Reviews with content warning for Domestic abuse - Beach Read

Reviews tagging 'Domestic abuse'

Beach Read by Emily Henry

315 reviews

maggie_hamel's review against another edition

2.75

emotional inspiring sad fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Beach Read kind of disappointed me. Maybe it's just because I'm not that into romantic comedies, but I was bored. The middle had a serious lull where I just counted down the pages I had left. What really let me down was Gus and January's relationship. Most of it was just fighting and making up. I was really done with them by the climax of the book. What redeemed it in my eyes was the family problems. The last conversation January has with Sonya, the letters, and Shadi's visit were very emotional and interesting to read. So, the end was pretty acceptable, besides the writing-part of it. I really thought it was stupid how they didn't write a real happy/sad ending. Like I don't care how Emily Henry tried to justify it, it was kind of dumb. In terms of the jokes, the Pirates of the Caribbean thing was funny, but not really enough to salvage the rest of the novel.

Content Warnings

peytongadbury's review against another edition

5.0

emotional hopeful reflective sad

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

As a self-proclaimed Emily Henry fangirl, she never misses. Beach Read is a witty, emotional tale that perfectly portrays (enemies?) to friends to lovers. I especially loved the conflict that January faces when confronted by her Father's flaws. Sometimes, realizing your parents are human and not larger than life stuns you, and when you realize that they are capable of mistakes and succumbing to temptation just like the rest of us, it forces you to reckon with your own humanity. Henry's writing is beautiful—at times it felt more like poetry than prose. I so appreciate her ability to create dynamic, three-dimensional characters that feel real. I actually miss January and Gus like they are old friends I haven't visited in a while. The dark themes Henry touches on cause you as the reader to mourn, as if you are experiencing the same grief as the characters. This romance is lovely, heartbreaking, and hopeful all in one.

Content Warnings

booksandbotanics's review against another edition

4.0

emotional funny hopeful inspiring fast-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

rockyroadbutch's review against another edition

4.75

emotional hopeful reflective relaxing sad 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: Complicated

Content Warnings

lesbivanism's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous emotional funny sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I adored Beach Read. I usually don't read romance books that sound kind of corny, and this had that description whenever I heard about it on TikTok and then picked it up at B&N. I cast my judgements aside, however, for the sake of branching out and trying new things. I am so glad that I did. This wasn't the usual dark, emotional, profound romance that I'm usually drawn to, yet I couldn't put it down all the same. Augustus and January were a captivating duo that I found myself relating to more than anything else. Often times that is what makes a good book. Emily Henry delivered more than I expected her to. I will most definitely be reading more from her.

Content Warnings

anniefizzell's review against another edition

4.5

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing sad 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: Yes

I adored this book. It may even have been a full five stars for me, but I’m trying to sit with books more before I give them that distinction hahaha. January and Gus were absolutely adorable and funny and relatable in the most gut-punching, tear-jerking ways. This one is a bit of an emotional sneak-attack! The way both Gus and January grow and learn to trust each other and learn to accept themselves is so beautiful and inspiring. I just loved them. Augustus Everett will forever be one of my favorite leading men. He was positively swoon-inducing at every turn, but also incredibly real and human in his struggles. And the BANTER between these two!! I audibly giggled several times throughout the book because of how FUN the dialogue was. So much to love about this book. I read it on the beach in Hawaii, and it really set the mood (even though it takes place on the shores of a lake and not the ocean, haha). Definitely recommend highly!!!

Content Warnings

callmeluh's review against another edition

4.0

emotional inspiring 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

This was a lot different than I expected, and I loved it so much!
I really enjoyed the writing, the characters felt real, and that's something that I really liked. It was a sweet and cute read, with also some very serious things discussed. Also it's the perfect read for summer (it is called Beach Read after all), and I'd say this book is definitely a must read if you're a rom-com lover!

Content Warnings