5 Romance Books Emily Henry Can’t Stop Recommending
From second-chance love to Regency romance, these are the author’s can't-miss picks
Key Takeaways
- Emily Henry calls Kennedy Ryan one of her favorite romance writers publishing today.
- Henry says she's reread ‘The Luckiest Lady in London’ five times since discovering it.
- ‘Seven Days in June’ is one of Henry's favorite novels, period, not just in romance.
Emily Henry is one of the most beloved romance authors right now, thanks to her witty dialogue, relatable characters and swoon-worthy moments. But even the queen of the genre has her own favorites. From an enemies-to-lovers slow burn to a Regency romance she’s re-read five times, Henry has a list of books she can’t stop recommending to fans. Read on to discover the romance novels topping her shelf this summer.
Emily Henry’s favorite summer reads
From enemies to lovers to regency romances, here are some of Emily Henry’s favorite books.
‘Before I Let Go’ by Kennedy Ryan
In the first book in Kennedy Ryan’s Skyland series, Yasmen and Josiah’s romance was falling apart and neither of them did anything to fix it. Now, they are in a good rhythm of co-parenting and running their businesses, but their chemistry wins out and soon they are engaging in stolen kisses and fleeting moments. Can they rekindle their love?
What Emily says: “Ryan is one of my favorite romance writers publishing today, and this book is a gorgeous, nuanced take on a second-chance love story, between two people who’ve already been through hell together.”
What readers are saying: “This book was both heart-wrenching and heartwarming. Kennedy Ryan has a way of writing that makes you feel every emotion her characters experience. From the detailed descriptions of the characters to the depth of their pain, love, and healing, it felt like I was living every moment alongside them.”
‘Evvie Drake Starts Over’ by Linda Holmes
This Read with Jenna pick follows Evvie Drake, who has barely left her house in the year since losing her husband in a car crash. Everything changes when former baseball player Dean Tenney moves into the apartment at the back of Evvie’s house. The two strike an unusual deal: Dean won’t ask about Evvie’s late husband, and Evvie won’t ask about Dean’s failed career. But as their friendship deepens, so do their feelings for one another. And soon both of them are wondering if they can hit a home run for love.
What Emily says: “This one’s just so warm and fun; I wanted to bask in it as long as possible, but I couldn’t put it down.”
What readers are saying: “This is the first book I’ve read by Linda Holmes, but definitely won’t be the last. I loved the storyline and all of the characters. It was humorous, but also very emotional. I couldn’t put this book down and would definitely recommend it!”
‘The Luckiest Lady in London’ by Sherry Thomas
Fans of Bridgerton will love this novel. Felix Rivendale, the Marquess of Wrenworth, is the man every gentleman wants to be and the one every woman wants to marry. Louisa Cantwell knows she needs to get married, but that doesn’t mean she has to like her husband. Yet when Lord Wrenworth is increasingly interested in her, unexpected feelings begin to emerge. What starts as a marriage of convenience transforms into something far more passionate. A beautiful Regency-era romance that has witty banter and sizzling chemistry.
What Emily says: “This might not make the more seasoned romance readers blush, but it was actually the first historical romance I ever read, and I’ve since re-read it no fewer than five times.”
What readers are saying: “Sherry Thomas is one of the best historical romance writers currently working. Her novels seem to always have an originality to their plotting that sets her apart. She also is an amazingly good writer, displaying cleverness and skill with her phrasing. This book is no exception. We see the characters fall for each other, but there is much angst as neither wants to admit this to the other. This was a lovely read and I highly recommend it.”
‘Thank You for Listening’ by Julia Whelan
Written by popular audiobook narrator Julia Whelan, this novel is a must-read for romance fans. It follows Sewanee Chester, who once dreamed of being an actress but now works as an audiobook narrator. When she arrives in Las Vegas for a book convention, Sewanee ends up spending a whirlwind night with a handsome stranger. Later, she receives exciting news: A famous romance novelist wants her to perform her final book alongside Brock McNight, the industry’s sexiest and most secretive narrator. What follows is a fun blend of mistaken identities, banter and chemistry that will have you swooning.
What Emily says: “Whelan’s an actor and award-winning audiobook narrator so it’s no surprise she’s got such an ear for dialogue, but still, the banter in this made me feel like I should consider retiring.”
What readers are saying: “I adored this story and the characters from page one and didn’t want the story to end. The writing is clever, with loads of witty banter and comedic moments instantly pulling me in. I loved the laugh-out-loud moments and the more poignant, heartbreaking ones. They all come together and tell a tale that is relatable and fascinating. If you love a story that is witty and clever and want that happily ever after, Thank You for Listening is the book you are looking for.”
‘Seven Days in June’ by Tia Williams
Eva Mercy, a single mom and bestselling erotica writer, never imagined she’d see Shane Hall again. When the reclusive, award-winning novelist greets her at a literary event as strangers, Eva plays along. But 12 years ago, they spent one unforgettable week together before everything fell apart. Now they share a secret: They’ve been writing about each other ever since. As they navigate the literary world together, old feelings resurface and so do old secrets
What Emily says: “Seven Days in June isn’t just one of my favorite novels with an enemies to lovers (and second-chance) relationship: It’s one of my favorite novels, period…Williams has an exceptional ability to pair these hard realities with a sparkling, laugh-out-loud humor that makes the pages fly by.”
What readers are saying: “This book was the epitome of a beautiful love story and perfect romance book. This book has changed the way I view love and how it’s supposed to be forever. Shane and Eva’s love was so raw, captivating and beautiful.”
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