Emily Henry’s Beach Read is the witty, heartfelt rom-com that made her a romance favorite. Two writers with opposite styles and a shared case of writer’s block end up as next-door neighbors for the summer — and make a bet that just might fix their books and their hearts.
Get the Beach Read Audiobook on AmazonListen on Audible · also in Kindle & printWhat Beach Read is about
Beach Read follows January Andrews, a romance novelist whose life and career have stalled, and Augustus Everett, an acclaimed literary author and her old college rival. When they discover they’re spending the summer in neighboring houses on the lake, the two strike a deal: each will try writing in the other’s genre.
As January attempts something more serious and Gus tries his hand at a happy ending, their rivalry softens into something deeper. Funnier and more emotional than its breezy title suggests, it’s a story about grief, second chances, and finding hope when you’ve lost faith in it.
| Author | Emily Henry |
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Why Beach Read is great on audio
The sharp banter and chemistry make the Beach Read audiobook a delightful listen. Perfect for a commute, a beach day, or a cozy night in.
Who should listen
For readers who love enemies-to-lovers, writer characters, and rom-coms with real emotional weight. If you want pure light comedy with no heavier themes, note that grief is part of the story.
If you like Beach Read, listen to these next
- Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover
- The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
- People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
How to listen to Beach Read
Beach Read is available on Audible and Amazon. If you’re new to Audible you can listen with a free trial, or buy the audiobook (also in Kindle and print) on Amazon.
Get the Beach Read Audiobook on AmazonListen on Audible · also in Kindle & printFrequently asked questions
Is Beach Read a standalone?
Yes — it’s a standalone contemporary romance.
Is it a light beach read?
It’s funny and romantic, but despite the title it also explores grief and serious themes, so it has more depth than the name suggests.
How can I listen to the Beach Read audiobook?
It’s available on Audible and Amazon. New Audible members can start with a free trial, or buy it on Amazon.
What’s the central premise?
Two rival writers — a romance author and a literary novelist — challenge each other to write in the other’s genre over one summer.

