“Beach Read” by Emily Henry is a fun and sometimes dark exploration in the realm of rom-coms.
I have to admit, I actually liked this book better than “Book Lovers” because of the layers this book played with.
The main characters, January Andrews and Augustus Everett were a fun pair to witness their attraction.
The themes of the story were secrets, realizing people were dynamic and could have multiple layers, as well as overcoming heartache and depression.
January was a typical heart-eyed romance writer who believed every story got its happy ending. At least, until her dad died and she found out about his secret life.
Tasked with the job of going through her father’s “second home” she has to face the fact that her dad had been cheating and everything she thought she knew about love and herself may have been a lie.
Then, she finds out that next door, deep and dark literary fiction writer (and college nemesis) Augustus Everett lives next door.
They jump into a heated agitated relationship at first, only to find that all this time, they may have been destined to be together.
I loved the dynamic between Gus and January. I also liked that Gus brought som depth to January’s writing while January brought some light to Gus’s. Their bet was fun to ponder.
In conclusion, Emily Henry did a fantastic book with “Beach Read.” Of the two I’ve read of hers, this one is definitely my favorite. But time will tell, because I have “People We Meet on Vacation” sitting on my TBR. 😉
