“Beach Read” by Emily Henry – An Audiobook Review
⭐ Rating: 4.25/5
Year Published: 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Rom-Com
Page Count: 361 (10 hr)
Narrator: Julia Whelan
Quick Summary
Emily Henry delivers a charming, emotional, and deeply satisfying romance in Beach Read. Following two rival authors—January, a romance writer, and Gus, a literary fiction author—who challenge each other to trade genres for the summer, this novel is a perfect mix of witty banter, heartfelt emotion, and the magic of storytelling itself. Set against a dreamy small-town vacation backdrop, this book is as much about love as it is about finding joy in writing again.
What I Loved
Fantastic Narration & Tandem Reading Experience: The audiobook narration was engaging and immersive, making it an even richer experience when paired with reading the physical book.
Compelling Romance: January and Gus’s rivals-to-lovers transition was perfection. Their chemistry, sharp dialogue, and slow-burn tension made their journey feel authentic and rewarding.
A Small-Town Setting Full of Summer Charm: The vacation-town atmosphere added a sense of escapism, making this a perfect beach (or anytime) read.
A Writer’s Dream Premise: I love books that offer a peek into the writing process, and Beach Read delivered. Watching these two swap genres and push each other creatively was one of the book’s most delightful aspects.
A Great Introduction to Emily Henry: This was my first Emily Henry book, and it definitely won’t be my last!
What Didn’t Quite Work for Me
A Few Slower Moments: While the romance and premise were fantastic, there were moments where the pacing dragged slightly, particularly in the middle.
Who Should Read (or Listen to) This?
If you love smart, emotional contemporary romance with depth, Beach Read is a must. Fans of rivals-to-lovers, books about writers, and stories that balance humor with heartfelt themes will find plenty to adore. Whether you read it, listen to it, or do both like I did, this book is well worth the experience.
Final Thoughts
Beach Read is a beautifully written, engaging romance that is as much about self-discovery as it is about love. With a unique premise, fantastic characters, and a setting that feels like a vacation in itself, Emily Henry proves why she’s a standout in the contemporary romance genre. Highly recommend—and I can’t wait to read more of her work!
