A review by bookedbymadeline
Beach Read by Emily Henry

emotional funny hopeful relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

5.0

I was pulled in right away and flew through this book! I love Henry’s writing style and characters, with this being the second book I’ve read from her she’s firmly put herself on my auto buy author list!

I absolutely adored the Michigan references!! I also loved the subtle nod to a Hope College staple but I will be gatekeeping it 😂 I enjoyed the banter and the slow burn for the romance. 

I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much reading a romance book
Also I wouldn’t classify this as having a third act breakup which made me so happy! Without getting too spoiler-y, for me a third act break up means the characters separate for 1 week or more and this wasn’t the case.

A beautiful novel about love, loss, grief, and new beginnings. I adored everything about this book; the characters are well written and had great developments along the way, the writing held my attention, the chemistry was amazing, well written dialogue to make you feel all the emotions, and the setting was so clearly written that I felt nostalgic for my home state where I’ve spent many childhoods at Lake Michigan 💙

My one very minor “negative” is the ending. I liked it well enough (I read the US edition for reference) but after finding out what the UK ending is, I would’ve preferred that one. It was a good ending but the UK ending makes more sense for Gus and January! 

I have so many favorites for this month which is amazing but will be a challenge for picking my top pick at the end of July 🙈 

Spice level: 🌶️ (1.5/3)
Tropes: rivals to lovers, forced proximity 
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