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A review by alexalala
Beach Read by Emily Henry
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Synopsis: August is a writer of gritty literary fiction. January writes romance novels that fly off the shelves. Both of them have horrible writer's block and happen to be living next door to each other in their respective beach homes. They make a pact - each will write in the other's genre to get past their writer's block. They grow closer as each writes their novel, but they definitely won't fall in love, right?
The good: I love Emily Henry's talent for writing non-cringey banter between characters. I laughed, I teared up at the character's growth, and it was overall a really enjoyable read. Henry has a unique style putting her books together and I think that's why they're so popular and feel different than a lot of other romance novels.
The meh: This could have easily worked a friendship as well, there didn't seem to be huge stakes for their relationship. I think I have a problem with romance for the same reason I enjoy it: it's not very intense or groundbreaking. It follows familiar tropes, and so does this one: rivals to lovers and grumpy x sunshine. Because of that this book was pretty predictable.
The verdict: Great summer read, romance with more than just the relationship.
You will like this if you enjoy: summer reads, small towns, vacation, rivals to lovers, grumpy x sunshine, grief and loss, and slow burns.
The good: I love Emily Henry's talent for writing non-cringey banter between characters. I laughed, I teared up at the character's growth, and it was overall a really enjoyable read. Henry has a unique style putting her books together and I think that's why they're so popular and feel different than a lot of other romance novels.
The meh: This could have easily worked a friendship as well, there didn't seem to be huge stakes for their relationship. I think I have a problem with romance for the same reason I enjoy it: it's not very intense or groundbreaking. It follows familiar tropes, and so does this one: rivals to lovers and grumpy x sunshine. Because of that this book was pretty predictable.
The verdict: Great summer read, romance with more than just the relationship.
You will like this if you enjoy: summer reads, small towns, vacation, rivals to lovers, grumpy x sunshine, grief and loss, and slow burns.