A review by jenneroni
Beach Read by Emily Henry
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I’m not sure why I didn’t review this on the first read - might have been because I was crying…
I adore this book. The world building is phenomenal, the character backstories are well thought out, and the sexual tension is top tier. I love a brooding, messy dark haired guy and rivals to lovers at that? Can’t be beat.
The way the story comes full circle in several ways was really satisfying. I do think January is a character that gives me secondhand embarrassment, but mostly because I would probably do the exact same things she does and it’s a real car-crash-you-can’t-look-away-from. The banter between Gus and January is probably some of my favorite of any books I’ve read, and they are some of the most real and relatable characters the author has written.
I also really liked the darker elements at play, beyond normal family dysfunction and into heart wrenching trauma. It’s not something you get a lot of in this genre and it really balanced the adorable town and numerous precious cliches & motifs throughout.
I adore this book. The world building is phenomenal, the character backstories are well thought out, and the sexual tension is top tier. I love a brooding, messy dark haired guy and rivals to lovers at that? Can’t be beat.
The way the story comes full circle in several ways was really satisfying. I do think January is a character that gives me secondhand embarrassment, but mostly because I would probably do the exact same things she does and it’s a real car-crash-you-can’t-look-away-from. The banter between Gus and January is probably some of my favorite of any books I’ve read, and they are some of the most real and relatable characters the author has written.
I also really liked the darker elements at play, beyond normal family dysfunction and into heart wrenching trauma. It’s not something you get a lot of in this genre and it really balanced the adorable town and numerous precious cliches & motifs throughout.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Infidelity, and Cancer
Minor: Addiction, Vomit, Terminal illness, and Death of parent