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emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Since Beach Read came out in 2020, I’ve heard nothing but good things about Emily Henry’s first adult romance novel. Years later, Henry has released three more novels in this genre and I still have yet read any of them - until now!
Beach Read follows the story of January Andrews, a published romance writer who recently lost her father. His death opened up numerous wounds when January discovered secrets he has been keeping from her, the aftermath of which sent her into an extreme writers block. Since she hasn’t sold a book and recently spilt with her long-time boyfriend, January moves into a lake house left to her by her dad, hoping write her next novel by the end of the summer.
Upon moving into the house, January “meets” her neighbor, who turns out to be her college rival Augustus Everett, a successful literary fiction writer. The two decide to make a bet, deciding they will each try to write a book in the other’s genre. The terms of their agreement cause them to spend a lot of time together, and sparks may fly…
Saying I enjoyed this book is an understatement. From the moment I started reading, January and Augustus’s story captivated me. I was swept up in the romance, rooting for them the whole way.
What pushes Beach Read into the category of an all-time favorite is the inclusion of difficult themes. I always enjoy books that cover difficult topics, so the discussion of grief and the impact that January’s fathers actions had on her was an element of the book I really enjoyed.
This book also finds our characters researching a cult, something I never expected to see in a romance novel. However, I think it was handled well. The scenes in which this topic was discussed were moving and I found myself getting goosebumps once or twice.
Despite the heavy themes, this book makes for an excellent cute romance. January and Augustus have undeniable chemistry, and the development of their romance was enough to make me giddy.
Emily Henry is an excellent writer who masterfully crafted this novel. I truly can not wait to immediately pick up one of her other books!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Infidelity, Sexual content, Death of parent
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse
Minor: Alcoholism, Suicide, Fire/Fire injury
This book also deals with cults, particularly the fallout of being in the cult on survivors, as well as the family of cult members who died.
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death of parent, Alcohol
Moderate: Child abuse, Sexual content
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Grief, Death of parent
Moderate: Cancer, Child abuse, Vomit, Religious bigotry
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
felt like a heartwarming romance book intertwined with a love letter to writing
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Death of parent
Moderate: Cancer
Minor: Child abuse
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Grief, Death of parent
emotional
funny
inspiring
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Death, Death of parent
Minor: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Vomit, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Grief
Moderate: Cancer, Child abuse, Infidelity, Vomit, Death of parent
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Grief
Minor: Vomit
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Grief, Death of parent
Moderate: Cancer, Child abuse, Infidelity
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Read For:
Quick Read
Quick Read
Hurt/Comfort
Summer Read
Author x Author
Beach Read (much like the title says)
Honestly, I wasn't feeling this one as much. The characters were okay but at times really annoying. The relationship felt rushed and a bit too forced. After they admit their feelings it’s revealed they always felt that way since they were in college… it just kinda comes out of nowhere. Then there was the ending. I love romance books as much as the next person but that was way too cliché and just really annoying. I will say I did like some of the banter was pretty good and I did like the cozy summer vibes it had.
(First Person POV)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Rep: Idk
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Cancer, Cursing, Death, Mental illness, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Death of parent, Alcohol
Minor: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Child death, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Suicide, Vomit, Religious bigotry, Car accident, Fire/Fire injury