Emily Henry’s Beach Read has become one of the most talked-about romance novels of recent years, and it is easy to see why. With over a million ratings and countless enthusiastic reviews, the book promises a mix of witty banter, emotional depth, and the timeless appeal of opposites attracting. But as with any popular novel, reactions from readers vary widely. Some consider it a masterpiece of contemporary romance, while others found it uneven.
At its heart, Beach Read follows two writers who could not be more different. January Andrews is a romance novelist who has lost her faith in happily-ever-afters, while Augustus Everett is a brooding literary author who kills off entire casts with ease. Both are struggling with writer’s block when they end up as neighbors in small-town Michigan. What begins as a playful challenge each agreeing to write in the other’s genre quickly develops into a story about grief, love, trust, and second chances.
What Works Beautifully
Many readers, like Nilufer Ozmekik, were swept away by the novel’s emotional force. She describes it as a “glued read,” the kind of book you simply cannot put down. The witty and sarcastic exchanges between January and Gus sparkle with energy, making their chemistry undeniable. The setup of two authors daring each other to step outside their comfort zones creates not only comedic situations but also raw, vulnerable moments. Themes of family secrets, betrayal, forgiveness, and grief add a layer of complexity that goes far beyond the typical romantic comedy.
Emily Henry excels at balancing humor with heartbreak. The scenes of January and Gus on their “field trips” whether it is watching sunsets or interviewing members of a death cult showcase how the novel swings between lighthearted romance and darker explorations of loss. For many readers, this duality is what makes the story so gripping.
Where the Story Divides Opinion
Not everyone felt the magic. Gabby, for instance, found the book inconsistent in tone. While marketed as a beachy, rom-com style story, Beach Read often dips into surprisingly heavy territory: infidelity, cult tragedies, even the raw aftermath of grief. This tonal shift left some readers feeling that the narrative could not decide whether it wanted to be lighthearted or heartbreaking. Gus, in particular, has been criticized for leaning into the “moody, brooding male lead” stereotype, which may feel frustrating or cliched for some.
Claudia Lomelí echoed similar sentiments, noting that while she loved the premise of two authors switching genres, parts of the story dragged and Gus’s behavior at times felt more irritating than romantic. For readers who prefer a straightforward, feel-good romance, the heavier themes and uneven pacing might be less appealing.
Final Thoughts
Beach Read is not a fluffy summer romance, despite what its title suggests. Instead, it is a layered and emotionally charged story that blends humor, sorrow, and love in ways that can be both surprising and divisive. For some, it is one of the best romance novels of the decade, filled with unforgettable characters and heart-melting chemistry. For others, its uneven tone and drawn-out conflicts may detract from the overall experience.
If you enjoy romance with depth, flawed characters, and a willingness to explore the darker edges of love and grief, Emily Henry’s Beach Read is worth your time. It is a story that challenges the very idea of happy endings, only to remind us why we still yearn for them.
