Books to read if you love Emily Henry

Must-read romance that makes your heart ache in the best way possible.

The Pairing, First Time Caller and Everything's Fine

If your Netflix "Recently Watched" list currently features a lot of palm trees, awkward car rides, and sizzling chemistry between Emily Bader and Tom Blyth, you aren’t alone. The long-awaited adaptation of Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation has finally landed on Netflix and it’s every bit as sun-soaked and heart-wrenching as the 2021 bestseller. Whether you’ve just finished the movie and are craving more friends-to-lovers tension, or you've already memorised every line of Beach Read and Funny Story, the wait for Emily Henry’s next release can feel like a long winter. To help bridge the gap, we’ve curated a list of must-read books that capture that same romantic magic.

If you’re a fan of Emily Henry’s trademark mix of hilarious banter and all the emotions, you need to put B.K. Borison’s First Time Caller at the top of your TBR list. While Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation is all about those nostalgic summer trips, Borison gives us a modern, witty spin on Sleepless in Seattle. The story follows Lucie, a single mom who’s just trying to get by until her daughter makes a viral call to a romance hotline – suddenly putting Lucie’s dating life in the national spotlight. It’s a classic grumpy-meets-sunshine romance, but behind that it’s really a story about the courage it takes to find your own happily ever after. Don't miss B. K. Borison's latest book, And Now, Back To You, coming February 2026.

The Pairing by Casey McQuiston is the perfect next choice. Similar to Emily Henry’s second-chance romance between Poppy and Alex, the story follows Theo and Kit, two bisexual exes who used to be best friends until a messy breakup left them estranged for years. In a twist of fate, they both accidentally show up for the same three-week European food tour they’d planned back when they were still together. To prove they’re totally over each other, they kick off a high-stakes hookup competition that takes them through the most romantic parts of France, Spain, and Italy. It’s got plenty of heat and enough delicious food descriptions to make you want to book a flight immediately.


If you’re on the hunt for a romance that’ll keep you guessing will they or won't they until the very last page, you have to check out Everything’s Fine by Cecilia Rabess. It’s got that same magnetic, polar-opposite chemistry that made Poppy and Alex so addictive in People We Meet on Vacation. The story follows Jess and Josh, who start out as college rivals constantly bickering and end up working together in the high-stakes world of New York banking. It’s a total enemies-to-lovers journey that manages to be both hilarious and a little bit heartbreaking at the same time – perfect if you're looking for a contemporary romance that feels grounded and real.

You should definitely pick up One Last Summer by Kate Spencer if you’re looking for a book that feels like a warm hug. It captures that same nostalgic, pining energy that made People We Meet on Vacation so good. The story follows Clara Millen, who heads back to her favorite childhood summer camp to clear her head after a messy breakup and total burnout. Once she gets there, she finds out Pine Lake is being sold – and to make things more complicated, she’s forced to deal with Mack, her annoyingly handsome childhood rival. There are so many sparks flying between them – it’s a total page-turner that hits that sweet spot between being laugh-out-loud funny and genuinely moving.

You’ll love Unapologetic Love Story by Elle McNicoll if you’re looking for an enemies-to-lovers romance that’s as bold as it is big-hearted. It follows London’s ultimate "It Girl," Raina Lewis, who runs a massive podcast that empowers autistic women. Things get interesting when she crosses paths with Tom Branimir – an investigative journalist known as the "King of Cancel Culture" – who starts digging into her life looking for dirt, only to end up falling for her instead. It’s got that sharp, intelligent vibe that makes Book Lovers so popular, but with a voice that is entirely its own. It’s the perfect mental vacation if you want something that balances a deep emotional connection with a plot that keeps you totally hooked.

Summer in the City

by Alex Aster

Book cover for Summer in the City

Alex Aster’s Summer in the City follows Elle, a screenwriter who’s currently drowning in writer’s block with a deadline hanging over her head. Everything changes when she realises her new neighbor is actually Parker Warren – a handsome tech billionaire she had a one-time hookup with that didn't exactly end well. She decides to use him as a sort of twisted muse, which leads into a high-concept fake-dating setup that is just so much fun. It’s fast-paced, super plot-driven, and does a great job of blurring that line between hating someone and being completely attracted to them.

Before I Let You Go

by Kennedy Ryan

Book cover for Before I Let You Go

Before I Let You Go by Kennedy Ryan is exactly what you need if you’re looking for a story that’s deeply emotional and stays with you long after the final page. It’s a total must-read for anyone who loves a romance centered on hope, healing, and all the complicated feelings that come with it. The book follows Yasmen and Josiah Wade, a divorced couple who are still very much in each other's lives as they balance co-parenting and running a successful business together. Even though they’ve been through some serious heartbreak, they still have this magnetic pull toward one another that they just can't ignore. It really makes you wonder alongside them: is it actually possible to get a second chance at forever, or is it truly too late? It’s a poignant, beautiful look at how people grow and find their way back to each other.