Emily Henry’s romantic male leads, ranked 

If you are a fan of the cheesy romance tropes that have gained popularity, you most definitely have heard of Emily Henry. For those unfamiliar, Emily Henry is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of “Book Lovers,” “People We Meet on Vacation,” “Beach Read” and “Happy Place,” These works of fiction all have one thing in common: dreamy romantic leads and smut.  

Henry uses classic romance tropes in her novels that make the romantic leads even better. For example, “Book Lovers” is most well known for the “enemies to lovers” trope. That is, a pair of enemies who somehow manage to fall in love by the end of the novel, overcoming their sheer hatred of each other. The better the trope, the better the male lead seems to appear. I thought the best way to spend Valentine’s Day was reminiscing about Henry’s best male leads in all four of her novels and of course, ranking them. Maybe this can inspire you to read her novels this year! 

4. Wyn Connor from “Happy Place” 

I cannot describe it but the entire book had a disappointing feeling to it. “Happy Place” follows Wyn Connor and Harriet Kilpatrick, the perfect couple since college. From a loud friend group, the couple emerged and became the definition of love for all. Until Connor broke up with Kilpatrick over a four-minute phone call and now they are stuck pretending like they are still together at their friend’s yearly get-together. The fake-dating trope is evident throughout the entire novel. First off, a phone call break-up to end a year-long relationship is not what I need in my male lead. Although, spoiler, Connor’s breakup has fair reasoning, it is bullshit to make a character suffer so much pain (which Henry barely shows in Kilpatrick) all over miscommunication. His unwillingness to communicate while clearly still being in love with Kilpatrick comes off as annoying and unnecessary. The entire time I was reading “Happy Place” I was begging for it to get better and make me fall in love with Connor, but it never happened.  

3.  Alex Nilsen from “People We Meet on Vacation” 

I cannot tell whether this is an unpopular opinion, but Alex did nothing for me. For those who haven’t read it, “People We Meet on Vacation” is about two best friends from college, Alex Nilsen and Poppy Wright. Nilsen presents as the polar opposite of Wright. Wright is the wild child who can’t sit still and has an insatiable personality to Nilsen’s quiet, simple and broody attitude. They personify the friends-to-lovers trope starting with their friendship in college and into traveling together during post-graduate life. After a falling out two years ago, Wright decides it’s time to make up with one last trip together. However, something is just missing from the entire relationship. Nilsen did not swoon me away with words or actions like I thought he would. His quiet and simple attitude comes off as boring and one-dimensional. I couldn’t understand his depth or energy the entire novel. The character fell flat across all standards for romantic male leads.  

2. Charlie Lastra from “Book Lovers” 

There is something about the enemies- to-lovers plot in “Book Lovers” that works for Charlie. “Book Lovers” is about Nora Stephen and Charlie Lastra who are both rival literary agents working in the publishing industry. Despite being dedicated to her work, Stephen is forced on a trip to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina as a gift to her younger sister. However, she can’t get away from Lastra and the two realize they are more similar than they thought. I read this book in one sitting, unable to stop, which is a clear indicator of a wonderful male lead that kept me on my toes. I am not lying when I say I was giggling the entire time. Lastra makes great banter throughout the entire novel and his conversations with Stephen were perfect. The way Lasta’s character is written is perfect and it makes readers see he’s not actually an asshole but just misunderstood and has his guard up. The book balanced the perfect level of a cheesy city boy and a country man.  

1. Augustus Everett from “Beach Read” 

Augustus Everett. Nothing else needs to be said. There is a reason why “Beach Read” is so widely known. Everett is written like the guy you are dreaming of. “Beach Read” features January Andrews, a bestselling romance writer, and Everett, a serious literary writer who find themselves living next door all summer long while both stuck in a literary rut. They decide to motivate each other to write and get closer than they ever could realize by the end of summer. Everett is written as a unique and multi-faceted character. He has some of the best lines throughout the entire book, for example, “You know that feeling, when you’re watching someone sleep and you feel overwhelmed with joy that they exist?” He has a beautiful balance of a realistic romance but an unattainable feeling that reminds you it’s a novel. I know I said Lastra  made me giggle, but when I tell you I had to put the book down so many times for Everett, I mean it. I read “Beach Read’ on the train and it was the only time that I wished a ride was longer. He is the classic misunderstood male lead and he owns the title of best romantic male lead.  

Hopefully, this list encourages you to read Emily Henry! However, if you’re an old fan waiting for something new, make sure to watch the release of Emily Henry’s newest book “Funny Story” on April 23, 2024!