By: Jaye Curry, Fiction Reviewer
Beach Read (2020) follows January Andrews, a romance writer, and Gus Everett, a literary fiction author, as they challenge each other to step outside their comfort zones by swapping genres while navigating unresolved feelings and personal growth. This novel is both captivating and memorable, with a blend of witty dialogue and heartfelt moments that creates a layered exploration of love, creativity, and self- discovery.
Beach Read stands out as a compelling romance that immerses readers deeply in the chemistry and development of its lead characters, Gus Everett and January Andrews. Though they begin with differences, their evolving relationship is rooted in a relatable balance of individuality and compatibility, presented through the beloved enemies-to-lovers trope. One of the novel’s strengths is how Henry effectively explores the complexities of love, portraying it as a force that encourages personal growth and connection between two imperfect, yet complementary, individuals.
The dialogue is particularly engaging, with authentic banter that resonates with readers and adds depth to the characters’ dynamic. Henry’s evocative writing style enhances the narrative, drawing readers in through vivid descriptions. One notable example is her description of pain and vulnerability: “The ache shot through me. It felt like the first few seconds of a burn, when you couldn’t tell whether it was heat or cold burrowing into your skin but knew either way it would leave
damage” (Henry 85).
The romance in this novel is engaging, with Henry effectively maintaining tension through a dynamic push-and-pull between Gus and January. Intimate moments are interspersed throughout, only to be followed by moments of hesitation or self-doubt, creating a recurring cycle that keeps readers hooked. Central to the story is a bet between the two writers: Gus, typically a literary fiction author (like Kurt Vonnegut, George Orwell, or John Steinbeck), must write a romance novel, while January, who usually writes romance, must craft a literary novel: the first to sell their book wins. This is an act of rebellion for January, and serves as an opportunity to explore new genres and perspectives as she processes family hardships. Henry’s dedication to her characters and her nuanced portrayal of their development makes their journey both relatable and satisfying. Observing her growth and self-assurance as a writer offered a sense of catharsis. Beach Read is a romance that depicts love as more than just an emotion, emphasizing instead how a partner can add value to one’s life and inspire personal growth, are compelling.
There were many twists and turns in this novel that will leave readers with mouths agape and needing moments to compose themselves after reading. Every character in this story, from the main characters to January’s father and his first love, Sonya, are shown to be imperfect beings. There are no masks or facades, and I feel readers will appreciate how authentic these characters are; it makes them seem more relatable. Henry strips her characters down to their vulnerable foundations in a way that will be impactful to anyone reading it. When reading this novel, potential readers are able to learn the hard lesson that love does not solve all problems; however, when it is the right kind of love, it can provide the strength needed to persevere. And by love, I mean romantic, platonic, and everything in-between.
The last thing I’ll talk about regarding this book is how Henry treated the notion of ‘Happily Ever Afters.’ Oftentimes in life, especially when one is young, there’s a lot of pressure put on the future and what could happen. Will this relationship last forever or will it lead to heartbreak? Will this be my forever job? Will this college major guarantee my success? Something January and Gus practice is being happy in the present, hence “being happy for now.” If there’s a person that makes you happy or a job that fulfills you right now, bask in it and don’t question it. Henry encapsulates this sentiment with the line: “My Happily Ever After was a strand of strung-together Happy for Nows, extending back now just a year ago, but to thirty years before. Mine had already begun, and so this day was neither an ending nor a beginning” (Henry 358).
For readers who appreciate flowing dialogue and authentic chemistry between well-developed characters, Beach Read delivers. Henry’s smart, fresh, and dazzling writing makes this novel a standout in the enemies-to-lovers genre. Beach Read will have you think about what love is, what it’s not, and how it can add to the loves of humans everywhere.