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A review by allie_english
Beach Read by Emily Henry
5.0
This is the best rom-com I've ever read. I put heavy emphasis on the comedy half of rom-com because this is the only adult romance book I've ever read that actually made me laugh out loud. There were a few moments were I felt the writing was a bit too fluffy (especially towards to the end) however overall I would say this is my favourite contemporary romance novel that I've read.
It just seemed to do something new for me. Whereas it had tropes I've read before Beach Read felt fresh. The character's had banter which seemed realistic and not forced by an author who was trying to make her characters feel real. The surrounding cast of characters fade into the background but are all easy to like. The main story is that of January and Gus and it is brilliant.
What Beach Read does do is provide a darker background to the characters. The bet, which is the main driving force of the plot, constantly reminds the readers that although this book is a romance it also deals with some very serious subject matter. Much like the two writing styles discussed by January and Gus, Emily Henry herself uses a blend of romance and literary fiction to create a book filled with scenes which are idealistic and romantic as well as ones that are starker and slightly cynical.
I thought I would like this book going into it but I loved it. This is a book I will return to time and time again to re-read. Definitely one of the best books to come out of 2020.
It just seemed to do something new for me. Whereas it had tropes I've read before Beach Read felt fresh. The character's had banter which seemed realistic and not forced by an author who was trying to make her characters feel real. The surrounding cast of characters fade into the background but are all easy to like. The main story is that of January and Gus and it is brilliant.
What Beach Read does do is provide a darker background to the characters. The bet, which is the main driving force of the plot, constantly reminds the readers that although this book is a romance it also deals with some very serious subject matter. Much like the two writing styles discussed by January and Gus, Emily Henry herself uses a blend of romance and literary fiction to create a book filled with scenes which are idealistic and romantic as well as ones that are starker and slightly cynical.
I thought I would like this book going into it but I loved it. This is a book I will return to time and time again to re-read. Definitely one of the best books to come out of 2020.