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emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Child abuse, Death of parent
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Child abuse, Infidelity, Death of parent
emotional
funny
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
I picked up Beach Read (my first Emily Henry book) due to all the hype surrounding Henry on bookstagram, and I'm so happy to report that I absolutely adored it! It was exactly what I was looking for--a fun, light, summery read that had emotional depth at the same time.
As a writer, I loved and appreciated the focus on books and writing. I was able to relate to January and Gus in a lot of ways because of that, and thoroughly enjoyed reading their conversations about the craft. But I also appreciated how the book could appeal to non-writers as well, and how it could have different themes depending on how you approach it.
I instantly fell in love with Gus and January as characters. Their emotions were very palpable--from their pain and anger to their happiness and longing--to the point where I was laughing and crying and feeling all the things along with them. Their backstories were gripping, engaging, and well thought out, giving them great and satisfying arcs. And the chemistry they shared with each other felt very real and was honestly just amazing to read.
My only complaint is that the progression of their relationship felt a bit funky at times to me. The enemies-to-lovers trope ended fairly quickly after they initially reconnected, and it took me a second to adjust. But once I did, I just couldn't get enough of this book. I highly recommend this book if you're looking for something lighthearted and has a lot of heart. I'm looking forward to reading more by Emily Henry!
As a writer, I loved and appreciated the focus on books and writing. I was able to relate to January and Gus in a lot of ways because of that, and thoroughly enjoyed reading their conversations about the craft. But I also appreciated how the book could appeal to non-writers as well, and how it could have different themes depending on how you approach it.
I instantly fell in love with Gus and January as characters. Their emotions were very palpable--from their pain and anger to their happiness and longing--to the point where I was laughing and crying and feeling all the things along with them. Their backstories were gripping, engaging, and well thought out, giving them great and satisfying arcs. And the chemistry they shared with each other felt very real and was honestly just amazing to read.
My only complaint is that the progression of their relationship felt a bit funky at times to me. The enemies-to-lovers trope ended fairly quickly after they initially reconnected, and it took me a second to adjust. But once I did, I just couldn't get enough of this book. I highly recommend this book if you're looking for something lighthearted and has a lot of heart. I'm looking forward to reading more by Emily Henry!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Grief
Moderate: Cancer, Child abuse, Death of parent
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Child abuse
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-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:
No
I read this book for the first time in January and I didn’t like it. I decided to give it a second chance because Book Lovers is one of my favourite books of all time, and… why did I love it so much more this time??? I definitely did not appreciate this book like I should have in January. I partially think I enjoyed it so much more this time because my taste in books has changed so much over the past six months, and this book just has everything I’m looking for.
Gus was TOO relatable. In the best and worst way. I usually find it hard to relate to the MMC because they’re… men. But, Gus and I are literally the same person.
The characters were so lovable and I enjoyed how ‘realistic’ their story was. They both had their struggles and they helped each other overcome those. I also liked how Gus and January didn’t just exist to have a relationship with each other, and they had character development outside of their romance.
One thing Emily Henry knows how to do, is make me FEEL. Her books just hit a bit too deep but I LOVE it. Emily Henry is literally my second mum.
Gus was TOO relatable. In the best and worst way. I usually find it hard to relate to the MMC because they’re… men. But, Gus and I are literally the same person.
The characters were so lovable and I enjoyed how ‘realistic’ their story was. They both had their struggles and they helped each other overcome those. I also liked how Gus and January didn’t just exist to have a relationship with each other, and they had character development outside of their romance.
One thing Emily Henry knows how to do, is make me FEEL. Her books just hit a bit too deep but I LOVE it. Emily Henry is literally my second mum.
“I’ve never met someone who is so perfectly my favourite person.”
😭😭😭 THAT’S THE MOST ROMANTIC THING I’VE EVER READ.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Cancer, Sexual content, Death of parent
Minor: Child abuse
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
I laughed and I cried! This was a fun modern second-chance romance story, with interesting sub-plots helping to show character depth. The writing competition setup was engaging, and provided some lovely cosy bookish small town America plot points and settings (book events, book clubs, research trips). The miscommunication also didn't annoy me too much, although the main character was quite dramatic! The side characters were also lovable, with a fun best friend and lesbian aunties, and I enjoyed the reflections on the main character's relationship with her parents. This was exactly what I was looking for, and I'll definitely be checking out the author's other books. I can't say this has been impactful or will particularly stick with me - but not all books need to if they are enjoyable at the time which this certainly was!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death of parent
Moderate: Cancer, Infidelity, Sexual content
Minor: Child abuse, Vomit, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was cute and fun to read, though there were points where the two main characters' flip-flopping became somewhat annoying. I get situational drama and miscommunication tropes, but they can so easily become frustrating when there's no development or progress for the majority of a book. It was definitely a slow burn for this one, but at times, it felt glacial. Also, WHERE WAS THE BEACH? IT'S CALLED "BEACH READ". Even the cover illustration clearly displays people ON A BEACH. I get marketing gimmicks, but holy shit, this is a new low.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Death, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Don't let the name of this book fool you- this is not the lighthearted read you're expecting, LOL! And even though the heavy themes were a surprise, this is easily one of the best contemporary romances I've ever read.
I one hundred percent loved Gus and January! I found their banter when they were bickering neighbors to be funny as hell and really entertaining to read. And that didn't end when they started a relationship, which is always the best. I think this book is great as it stands, but I still would've loved to see a few (if not, more) Gus POV's to really get the best reading experience out of Beach Read. Regardless, January and Gus' romance is one story I'm unlikely to ever forget. I may just need to re-read it again in the future for my cold, dead heart to feel something. Some moments were so swoon worthy, I couldn't deal!
My favorite part that I just have to highlight in my review was when Shadi and January have a reunion after the dreaded 3rd act breakup. Shadi is telling January that she's always wanted to witness her being in love, that even though the pain is bad now, love is always worth it. And January tells her she's wrong, Shadi HAS seen her in love before Gus...but with her! I love, love, LOVE the exploration of platonic soulmates. I easily saw myself and my best friend in Shadi and January. It was beautiful!
As always check the trigger warnings! I can't wait to read Book Lovers ASAP!
I one hundred percent loved Gus and January! I found their banter when they were bickering neighbors to be funny as hell and really entertaining to read. And that didn't end when they started a relationship, which is always the best. I think this book is great as it stands, but I still would've loved to see a few (if not, more) Gus POV's to really get the best reading experience out of Beach Read. Regardless, January and Gus' romance is one story I'm unlikely to ever forget. I may just need to re-read it again in the future for my cold, dead heart to feel something. Some moments were so swoon worthy, I couldn't deal!
My favorite part that I just have to highlight in my review was when Shadi and January have a reunion after the dreaded 3rd act breakup. Shadi is telling January that she's always wanted to witness her being in love, that even though the pain is bad now, love is always worth it. And January tells her she's wrong, Shadi HAS seen her in love before Gus...but with her! I love, love, LOVE the exploration of platonic soulmates. I easily saw myself and my best friend in Shadi and January. It was beautiful!
As always check the trigger warnings! I can't wait to read Book Lovers ASAP!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death of parent
Too much death cult, not enough fun beach times. The main characters are both so serious. Maybe I wasn't in the right mood to read it, but when I see a poppy, bright cover on a "lighthearted beach read" book, I assume it's going to be lighthearted and fun time. This was my second Emily Henry book after reading People we Meet on Vacation - which I thought was okay. But I'm not sure about giving their books a third try. I guess I'll go look for a light, fluffy book to fill this hole.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent
Moderate: Cancer, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Alcohol
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Child abuse, Domestic abuse