While I would never say I’m a romance book lover, I still enjoy reading them occasionally. However, I’m really picky about the romance books I do read. I try to stay away from anything super sappy or over the top, and I need it to have humor. My ideal romance book is basically a romcom but book version. One of my favorite romance books is Beach Read by Emily Henry.

Beach Read is about two authors who have a long-time rivalry. January Andrews is a romance book writer, and Augustus Everett is a literary fiction writer. They both attended the same college and were in many classes together. Augustus was always critical of January’s work, so when January moves to her late father’s beach house, sad and in a difficult situation, the last thing she wants is to see her extremely successful rival. However, slowly they become friends after they strike a deal; January will write a literary fiction novel, and Augustus will try his best to write a romance. Throughout the summer, they try to meet their respective deadlines while also working through the traumas in their past, but will they be able to turn their college rivalry into something more?

Reasons I love Beach Read:

1. The family dynamics
   1. Let’s just say that this book has some twisted family dynamics. The different relationships made the plot more interesting to read since the entire book wasn’t just about Augustus and January. I won’t spoil too much about the families, especially since it is such a big part of the story, but I always like it when books play with relationships in families. They can be so complex (oftentimes even more complex than the actual romance), which is what makes it so engaging to read about. I need that added factor in a romance book since it makes January and Augustus’ struggles feel more real.
2. The relationship!!!
   1. Augustus and January have such good chemistry that it makes you want to follow their relationship. The progression of the friendship to rivalry to more was very natural feeling. If you haven’t read this book then you won’t understand, BUT if you have read it then you will understand this quote: “When I watch you sleep,” he said shakily, “I feel overwhelmed that you exist.” I actually put the book down when I read this (you need the context of the plot, but trust me, you will have the same reaction as me). I’m in love with Augustus and I am not ashamed to admit that.

3. The bet
   1. Their deal to write in each other’s genres and try to get a book deal first was such a good storyline. It allowed them to develop a friendship over a shared interest, so it wasn’t like the author was forcing them to hang out or interact. Also, part of the deal is that they take each other on research trips. January takes Augustus on perfect dates to show him where her characters would fall in love. Whereas Augustus took her on interviews with ex-cult members. Again, the outings provided them a natural way to develop a relationship.

While this obviously isn’t some revolutionary book, it is a cute story that you will get at least some happiness out of. Sometimes the writing is slightly cheesy, but when reading a romance book, I feel like that’s just a given. Also, there are technically two endings. There is an American ending and an United Kingdom ending. I prefer the UK ending, but both are basically the same. If you like romance of any kind…  just read it.

(Also she’s coming out with a new book called Book Lovers and I am way too excited for it.)

Works Cited: https://ew.com/books/emily-henry-beach-read-interview/