in Emily Henry’s literary universe. Her life’s story is epic—as we learn through her conversations with Alice. I found myself wanting to know more about her.

For fans of: rivals-to-lovers, tall female protagonists.

What makes this book addictive is the summer backdrop (it’s set in a quaint beach town in Maine), and the ensemble cast that gathers together every year. Told in a series of flashbacks, it follows Harriet and Wyn as they fall in love, break up, and reconnect. The friend group dynamic will make for a captivating TV series adaptation, as we’ll get to further dive into each character’s stories. While this ranks lowest on my personal list, I should note that even the worst Emily Henry book is still fantastic and sits at the top of the romance genre. My only minor qualm is with Wyn, whose complaints sometimes dive into the territory of pretty privilege problems. Alas, this book still receives my award for best setting. Nothing sounds dreamier than a gorgeous annual summer vacation with your best friends.

For fans of: second-chance romance, fake dating, forced proximity.