Must-Read Romance Books If You Love Emily Henry
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Are you looking for your next read while waiting for Emily Henry’s new book? Dive into these swoony, smart, and emotionally rich romances that hit all the same perfect notes.
If you’ve ever found yourself wishing you could step into the pages of Beach Read or move to Sunshine Falls with Nora Stephens and Charlie Lastra, you’re probably one of the many devoted fans of Emily Henry’s books. Her witty banter, heartfelt romance, and emotionally layered characters have made her a true favorite among romance readers and regulars of the New York Times bestseller list. Whether it’s a fake relationship with inconvenient yearning or a second chance romance that tugs at your heartstrings, Emily Henry’s stories feel like “a great big beautiful life” wrapped in prose.
So what should you read next while waiting for Emily Henry’s new book to hit the shelves? Here are some incredible romance novels filled with wit, heart, and love stories you’ll want to linger in.
Happy Reading!
If you’re looking for all the upcoming books, take a look at
Second Chances & Slow Burns
The Road Trip
by Beth O’Leary
Dylan and Addie were once deeply in love, until a messy breakup pulled them apart. Now, years later, they’re forced into awkward proximity on a road trip to their friend’s wedding, with no way to avoid unresolved feelings, lingering tension, and the memories of what they lost. With its emotional depth, complicated past, and journey toward healing, this is a perfect pick for fans of Happy Place.
A must-read if you love: second-chance romance, forced proximity, and road trip chaos.
The Roughest Draft
by Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka
Once co-authors and close confidants, Katrina and Nathan haven’t spoken in years—until they’re contractually forced to finish their final novel together. Holed up in a small town house in Florida, they must face their shared past, writer’s block, and the emotions left simmering between them. Tension, unresolved longing, and sharp dialogue make this a must-read for anyone who adored Beach Read.
Vibes: enemies-to-lovers, creative angst, proximity-fueled tension.
Every Summer After
by Carley Fortune
Set against the sparkling backdrop of Barry’s Bay, this second-chance romance follows Percy and Sam, who spent six perfect summers falling in love—until everything fell apart. Now, a decade later, one weekend offers them a last chance to make things right. Fortune’s emotional debut blends nostalgia, heartbreak, and lakehouse longing in a way that will speak directly to fans of People We Meet on Vacation.
For anyone who adores childhood friends-to-lovers, time-jumping narratives, and quiet emotional build-ups.
Before I Let Go
by Kennedy Ryan
Yasmen and Josiah once had it all—a thriving business, a beautiful family, and a love that felt unbreakable. But after unimaginable loss, their marriage crumbled. Now co-parenting and running their restaurant side by side, the spark that once connected them refuses to fade. This emotionally charged, deeply moving novel explores the journey of second chances, emotional depth, and finding love again when it seems impossible.
The perfect choice if you love: emotional intensity, mature romance, and healing through heartbreak.
Witty Banter & Enemies to Lovers
Funny You Should Ask
by Elissa Sussman
Ten years after a viral celebrity profile changed her career—and her life—journalist Chani is asked to revisit the story that made her famous by spending another weekend with Hollywood heartthrob Gabe Parker. As past and present blur, this witty, layered story dives into public personas, private heartbreaks, and the stories we tell ourselves about love.
Great for: fans of Book Lovers, celebrity crushes, and sharp, emotional storytelling.
Beg, Borrow, or Steal
by Sarah Adams
Emily is a small-town writer with big dreams of becoming a bestselling author, while Jack is a successful mystery writer who has always been Emily’s biggest competition. After years of rivalry and animosity, fate brings these two enemies together when Jack returns to their hometown as Emily’s colleague and neighbor. As they both try to navigate their newfound working relationship, sparks fly between them, fueling their intense chemistry and animosity.
Perfect for: fans of Book Lovers, cozy chaos, and enemies forced to share a zip code.
Save for Later
The Love Wager
by Lynn Painter
After a hilarious one-night stand, Hallie and Jack agree to be dating app buddies—helping each other find the one. But the more they hang out, the clearer it becomes they may have already found the right person. This one’s all witty banter, electric chemistry, and irresistible rom-com energy.
Perfect if you love: Book Lovers–style sass, flirty tension, and modern matchmaking chaos.
You, Again
by Kate Goldbeck
Ari and Josh are opposites—she’s a jaded cynic, he’s a hopeful romantic—but their frenemy dynamic quickly turns into something more. Set in New York City with whip-smart dialogue and a slow-burn build, this one explores love, timing, and letting your guard down.
You’ll love this if you like: sunshine/grump pairings and sparkling conversations.
Say You’ll Remember Me
by Abby Jimenez
Xavier, a charismatic veterinarian, wins over Samantha despite his knack for saying exactly the wrong thing at exactly the wrong time, leading to an unforgettable first date. But when Samantha reveals a heartbreaking family crisis, their fragile connection is tested in ways neither expected.
For anyone who adores: emotional slow burns, messy beginnings, and heart-melting moments.
Love and Other Words
by Christina Lauren
Told in alternating timelines, this novel follows childhood best friends Macy and Elliot as they reconnect years after an unexplained rift tore them apart. Their shared history is rich with quiet library moments, first kisses, and unsaid truths—and their reunion forces them to confront what went wrong.
Amazon | Goodreads |Book Review
Read if you’re hoping for: warm memories, heartfelt tension, and bittersweet second chances.
Talking at Night
by Claire Daverley
Will and Rosie are drawn together again and again over the years—despite tragedy, distance, and timing never being on their side. With luminous prose and aching tenderness, this novel captures the quiet heartbreak and hope of love that spans a lifetime.
Ideal for readers who enjoy: emotional depth, destiny-driven romance, and beautifully slow burns.
The Paradise Problem
by Christina Lauren
Anna and West were college sweethearts who thought they had it all figured out. A quickie wedding, a planned divorce at graduation, and then happily ever after—separately. But life had other plans. Years later, Anna learns their divorce was never finalized, and they’re still legally married. When West’s inheritance comes with one condition—he must be happily married for five years—he turns to his ex-wife for help.
Perfect for fans of: fake dating, opposites attract, and hilarious forced proximity tropes.
Love Against the Odds
A Novel Love Story
by Ashley Poston
Eileen Merriweather, a literature professor, is suddenly transported into the fictional town of Eloraton—the beloved setting of her favorite romance series. But Eloraton is trapped inside an unfinished novel, its plot lines left dangling and its happily-ever-afters unresolved. As Eileen tries to guide the story to its perfect ending, she keeps running into the town’s grumpy bookstore owner with mint-green eyes and an irritatingly sexy scowl who has no intention of letting her meddle in their fate.
Perfect for fans of: whimsical, romantic novels, brimming with witty dialogue.
The Dead Romantics
by Ashley Poston
Florence Day is a romance ghostwriter who no longer believes in love—until her (very dead) editor shows up as a ghost. Stuck in her small town dealing with grief, family, and a supernatural surprise, Florence discovers that love might not be gone after all. Quirky, touching, and totally original.
Think: spooky meets swoony with a sprinkle of ghostly charm.
One True Loves
by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Emma thought she’d lost her husband Jesse forever. Years after his disappearance, she’s finally found peace—and a new fiancé. But when Jesse is miraculously found alive, she must choose between two versions of herself—and two very different futures. Emotional, raw, and deeply romantic, this story will break and remake your heart.
For fans of: love triangles with real stakes, emotional dilemmas, and the power of choosing yourself.
Hello Stranger
by Katherine Center
Sadie’s a rising portrait artist who’s just been diagnosed with face blindness. Suddenly, she’s falling for two men—but can’t tell which one she’s actually falling in love with. Hilarious, heartfelt, and hopeful, this story is a rom-com with real emotional teeth.
Great pick if you love: romantic chaos, found family, and uplifting vibes.
Promise Me Sunshine
by Cara Bastone
Still grieving her best friend, Lenny signs up for a caregiving job that unexpectedly leads her into the lives of a guarded single mom and her prickly brother, Miles. Slowly, Lenny helps bring light back into their world—and discovers that saying yes to life might bring love too.
Perfect for fans of: emotional slow burns, grumpy/sunshine pairings, and soft second acts.
Save for Later
How To End a Love Story
by Yulin Kuang
Helen Zhang is a successful, guarded TV writer working through the trauma of her teen years when she’s assigned to adapt a bestselling novel—written by Grant Shepard, the boy at the center of the tragedy she’s never quite outrun. When their paths collide again in a Hollywood writer’s room, old wounds and new feelings rise to the surface.
For anyone who adores: creative characters, intense emotional stakes, and the messy beauty of love.
The Au Pair Affair
by Tessa Bailey
Tallulah accepts a job as a live-in nanny for Burgess, a grumpy hockey veteran, and his spirited tween daughter. What starts as a professional arrangement quickly sparks into something much more complicated. With undeniable chemistry, clashing desires, and a push from Burgess’s daughter, this heartfelt story turns into a fight for their happy ending together.
Best for fans of: witty banter, smoldering tension, and classic Tessa Bailey charm.
No matter what draws you into Emily Henry’s books—the witty banter, the emotional depth, the swoon-worthy slow burns—there’s a whole world of contemporary romances ready to sweep you off your feet. Whether you’re in the mood for fake dating chaos, second chance tenderness, or a love story that makes you laugh through tears, these books are the perfect next escape. Have a favorite from the list—or one you think I missed? Let me know in the comments below.