What do you think?
Rate this book
The Beach
A sexy romantic comedy novella from USA TODAY bestselling author R.S. Grey. I’m not supposed to be on vacation with my best friend’s older brother. I’ve wanted him for so long, and now we’re unexpectedly alone in a tropical paradise. Naturally, I packed a lot of bikinis, but I should have brought armor if I want to have any hope of surviving my week away with Noah Martin…or should I say, Dr. Martin.
76 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2021
About the author
R.S. Grey
55 books12.1k followersR.S. Grey is the USA Today bestselling author of over twenty-five romantic comedies. She loves books, chocolate, reality TV, and cold weather. She lives in Texas with her husband, two daughters, and dog. Visit her at rsgrey.com.
Instagram: @AuthorRSGrey
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/RSGrey/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author...
Instagram: @AuthorRSGrey
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/RSGrey/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
May 4, 2021
A quick and refreshing read set in Tulum, Mexico. A brother's best friend romance novella between a plastic surgeon and an obstetrician. If you've had enough of "fictional" drama for the moment, and would love to read something short, sweet, and sexy, this is definitely for ya.
“There’s nothing that is going to stop me from taking what I want. Not anymore.”
July 10, 2026
⭐2.4
⛱ Plot:
The Beach follows Lindsey who finds herself on holiday alone with her best friend’s older brother, after their travel companions bail on shared plans. Having harboured a crush on Noah for years, the inevitability of attraction deepening when fuelled by close proximity is apparent before they have even reached the hotel. What follows is a speedy romance that skips the “will-they-won’t-they” entirely.
⛱ Writing Style:
R.S. Grey’s prose is accessible and designed for quick consumption. The location itself is described in an inviting, summery manner; however, some of the sensual moments feel somewhat contrived, reducing immersion. A sunny, fast-paced novella, though not always a subtle one.
⛱ Characters:
Lindsey is relatable and humorous, with an enduring admiration for her handsome companion. Noah is charismatic and emotionally steady, but together, they rely heavily on shared history as a substitute for on-page chemistry. Unfortunately, the reader is given very little detail about their previous interactions. The dynamic between them is respectful, but it leans on physical presence rather than believable emotional progression.
⛱ Impact:
This is a story about finally acting on long-suppressed feelings, personal timing, and romantic inevitability. These themes are rarely explored beyond surface-level attraction, with sexuality taking the front seat. As a result of rushed development, the romantic payoff doesn't fully land.
⛱ Overall:
A bite-size spicy holiday romance, though not a particularly memorable one. Fun in theory, mildly cringe in execution at times. Best enjoyed with lowered expectations and possibly a drink in hand.
⛱ Final Thoughts:
There’s a decent if tried and tested idea at the heart of this, but the story never quite paves the way for the conclusion to feel earned. The foundations for any relationship here are largely off-page, and lust seems more prominent than love. I was surprised to find more than one awkward massage scene to cringe at, especially when considering the minimal page count. Still, The Beach does exactly what it says on the tin, providing a palate cleanser with plenty of sun, sea and steaminess.
Spice:
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Genre:
⛱ Contemporary Romance
⛱ Holiday Romance
Tropes and Themes:
⛱ Best friend’s brother
⛱ Forced proximity
⛱ Holiday romance
⛱ Long-term crush
⛱ Beach holiday
Content Warnings:
⚠ Mild cringe moments
⚠ Second-hand embarrassment
⚠ Overuse of sunscreen as emotional foreplay
⛱ Plot:
The Beach follows Lindsey who finds herself on holiday alone with her best friend’s older brother, after their travel companions bail on shared plans. Having harboured a crush on Noah for years, the inevitability of attraction deepening when fuelled by close proximity is apparent before they have even reached the hotel. What follows is a speedy romance that skips the “will-they-won’t-they” entirely.
⛱ Writing Style:
R.S. Grey’s prose is accessible and designed for quick consumption. The location itself is described in an inviting, summery manner; however, some of the sensual moments feel somewhat contrived, reducing immersion. A sunny, fast-paced novella, though not always a subtle one.
⛱ Characters:
Lindsey is relatable and humorous, with an enduring admiration for her handsome companion. Noah is charismatic and emotionally steady, but together, they rely heavily on shared history as a substitute for on-page chemistry. Unfortunately, the reader is given very little detail about their previous interactions. The dynamic between them is respectful, but it leans on physical presence rather than believable emotional progression.
⛱ Impact:
This is a story about finally acting on long-suppressed feelings, personal timing, and romantic inevitability. These themes are rarely explored beyond surface-level attraction, with sexuality taking the front seat. As a result of rushed development, the romantic payoff doesn't fully land.
⛱ Overall:
A bite-size spicy holiday romance, though not a particularly memorable one. Fun in theory, mildly cringe in execution at times. Best enjoyed with lowered expectations and possibly a drink in hand.
⛱ Final Thoughts:
There’s a decent if tried and tested idea at the heart of this, but the story never quite paves the way for the conclusion to feel earned. The foundations for any relationship here are largely off-page, and lust seems more prominent than love. I was surprised to find more than one awkward massage scene to cringe at, especially when considering the minimal page count. Still, The Beach does exactly what it says on the tin, providing a palate cleanser with plenty of sun, sea and steaminess.
Spice:
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Genre:
⛱ Contemporary Romance
⛱ Holiday Romance
Tropes and Themes:
⛱ Best friend’s brother
⛱ Forced proximity
⛱ Holiday romance
⛱ Long-term crush
⛱ Beach holiday
Content Warnings:
⚠ Mild cringe moments
⚠ Second-hand embarrassment
⚠ Overuse of sunscreen as emotional foreplay
May 10, 2021
4.5 stars!
This was just the perfect summer romantic vacation novella! It follows two doctors that end up going together to Tulum and they’ve been pining for each other for years… now it’s finally their time to take action! I really enjoyed the characters and the massage scene was amazing.
Highly recommend, it’s a quick fun read on Kindle Unlimited.
This was just the perfect summer romantic vacation novella! It follows two doctors that end up going together to Tulum and they’ve been pining for each other for years… now it’s finally their time to take action! I really enjoyed the characters and the massage scene was amazing.
Highly recommend, it’s a quick fun read on Kindle Unlimited.
May 4, 2021
I love these quick and dirty novellas when I'm in a book-rut, and when I need something low-angst, cleanse my brain.
This was a delicious little best-friends brother, getaway steamy romance. This wasn't just smut though, while the story was short, there was actually a story.
They have wanted each other since they met, but never went there. That whole forbidden you are my sister's best friend/you are my best friend's brother. What if it doesn't work fear. Then they are both single, in Mexico and everyone else who was supposed to be on this trip canceled. How do you not cave on years of wants and desires.
The audio was great, and I enjoyed every second of this. I definitely need to pick up one of this authors full books.
Instagram | My Blog | Facebook
This was a delicious little best-friends brother, getaway steamy romance. This wasn't just smut though, while the story was short, there was actually a story.
They have wanted each other since they met, but never went there. That whole forbidden you are my sister's best friend/you are my best friend's brother. What if it doesn't work fear. Then they are both single, in Mexico and everyone else who was supposed to be on this trip canceled. How do you not cave on years of wants and desires.
The audio was great, and I enjoyed every second of this. I definitely need to pick up one of this authors full books.
Instagram | My Blog | Facebook
April 22, 2021
A short & sexy novella set in Mexico with the forced proximity/sibling’s best friend tropes.
![Profile Image for Elle ♡ [semi-hiatus].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1521418447i/78060090._UY200_CR25,0,200,200_.jpg)
June 24, 2021
It was fine ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ but I didn't really like it so I don't feel like I can give it 3 stars.
I found the writing cringey at times. I didn’t really like the h so I wish it was dual POV because I think the H could've increased my enjoyment of the novella.
At the end of the day it's only 60 pages though so it's such a quick read and I was looking for a palette cleanser after reading a long PNR series (Guild Hunter)...so it did that job I guess lol.
I found the writing cringey at times. I didn’t really like the h so I wish it was dual POV because I think the H could've increased my enjoyment of the novella.
At the end of the day it's only 60 pages though so it's such a quick read and I was looking for a palette cleanser after reading a long PNR series (Guild Hunter)...so it did that job I guess lol.
June 23, 2021
summary: she's his sister's best friend. mutual pining.
if you want something to distract you, this is the book.
the sad thing is that this book is set on a beach, but here is freaking winter, so this book made me so freaking jealous
if you want something to distract you, this is the book.
the sad thing is that this book is set on a beach, but here is freaking winter, so this book made me so freaking jealous
May 8, 2021
Cute little story about two charters that appear in Doctor Dearest. Finished super abruptly but was a nice little finisher for those two who I had hoped got together.
July 19, 2020
The Beach no fue mi relato favorito. Es lindo y todo eso pero tengo la sensacion de que al pasar todo tan rapido pierde ese toque especial que suelen tener los romances de este tipo.
Me distrajo, pero desgraciadamente no me convencio por completo.
2 Estrellas!
March 19, 2021
Carrying on with my audio novella binge reads (listen) I came across this one :)
Lindsey and Noah have been dancing around their attraction to each other for a few years now. Any time they find themselves in each others company, with their extended groups of friends and family, they are never single at the same time.
A group trip to the beach is coming up and Lindsey is a bit nervous about seeing Noah as she has recently broken up with her boyfriend. At least she will have the company of her friends to reign in her attraction to him. Until one by one, each of them pull out of the trip and the only two left are her and Noah.
Things are about to get very hot and I am not talking about the weather!
Lindsey and Noah have been dancing around their attraction to each other for a few years now. Any time they find themselves in each others company, with their extended groups of friends and family, they are never single at the same time.
A group trip to the beach is coming up and Lindsey is a bit nervous about seeing Noah as she has recently broken up with her boyfriend. At least she will have the company of her friends to reign in her attraction to him. Until one by one, each of them pull out of the trip and the only two left are her and Noah.
Things are about to get very hot and I am not talking about the weather!
December 18, 2021
what was the point...
April 26, 2021
SMOLDER, SMOLDER, SMOLDER
“I’m scared you don’t see what I’m truly after.”
Mmmm. Mmmm. Mmm. Short, hawt, and tantalizing. I need a defib to restart my heart. R.S. Grey is such a go-to author and left me breathless in this face-fanning friends-to-lovers novella with Noah (and Lindsey) from Doctor Dearest. Just the way I like a man, and he’s half-French. Need I say more?
“He whispers French words into my ear … I don’t understand a word he says, but maybe I’m not meant to. He’s saying too much, too fast.” OMG, my heart.
Two people in a lush jungle paradise with smoldering naughty thoughts … alone together on a vacation meant for four. The glances, the touches, the inner thoughts, the double meanings, the probing questions. Ooh-la-la. I was fidgety all over the place. Who needs Noah’s smoldering inner thoughts when he has no problem with tell and show.
Every exciting moment and passionate kiss was a droolworthy, vicarious feast for the eyes, heart, and palette. Oh, the erotic tease and fabulously slow build of longing and passion. Just see what waiting and holding back repressed feelings does to the libido. And you best have something icy cold on hand during the massage scene.
“Our kiss is a thousand years in the making.”
“I’m scared you don’t see what I’m truly after.”
Mmmm. Mmmm. Mmm. Short, hawt, and tantalizing. I need a defib to restart my heart. R.S. Grey is such a go-to author and left me breathless in this face-fanning friends-to-lovers novella with Noah (and Lindsey) from Doctor Dearest. Just the way I like a man, and he’s half-French. Need I say more?
“He whispers French words into my ear … I don’t understand a word he says, but maybe I’m not meant to. He’s saying too much, too fast.” OMG, my heart.
Two people in a lush jungle paradise with smoldering naughty thoughts … alone together on a vacation meant for four. The glances, the touches, the inner thoughts, the double meanings, the probing questions. Ooh-la-la. I was fidgety all over the place. Who needs Noah’s smoldering inner thoughts when he has no problem with tell and show.
Every exciting moment and passionate kiss was a droolworthy, vicarious feast for the eyes, heart, and palette. Oh, the erotic tease and fabulously slow build of longing and passion. Just see what waiting and holding back repressed feelings does to the libido. And you best have something icy cold on hand during the massage scene.
“Our kiss is a thousand years in the making.”
December 29, 2022
Story 3.25 stars. Narration 5 stars
I just expected more. Too short and it just ends with no warning. Pretty much in the middle of a sentence. I’m a fan of this author and read all her books. I found this and realized I knew nothing about it so of course I jumped in. It’s a short story, not a novella. No developing of characters or anything. Kind of disappointing, but does have a good ending.
I just expected more. Too short and it just ends with no warning. Pretty much in the middle of a sentence. I’m a fan of this author and read all her books. I found this and realized I knew nothing about it so of course I jumped in. It’s a short story, not a novella. No developing of characters or anything. Kind of disappointing, but does have a good ending.
October 4, 2021
Short, sweet, and sexy! I could have used an epilogue for after the vacation ended, but I'm not going to complain.
April 25, 2021
2.5 Stars. This was very short and didn't have much of a plot. The characters are from Doctor Dearest (which wasn't my favorite R.S. Grey book) and the story is basically the female lead internal monologuing about her crush on the guy, them hooking up a lot, and then deciding it's not just an island fling. I would have liked a little more banter and romance thrown in to round out the story a bit.
June 15, 2021
a very quick yet adorable novella. the ending seemed a little rushed and this had a great potential for a full length novel but a novella for Lindsey and Noah was pretty great too!
July 4, 2020
Relato incluido en la antología Summer fling. Entretenido.
May 27, 2021
A quick, fun read that I really needed. I can always count on RS Grey for some good time romance. While this was a standalone novella, it did feature some familiar faces from a previous Grey book, Doctor Dearest (which I did not even realize until the very end lol).
A best friend and a brother find themselves spending a vacation alone in a romantic setting in Mexico. They've always viewed each other as off limits but with no one around, everything changes. Noah and Lindsey have great chemistry even though they try to ignore it so when it finally combines, it's pretty steamy. I would have liked to have maybe an epilogue so we could see them outside of the Mexico resort, but it's a novella so we get what we get.
A best friend and a brother find themselves spending a vacation alone in a romantic setting in Mexico. They've always viewed each other as off limits but with no one around, everything changes. Noah and Lindsey have great chemistry even though they try to ignore it so when it finally combines, it's pretty steamy. I would have liked to have maybe an epilogue so we could see them outside of the Mexico resort, but it's a novella so we get what we get.
April 23, 2021
4 "My best friend's brother. " Stars!
Short, sweet, and sexy mental vacation to the beach while I did some laundry. Happy reading!
Short, sweet, and sexy mental vacation to the beach while I did some laundry. Happy reading!
August 30, 2021
The Beach is a quick and adorable novella. This had lots of room and potential to be developed in a proper novella, but I believe R.S. Grey wasn't going for that. This was more of a surface read, however, an epilogue would have tied this story much better.
3 Stars!
_________________________
For more reviews and recommendations:
☛ Facebook Page
☛ Main Blog
☛ Twitter
☛ BookBub
3 Stars!
_________________________
For more reviews and recommendations:
☛ Facebook Page
☛ Main Blog
☛ BookBub
May 25, 2021
Such a fun short read from my favorite author! A good method to spice things up again since i havent read in a while due to my hectic schedule. Love loved this book! Made me feel some typa way hahaha. Recommended!
July 13, 2021
I read this sometime in 2020, it was available through the author’s website. I remember being disappointed… I liked the book this novella was based on, but this wasn’t at the same level.
Safety is meh since they knew each other for a long time and were both with others before getting together.
Safety is meh since they knew each other for a long time and were both with others before getting together.
May 27, 2022
Fun easy sexy novella perfect for summer
July 28, 2021
A fun and flirty low-conflict beach romance. Sometimes, that's all we need.
January 10, 2022
hot. cute. quick. easy read
April 28, 2021
This was my first book/novella by RS Grey & it won’t be my last!
Friends for years, Lindsey and Noah have danced around their feelings for each other. When everyone bails on their Mexican beach vacation, the pair find themselves alone. Will they stay just friends, or will they have just a vacation fling?
If you’re looking for a sweet, sexy, low drama novella, check out 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩.
Friends for years, Lindsey and Noah have danced around their feelings for each other. When everyone bails on their Mexican beach vacation, the pair find themselves alone. Will they stay just friends, or will they have just a vacation fling?
If you’re looking for a sweet, sexy, low drama novella, check out 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩.
February 25, 2022
I think I officially need to stop reading novellas, don’t get me wrong I usually love them but I always been frustrated in the end because it’s not a full length book. Which obviously is the point because it’s a novella but I wish this one was a full length book because I really loved the characters and chemistry, this would have been an amazing full length book
🌶🌶🌶
🌶🌶🌶
November 17, 2021
So short I listened to the whole thing on my commute -
The only memorable moment is when the hero tries impresses the heroine by telling her that he can make his *own* spaghetti and meatballs instead of buying it from a restaurant. Which is so…..???? 😂😂🍝 He’s supposedly a doctor. One would think that he wouldn’t need to brag about cooking skills that an 11 year old could do.
The only memorable moment is when the hero tries impresses the heroine by telling her that he can make his *own* spaghetti and meatballs instead of buying it from a restaurant. Which is so…..???? 😂😂🍝 He’s supposedly a doctor. One would think that he wouldn’t need to brag about cooking skills that an 11 year old could do.
April 22, 2021
4.5 stars
November 18, 2022
So cute and hot! I love that they just jumped straight into it without any stupid miscommunication.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews