About The Book
Augustus Everett, a literary fiction author, and January Andrews, a romance writer, are polar opposites. They end up as neighbors in beach houses, both struggling with writer’s block. To shake things up, they make a deal: Augustus will write a happy story, and January will attempt a serious novel. As they explore each other’s worlds, they vow not to fall in love—though that might be inevitable.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3YOSmOa

My Rating

I’d heard so much about ‘Beach Read’ by Emily Henry before picking it up, and it’s easy to see why it’s one of her most popular books. I initially thought it was an enemies-to-lovers story, but it’s more of an opposites-attract situation, which was a pleasant surprise.

What really caught me off guard was the depth of the main character, January. I went into the book expecting a light and fluffy rom-com, but her struggles added an unexpected heaviness to the story. These layers made her character much more relatable and interesting to follow.

The interactions between January and Augustus, the male lead, were a highlight for me. Their chemistry felt genuine, not just driven by witty banter, which made their connection feel authentic. Their agreement to write books in each other’s genres was a fun twist, and I loved their research outings together. You could feel their attraction build gradually, rather than being an instant connection, which made it even more satisfying.

I appreciated how the characters learned to open up to each other while still dealing with their personal issues independently. This gave their relationship a healthy dynamic, avoiding the trap of a rebound or grief-driven romance. I also liked how they pushed each other out of their comfort zones, not just in their writing but in their personal growth.

“People were complicated. They weren’t math problems; they were collections of feelings and decisions and dumb luck.”

The only part that left me conflicted was how January’s issues with her dad were resolved. While I didn’t dislike the direction it took, I wasn’t a fan of it either. That said, I understand it was a complicated and messy situation, so I get that it isn’t something that can be easily resolved. However, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the story.

The writing was fantastic, and I’m realizing that I might just be an Emily Henry fan. While her style isn’t necessarily groundbreaking, it’s impressive to learn that she didn’t even consider herself a romance writer when she wrote this book. Knowing she primarily wrote young adult books before this showcases just how talented she is.

Overall, I can see why this book gets so much hype, and for once, I actually agree with it. I know—shocker! If you’re looking for a fun romance that still touches on deeper topics, this is a great pick. It’s the perfect beach read—pun intended—that you can easily devour in a day. Also, if I had to rate this book on a spice scale, I would say it’s probably a 2 out of 5, so the sexy scenes aren’t that intense.

In the comments, let me know if you’ve read this book or if it’s on your TBR. Don’t forget to share this post with other book lovers. And if you enjoy bookish content, click the follow button so you never miss a post!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny