Beach Read

by Emily Henry
Beach Read cover
Good Books rating 4.31
Contemporary Fiction
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 1731
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9781984806741
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 2020-05-19
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Beach Read is a heartwarming and witty novel by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Funny Story. It features a romance writer who has lost her faith in love and a literary writer stuck in a creative rut. They engage in a summer-long challenge to write outside their usual genres, with hilarious and heartwarming results. The story is set in neighboring beach houses, where the two authors navigate their personal and professional lives while trying to break free from their writer's block. As featured in numerous prominent publications, this book is a delightful exploration of love, creativity, and the unexpected connections that can form between seemingly opposite people. The novel's unique premise and engaging characters make it a standout in contemporary fiction, offering a fresh take on the classic romantic comedy trope.

Reviews
Leah's Little Pleasures · 2025-07-22
fantastic 4.75

A perfect rom-com that is fast-paced, witty, and heartfelt. It balances humor and raw emotion beautifully.

This reviewer adored Beach Read, calling it everything they love in a rom-com. The book is fast-paced and witty, with a perfect blend of humor and raw emotion. They found themselves laughing and feeling deeply connected to the characters and their journey. The balance between lighthearted moments and more serious, heartfelt scenes makes this book a standout. It's a romantic and engaging read that leaves a lasting impression.

Quick quotes

    Beach Read is everything I love in a rom-com!

    It's fast-paced, witty, and romantic and also heartfelt, real, and raw.

    I found myself laughing out loud and feeling deeply connected to the characters.

Gisselle Reads · 2025-06-25
excellent 4.50

The enemies-to-lovers trope is executed perfectly, living up to the hype. The story addresses deeper issues within the romantic plot.

This reviewer loved the enemies-to-lovers dynamic in Beach Read, feeling it was executed flawlessly. They found the story to be engaging and well-crafted, living up to the high expectations set by its reputation. The romance is not just surface-level; it addresses deeper themes and issues, adding depth to the narrative. This makes the book a standout in the romance genre, combining humor and heartfelt moments seamlessly.

Quick quotes

    This is an enemies to lover romance and in my opinion it was executed perfectly!

    It definitely lived up to the hype for me.

    The story addresses deeper issues within the romantic plot.

Bookish Wayfarer · 2024-05-24
thoughtful 4.00

The book defies the typical beach read trope with its depth and substance. It's a romance that delves into more serious themes.

This reviewer points out that Beach Read is far from the light, fluffy read its cover might suggest. It's a romance, yes, but one that tackles deeper issues and doesn't shy away from complexity. They appreciate the author's ability to weave serious themes into a seemingly simple story. The setting and plot might hint at a straightforward romance, but the execution is anything but, making it a more substantial read than one might expect.

Quick quotes

    Beach Read is not a beach read.

    It might have a cutesy cover, an idyllic setting, and a romance-driven plot, but it is not a fluff read.

    It has depth and substance that sets it apart from typical beach reads.

The Wallflower Digest · 2024-03-22
Delightful 4.00

A charming and grown-up romance with a Happy For Now ending, offering a peek into the writing process.

This book is a delightful mix of humor and romance, with a Happy For Now ending that feels satisfying. The reviewer particularly enjoyed the insights into the writing process, adding an extra layer of depth to the story. It's a lighthearted yet meaningful read that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

Quick quotes

    Funny yet grown-up romance with a Happy For Now.

    Most of all I loved the peak into the writing process!

    I inhaled this book!

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