I joined with "Angie Elle" to buddy read this book and quite frankly only this buddy reader could have gotten me to read this book because this is definitely not a book I would have read on my own. One its super hyped up, two-many mixed reviews on here, three--cover (animated covers are a big turn off for me) but I figured it was good to read something new and different that I normally wouldn't and I was also able to listen to this as an audiobook with Julie Whelan which made the world of a difference.

Beach Read is a cute story, its different, and I wouldn't necessarily call this a romance romance...closer to a women's fiction over a romance novel. Even though it has one sex scene but the ending didn't have its HEA feel...more of an HFN ending which isn't my favorite to be honest. It does deal with some difficult issues such as marital affairs and the complex emotions and difficulties causes by all parties involved. (The marital affair does not include either of the main protagonists) I liked how human it made that feel and that matters are never black and white as we all seem to think. While its not my favorite concept to see in a story, I liked the complexity that it offered. I will mention this is NOT a Rom Com. I don't think I laughed once. It didn't have the humor I was expecting to have, in fact it does deal with some darker issues.

I found this one to be a solid story though and enjoyed seeing this slow burn romance build as it did and was a quick listen for me. And it sounds great even at 2.00 speed of listening.