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The Beach Reads Book Club
Welcome to the Beach Reads Book Club…where love is just a page away…
When Lottie Watt is unceremoniously booted out of her uptight book club for not following the rules, she decides to throw the rulebook out the window and start her own club – one where conversation, gin and cake take precedent over actually having read the book!
The Beach Reads Book Club soon finds a home for its meetings at Books by the Bay, a charming bookshop and café owned by gorgeous, brooding Matthew Steele, and as the book club picks heat up, so too does the attraction between Matt and Lottie.
If there’s anything Lottie has learned from the romances she’s been reading, it’s that the greatest loves are the ones hardest earned.
A love letter to chicklit, romance, romcoms, whatever you want to call them!
When Lottie Watt is unceremoniously booted out of her uptight book club for not following the rules, she decides to throw the rulebook out the window and start her own club – one where conversation, gin and cake take precedent over actually having read the book!
The Beach Reads Book Club soon finds a home for its meetings at Books by the Bay, a charming bookshop and café owned by gorgeous, brooding Matthew Steele, and as the book club picks heat up, so too does the attraction between Matt and Lottie.
If there’s anything Lottie has learned from the romances she’s been reading, it’s that the greatest loves are the ones hardest earned.
A love letter to chicklit, romance, romcoms, whatever you want to call them!
276 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2021
146 people are currently reading
2764 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Freeman
28 books446 followersI was born in Wallingford, England and have spent most of my life living in a village outside Windsor. A former pharmacist, former pharmaceutical industry employee I’m now a self-employed medical writer who also loves to write romance. Some days a racing heart is a medical condition, others it’s the reaction to a hunky hero…
I’ve two teenage boys and a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to bother buying a card again this year (yes, he does) so the romance in my life is all in my head. Then again, my husband’s unstinting support of my career change goes to prove that love isn't always about hearts and flowers - and heroes can come in many disguises
I’ve two teenage boys and a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to bother buying a card again this year (yes, he does) so the romance in my life is all in my head. Then again, my husband’s unstinting support of my career change goes to prove that love isn't always about hearts and flowers - and heroes can come in many disguises
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 287 reviews
June 28, 2021
Thank you NetGalley and One More Chapter for the eARC for review!
When Lottie Watt decides to start her own book club for light, fun reads, she thinks her favourite book store is the perfect place to have it - if she can get the steely owner to agree.
This is a fun read. In fact, it's probably the very same kind of book that The Beach Reads Book Club would pick up, though some of the characters might complain about the tameness of the sex scenes. It's fluffy, easy, light on the drama and full of likeable characters I'd like to share a drink with.
Lottie was a great protagonist - easy-going, forgiving, kind, generous, but strong and stubborn in her own way. Matt, in turn, was a great foil - rigid and standoffish, at least at first, witty, smart, and adoring. The lovers really balanced each other out, and they're chemistry was palpable.
All that said, I found the story a little.. simple. There's not much going on plot wise except for our two lovebirds flitting around their feelings for the other, until an old flame comes into the mix. Even when the romance does start to come to fruition, the beginning felt a bit lacklustre. In romance novels, I'm used to those first moments being charged, unstoppable, passionate. Here, it was simple. I know Matt is clearly very methodical and serious, but there’s something so sexy about a guy like that finally giving up control for a moment. Even after, the steamy scenes were fairly short and straighforward. This happened. Then this. Then we both did this. Not the sort of drawn out-lyrical, long-awaited scene you find in most romances.
Maybe I’m just not used to reading about a mature adult relationship. Matt and Lottie communicated so well, but I’m craving a bit more messiness. (That said, I love Matt's gentleman-ness, and how consent was always emphasized, especially in the beginning).
I wasn't a fan of Matt's attitude toward food. While he never made Lottie feel bad about her diet, the inner dialogue about carbs and calories and clogging arteries and jogging to work off a meal felt superfluous. It would have been enough to have one mention of his diet, where it was the only thing he felt he could control growing up, but Freeman talks about it again and again. It just came across a bit judgey and pretentious, which I know is the farthest thing from Matt's true characterization.
This is really nitpicking, but there were a few times when "OMG" is written in the dialogue, not the full “oh my god”. People in their 30s and 40s don't say this in real speech.
Finally, during the chapter where the book club is discussing The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang, one of the characters starts to describe the book by saying the main character has Aspergers. This is an outdated and very harmful name for someone on the spectrum, as the syndrome was named after Hans Asperger, a n*zi collaborator who experimented on kids with autism.
All that aside, as mentioned, this was a definitely a Beach Read. I wish we got a little more drama and a little more steam, but the book definitely succeeding in what it set out to do!
When Lottie Watt decides to start her own book club for light, fun reads, she thinks her favourite book store is the perfect place to have it - if she can get the steely owner to agree.
This is a fun read. In fact, it's probably the very same kind of book that The Beach Reads Book Club would pick up, though some of the characters might complain about the tameness of the sex scenes. It's fluffy, easy, light on the drama and full of likeable characters I'd like to share a drink with.
Lottie was a great protagonist - easy-going, forgiving, kind, generous, but strong and stubborn in her own way. Matt, in turn, was a great foil - rigid and standoffish, at least at first, witty, smart, and adoring. The lovers really balanced each other out, and they're chemistry was palpable.
All that said, I found the story a little.. simple. There's not much going on plot wise except for our two lovebirds flitting around their feelings for the other, until an old flame comes into the mix. Even when the romance does start to come to fruition, the beginning felt a bit lacklustre. In romance novels, I'm used to those first moments being charged, unstoppable, passionate. Here, it was simple. I know Matt is clearly very methodical and serious, but there’s something so sexy about a guy like that finally giving up control for a moment. Even after, the steamy scenes were fairly short and straighforward. This happened. Then this. Then we both did this. Not the sort of drawn out-lyrical, long-awaited scene you find in most romances.
Maybe I’m just not used to reading about a mature adult relationship. Matt and Lottie communicated so well, but I’m craving a bit more messiness. (That said, I love Matt's gentleman-ness, and how consent was always emphasized, especially in the beginning).
I wasn't a fan of Matt's attitude toward food. While he never made Lottie feel bad about her diet, the inner dialogue about carbs and calories and clogging arteries and jogging to work off a meal felt superfluous. It would have been enough to have one mention of his diet, where it was the only thing he felt he could control growing up, but Freeman talks about it again and again. It just came across a bit judgey and pretentious, which I know is the farthest thing from Matt's true characterization.
This is really nitpicking, but there were a few times when "OMG" is written in the dialogue, not the full “oh my god”. People in their 30s and 40s don't say this in real speech.
Finally, during the chapter where the book club is discussing The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang, one of the characters starts to describe the book by saying the main character has Aspergers. This is an outdated and very harmful name for someone on the spectrum, as the syndrome was named after Hans Asperger, a n*zi collaborator who experimented on kids with autism.
All that aside, as mentioned, this was a definitely a Beach Read. I wish we got a little more drama and a little more steam, but the book definitely succeeding in what it set out to do!
June 30, 2021
The Beach Reads Book Club is a charming story that follows bookstore owner Matthew Steele and book club organizer Lottie Watt. When Lottie is thrown out of a stuffy book club, she decides to create her own with fun books and like-minded readers. Lottie asks the owner of a local bookstore if she can hold the meetings there, and her life is irrevocably changed. Matthew, the handsome and brooding bookstore owner, is a distraction Lottie didn’t anticipate, and as her book club takes off, so do her feelings for Matt. However, Matt sends mixed signals, and Lottie isn’t ready for a long-term commitment. Will Lottie and Matt find their happily-ever-after?
Lottie has such a positive impact on those she meets. Selfless, helpful, and observant, Lottie understands people and intrinsically knows what they need. She is funny and supportive and vibrant, and people are drawn to her. From the book club members to Matt and his family, Lottie changes people’s lives for the better and, ever humble, doesn’t even realize she is doing it. This is especially true with Matt.
At the start of the story, Matt is so withdrawn and emotionally closed off. Wounds and regrets from the past define his present. However, the more time he spends with Lottie, the more he sees what he really wants in life. He grows so much throughout the story, and his relationships and sense of self are improved because of it. Matt’s such a fantastic character and the perfect match for Lottie.
The love story between Lottie and Matt is the perfect balance of sweet and steamy. Two people who are still healing from past relationships, neither Lottie nor Matt are ready for a serious relationship, but they find it difficult to resist their growing feelings. I like how they learn from each other and step out of their comfort zones as they get to know each other. These opposites have a wonderful romance, and their chemistry is off the charts, much to the delight of the book club.
The members of the Beach Reads Book Club are fantastic! This group of women has a shared love of beach reads, and I can totally relate. I love a swoon-worthy romance and would love to join a book club like this. They are so fun and funny, and they become so much more than a book club. There is a found family dynamic in the club, and in extension the bookstore, that is heart-warming and hysterical.
I also love the chapter titles, which are the titles of the books the club plans to read. The titles often reflect what is happening in the story and are also a great way to introduce the readers to other beach reads as well as the main events and feelings of the chapter. This is a great book for readers who like heartwarming and fun contemporary romance or rom-coms with great messages, well-developed and relatable characters, and a fantastic love story. It’s a charming summer read with a little bit of steam and a lot of fun!
Lottie has such a positive impact on those she meets. Selfless, helpful, and observant, Lottie understands people and intrinsically knows what they need. She is funny and supportive and vibrant, and people are drawn to her. From the book club members to Matt and his family, Lottie changes people’s lives for the better and, ever humble, doesn’t even realize she is doing it. This is especially true with Matt.
At the start of the story, Matt is so withdrawn and emotionally closed off. Wounds and regrets from the past define his present. However, the more time he spends with Lottie, the more he sees what he really wants in life. He grows so much throughout the story, and his relationships and sense of self are improved because of it. Matt’s such a fantastic character and the perfect match for Lottie.
The love story between Lottie and Matt is the perfect balance of sweet and steamy. Two people who are still healing from past relationships, neither Lottie nor Matt are ready for a serious relationship, but they find it difficult to resist their growing feelings. I like how they learn from each other and step out of their comfort zones as they get to know each other. These opposites have a wonderful romance, and their chemistry is off the charts, much to the delight of the book club.
The members of the Beach Reads Book Club are fantastic! This group of women has a shared love of beach reads, and I can totally relate. I love a swoon-worthy romance and would love to join a book club like this. They are so fun and funny, and they become so much more than a book club. There is a found family dynamic in the club, and in extension the bookstore, that is heart-warming and hysterical.
I also love the chapter titles, which are the titles of the books the club plans to read. The titles often reflect what is happening in the story and are also a great way to introduce the readers to other beach reads as well as the main events and feelings of the chapter. This is a great book for readers who like heartwarming and fun contemporary romance or rom-coms with great messages, well-developed and relatable characters, and a fantastic love story. It’s a charming summer read with a little bit of steam and a lot of fun!
July 19, 2021
A book featuring a book club!! As soon as I saw this title I knew I had to read this book. I am SO glad I did, it was excellent!
Lottie has been given the boot from book club for not taking it seriously. (I'm with you Lottie! Book club is supposed to be fun!!) So, she decides to start her own. One with delicious cake, gin, a little bit of book talk and a lot of life talk. She finds the perfect location to host at Books by the Bay, a bookshop and cafe. Matthew Steele, the owner, proves to be quite the distraction. A distraction she certainly wasn't anticipating ...
I loved this book! The steam factor was just the right amount ... not over the top, but enough to have me fanning my face and grinning like a fool several times, hehe! I adored the characters, they had such fun personalities. A book club I would love to be a part of. The storyline is great, I read this in one sitting. Overall a really feel good read with an ending that left me smiling. Highly recommended to romcom fans!
Thanks so much One More Chapter and Netgalley!
Lottie has been given the boot from book club for not taking it seriously. (I'm with you Lottie! Book club is supposed to be fun!!) So, she decides to start her own. One with delicious cake, gin, a little bit of book talk and a lot of life talk. She finds the perfect location to host at Books by the Bay, a bookshop and cafe. Matthew Steele, the owner, proves to be quite the distraction. A distraction she certainly wasn't anticipating ...
I loved this book! The steam factor was just the right amount ... not over the top, but enough to have me fanning my face and grinning like a fool several times, hehe! I adored the characters, they had such fun personalities. A book club I would love to be a part of. The storyline is great, I read this in one sitting. Overall a really feel good read with an ending that left me smiling. Highly recommended to romcom fans!
Thanks so much One More Chapter and Netgalley!
September 4, 2021
Loved this fun feel good Beach read! I always love books about bookstores, book clubs, and books in general. But usually they highlight books I have never read… you know the classics. This book was a bit of a love letter to the romcom, those lighthearted stories that make you swoon and put a big smile on your face. Lottie decides after getting kicked out of her highbrow book club to start a book club of her own. She thinks the local book shop would be the perfect location for her club to meet, but is hesitant to approach the uptight owner, Mathew. Lottie and Matt are complete opposites, but there is a definite attraction between the two. *swoon* I really loved both of these characters and enjoyed reading about their slow burn romance. The book club members were all fantastic and a special shout out goes to Audrey she was a hoot. This was definitely a book club I would love to join! A sweet romance… the ultimate Beach Red for the booklover!
This book in emojis 📚 🏖 🐶 🍸 🍰
*** Big thank you to One More Chapter for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
This book in emojis 📚 🏖 🐶 🍸 🍰
*** Big thank you to One More Chapter for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
July 31, 2023
This is perfect escapism from Freeman as she celebrates bookworms and book-butterflies, creating an inviting book club with Lottie and her friends.
I really liked this story because of its gentle, romantic nature and found that the characters were all warming and likeable. Although there is some slight conflict in the story, there was no obviously detestable personality, so you could not help but like everyone in the novel. I really took a shine to Audrey for her outrageous comments and felt her energy bounced off the pages. In my opinion, she could have easily had more time devoted to her in the story, so brilliant a character she was.
You can’t help but sympathise with the main characters, Matt and Lottie. For Lottie, she yearns to feel connected to a book club and recreate those positive feelings that she had several years ago. This provides her the warmth and security that is evidently lacking in her life. With her run-down house, never-ending bills and not enough money, Lottie struggles but tries to persevere throughout. This made her such a strong character and I admired how Lottie carries on, even when things seem to be so tough. I think the fact that she is an independent woman, working in a man’s world, made her more memorable as a character – many of the things that Matt is drawn to.
Matt recognises how much Lottie is there for others. When we first meet this character, he is incredibly formal and uptight. Yet, there is a vulnerability that Freeman reveals when he is away from everyone. His backstory adds more to Matt’s character and I thought Freeman could have developed this further, especially when it is revealed how much of an impact his past is shaping his immediate family dynamics.
Having read this book, my ‘To Be Read’ pile has definitely increased! I loved reading about the different novels that the optimistic book club discusses and especially liked knowing I had actually read some of them (only a small number, mind!). Matt’s bookshop sounds such a warm and inviting place that I could vividly picture the group members meeting in the bookshop’s café with the delicious cakes and copious amounts of gin. It had me yearning to go and visit a bookshop myself… if anything, just to inhale that bookish scent you can’t get anywhere else.
Another good read from Freeman, this is great for the holiday or just the garden. It is a sweet, romantic tale that takes you on love story between two contrasting characters and celebrates everything bookish.
With thanks to One More Chapter, Harper Collins and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this story because of its gentle, romantic nature and found that the characters were all warming and likeable. Although there is some slight conflict in the story, there was no obviously detestable personality, so you could not help but like everyone in the novel. I really took a shine to Audrey for her outrageous comments and felt her energy bounced off the pages. In my opinion, she could have easily had more time devoted to her in the story, so brilliant a character she was.
You can’t help but sympathise with the main characters, Matt and Lottie. For Lottie, she yearns to feel connected to a book club and recreate those positive feelings that she had several years ago. This provides her the warmth and security that is evidently lacking in her life. With her run-down house, never-ending bills and not enough money, Lottie struggles but tries to persevere throughout. This made her such a strong character and I admired how Lottie carries on, even when things seem to be so tough. I think the fact that she is an independent woman, working in a man’s world, made her more memorable as a character – many of the things that Matt is drawn to.
Matt recognises how much Lottie is there for others. When we first meet this character, he is incredibly formal and uptight. Yet, there is a vulnerability that Freeman reveals when he is away from everyone. His backstory adds more to Matt’s character and I thought Freeman could have developed this further, especially when it is revealed how much of an impact his past is shaping his immediate family dynamics.
Having read this book, my ‘To Be Read’ pile has definitely increased! I loved reading about the different novels that the optimistic book club discusses and especially liked knowing I had actually read some of them (only a small number, mind!). Matt’s bookshop sounds such a warm and inviting place that I could vividly picture the group members meeting in the bookshop’s café with the delicious cakes and copious amounts of gin. It had me yearning to go and visit a bookshop myself… if anything, just to inhale that bookish scent you can’t get anywhere else.
Another good read from Freeman, this is great for the holiday or just the garden. It is a sweet, romantic tale that takes you on love story between two contrasting characters and celebrates everything bookish.
With thanks to One More Chapter, Harper Collins and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 2, 2021
In my attempt to whittle down my TBR I recently read The Beach Reads Book Club which I bought for my Kindle a while ago. The book starts out with a great bookish vibe as Lottie Watt, a small-town electrician, starts her own book club featuring a gaggle of local readers who love lighter, spicier reads.
This is a small-town romance with a simple, almost-not-there plot about two people trying to find love and connection. The story centres around Lottie and Matt, a bookstore owner, but I found the secondary characters (particularly the elderly ladies) more interesting with their humour and sass. As for the romance, we're told this couple has chemistry, but besides a couple of spicy scenes, I didn't feel the connection.
The problem is that I found Lottie and Matt dull. I liked that Lottie was an electrician (women in trades!) but her personality was meh and Matt's constant self-pity and self-doubt grated on me and were not attractive traits in a leading man. We get a peek into Matt's family dynamics, but they felt overly angsty and contrived.
I enjoyed the concept (book club, small town, romance), the fact that real books are used in this spicy book club and the burgeoning friendships between different generations, but the story is long-winded, lacks substance and relies too heavily on silly miscommunications and assumptions that could be fixed with a simple chat. When you add in the weak dialogue and the unnecessary love triangle with a third person who was a complete clichéd, unlikable arse, I finished this book feeling frustrated and bored.
Please know that I'm in the minority with my feelings for this book. It got some solid reviews on Instagram and GoodReads, but this was a big miss for me.
June 22, 2021
This was a fab light and easy read with a little bit of steam thrown in and I loved it! Fun and flirty and all about women supporting women. 4 giant stars!
Lottie is an electrician, which in and of itself is awesome because most female leads are bakers or shop owners or such, and she’s just been kicked out of her book club for not taking it seriously. So she decides to form her own book club, and read the kind of books she wants to-fun and romantic and cheeky. She asks the local bookshop owner if they can hold their meetings there, and that begins a slow burn romance that brings out the best in both of them after being hurt by their respective partners in the past. The friends and family of the characters were fab and fun and I loved Audrey! She was a hoot! And I loved that they chatted about real romance books (some of which I’ve read and others I’ve added to my tbr. That was a fun detail!
Life is messy and it’s so helpful to have a good support system and Lottie and her book club became that for each other and that was just what my heart needed.
Thanks to One more Chapter and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.
Lottie is an electrician, which in and of itself is awesome because most female leads are bakers or shop owners or such, and she’s just been kicked out of her book club for not taking it seriously. So she decides to form her own book club, and read the kind of books she wants to-fun and romantic and cheeky. She asks the local bookshop owner if they can hold their meetings there, and that begins a slow burn romance that brings out the best in both of them after being hurt by their respective partners in the past. The friends and family of the characters were fab and fun and I loved Audrey! She was a hoot! And I loved that they chatted about real romance books (some of which I’ve read and others I’ve added to my tbr. That was a fun detail!
Life is messy and it’s so helpful to have a good support system and Lottie and her book club became that for each other and that was just what my heart needed.
Thanks to One more Chapter and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.
July 16, 2021
Where do I sign up for this book club??? I have avoided book clubs in the real world because I enjoy reading for fun and the few times I have been invited to join a book club it has always been a stuffy, regimented group that reads the trendy intellectual book rather than a book that the group wants to read and enjoy. This group of readers are my kind of people. In fact the author has woven such realistically flawed characters that I absolutely am jealous of this group of readers that have come together over the love of books to become the closest friends that truly support and care for each other. This is a fabulous stand alone book, but I do hope the author continues the characters as a series as it could easily be converted to a series. I would definitely continue to read about these characters and this delightful bookstore and cafe.
June 26, 2021
How refreshing to read a book featuring a book club, which is a book club of books I have actually read, well at least some of them, or others by the authors at least. Was so nice to see a bunch of book references I could actually relate to!
And Lottie's Beach Reads Book Club is just the sort of book club I would love to join, some book chat about nice easy to read and enjoyable books, without too much of hunting for hidden meanings, plus plenty of cake and booze. Whereas the first club Lottie was part of, was the complete opposite and I really didn't enjoy the literary snobbish nature of it.
Which leads me to think that this book itself has an important message about not judging a book by its cover, not judging those who read beach reads, or lighter fiction, and that there is a book for every reader, and they are all worthy of being loved and discussed. Or something along those lines but phrases far more eloquently than I seem able to.
I loved Lottie generally and all the people that came to her club, and over the course of the book she seems to enrich many people's lives. And Matthew the sexy bookshop owner is great. He surprises himself at time with his actions but you can tell there is more to him than you may first think.
Honestly I just loved every second of this book and just wish I had been on holiday to have had some uninterrupted time to read it as fast as I would have liked to. It's fabulous and another winner from the talented Kathryn Freeman.
Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
And Lottie's Beach Reads Book Club is just the sort of book club I would love to join, some book chat about nice easy to read and enjoyable books, without too much of hunting for hidden meanings, plus plenty of cake and booze. Whereas the first club Lottie was part of, was the complete opposite and I really didn't enjoy the literary snobbish nature of it.
Which leads me to think that this book itself has an important message about not judging a book by its cover, not judging those who read beach reads, or lighter fiction, and that there is a book for every reader, and they are all worthy of being loved and discussed. Or something along those lines but phrases far more eloquently than I seem able to.
I loved Lottie generally and all the people that came to her club, and over the course of the book she seems to enrich many people's lives. And Matthew the sexy bookshop owner is great. He surprises himself at time with his actions but you can tell there is more to him than you may first think.
Honestly I just loved every second of this book and just wish I had been on holiday to have had some uninterrupted time to read it as fast as I would have liked to. It's fabulous and another winner from the talented Kathryn Freeman.
Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
August 9, 2021
Disclaimer : Many thanks to Rachel @Rachel’s Random Resources for tour invite and author and publisher for providing e-ARC via NetGalley.
The Beach Reads Book Club was heartwarming and uplifting romance that revolved around Lottie Watt, her book club, and bookstore owner Matthew Steele. The story was about unlikely friendship, love for books and reading, getting over guilt and regrets, coming out of insecurities, family, and love.
Writing was entertaining, engaging and fast paced. It was written in third person alternative narrative from Matt and Lottie’s perspective. I loved some of chapter titles with monthly meeting and book they were discussing. Setting of Books by the Bay book store overlooking the sea was great.
Characters were lovely and realistic. I rooted for both Matt and Lottie from the beginning. Romance was lovely and steamy. There was spark between Lottie and Matt but I liked author made them friends first.
Best part of the book was book club. This book club had alcohol, cakes, take outs and of course books. What made this book club fantastic was, it wasn’t just book club discussing books but they were group of close-knit like-minded friends who also shared their life and supported each other in ups and downs. Book club formed strong bond and brought each character closer. I loved their view on books and romance and their discussion was so hilarious. I so want to join this club now!
Overall, The Beach Reads Book Club was delightful, uplifting, entertaining and sexy romance with many hilarious moments and wonderful characters.
I highly recommend this book if you like,
Book club in story
Book store setting
swoon-worthy romance
beach read book
book about books
brooding hero
Full review - https://booksteacupreviews.com/2021/0...
The Beach Reads Book Club was heartwarming and uplifting romance that revolved around Lottie Watt, her book club, and bookstore owner Matthew Steele. The story was about unlikely friendship, love for books and reading, getting over guilt and regrets, coming out of insecurities, family, and love.
Writing was entertaining, engaging and fast paced. It was written in third person alternative narrative from Matt and Lottie’s perspective. I loved some of chapter titles with monthly meeting and book they were discussing. Setting of Books by the Bay book store overlooking the sea was great.
Characters were lovely and realistic. I rooted for both Matt and Lottie from the beginning. Romance was lovely and steamy. There was spark between Lottie and Matt but I liked author made them friends first.
Best part of the book was book club. This book club had alcohol, cakes, take outs and of course books. What made this book club fantastic was, it wasn’t just book club discussing books but they were group of close-knit like-minded friends who also shared their life and supported each other in ups and downs. Book club formed strong bond and brought each character closer. I loved their view on books and romance and their discussion was so hilarious. I so want to join this club now!
Overall, The Beach Reads Book Club was delightful, uplifting, entertaining and sexy romance with many hilarious moments and wonderful characters.
I highly recommend this book if you like,
Book club in story
Book store setting
swoon-worthy romance
beach read book
book about books
brooding hero
Full review - https://booksteacupreviews.com/2021/0...
July 19, 2021
A brilliant heartwarming story about books, friendship and family with a little romance thrown in.
The bookclub members were fabulous - a real mix of characters who supported each other completely. Not just a bookclub about books but friendship and laughter. I especially loved Audrey - she sounded a right hoot!
Lottie and Matt were great lead characters- both so different but equally compassionate and caring for others.
A great choice for a summer read.
October 21, 2023
I’m currently enjoying a late summer holiday, and this book was part of the selection that I earmarked for reading by the pool - the vibe was PERFECT for this! It was such a sweet story about great friendships & beautiful romance 💞
June 27, 2022
"I don't just want next month or next year, Lottie. I want forever with you."
I liked this a lot. I loved reading about a book club. However, it was nothing too special. It had your usual romance tropes and clichés, but I enjoyed it. I will try to write a proper review later.
I liked this a lot. I loved reading about a book club. However, it was nothing too special. It had your usual romance tropes and clichés, but I enjoyed it. I will try to write a proper review later.
June 29, 2021
NEW FANTASY FOR THE SPANK BANK: Having a grumpy bookshop owner give me an orgasm up against the shop bookshelves while we are fully clothed.
Thank you, Kathryn Freeman.
THE BEACH READS BOOK CLUB is a very British romance. It's paced much more slowly than American romance books. But, the good news is, it has some great steamy scenes to go with the slow burn!
Lottie is a great female lead! She is an electrician who is fun and happy and bubbly. She is all sunshine to the male lead's rain cloud. Matt is a very lovable grump who is a complex character who you will grow to love! He is so steady and sweet he will melt your heart.
The conflicts in THE BEACH READS BOOK CLUB were what caused my rating to dip. They are a combination of miscommunication and the leads being idiots about their relationship. This was frustrating for me, as the reader. It becomes hard to like these characters when they are standing in their own way over and over and over again for seemingly trivial miscommunications.
But, for readers who don't mind that kind of conflict and who like a very Brit-Lit slow burn, they will LOVE this book! There are also great female friendships, lots of references to Romance novels, and a lot of swoon.
RATING:⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
STEAM LEVEL: Rated R
TRIGGERS: Cheating ex, death of parent
FEELS-O-METER: 2/5 *A bit of drama, but still a light read.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
👇🏻HANG OUT WITH ME HERE!👇🏻
INSTAGRAM | YEAR OF SMUT CHALLENGE
Thank you, Kathryn Freeman.
THE BEACH READS BOOK CLUB is a very British romance. It's paced much more slowly than American romance books. But, the good news is, it has some great steamy scenes to go with the slow burn!
Lottie is a great female lead! She is an electrician who is fun and happy and bubbly. She is all sunshine to the male lead's rain cloud. Matt is a very lovable grump who is a complex character who you will grow to love! He is so steady and sweet he will melt your heart.
The conflicts in THE BEACH READS BOOK CLUB were what caused my rating to dip. They are a combination of miscommunication and the leads being idiots about their relationship. This was frustrating for me, as the reader. It becomes hard to like these characters when they are standing in their own way over and over and over again for seemingly trivial miscommunications.
But, for readers who don't mind that kind of conflict and who like a very Brit-Lit slow burn, they will LOVE this book! There are also great female friendships, lots of references to Romance novels, and a lot of swoon.
RATING:⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
STEAM LEVEL: Rated R
TRIGGERS: Cheating ex, death of parent
FEELS-O-METER: 2/5 *A bit of drama, but still a light read.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
👇🏻HANG OUT WITH ME HERE!👇🏻
INSTAGRAM | YEAR OF SMUT CHALLENGE
June 29, 2021
As much as I loved the fact that there were real books as the topic of the beach read book club, for me this book never quite took off and dragged on for almost a week until the obvious ending. Maybe I was tired, maybe the book was boring, I don't know, but it certainly isn't memorable.
Per quanto abbia apprezzato molto il fatto che ci fossero dei libri reali come argomento del beach read book club, per me questo libro non é mai decollato del tutto e si é trascinato per quasi una settimana fino all'ovvio finale. Forse ero stanca io, forse era noiosetto il libro, non saprei, ma certo non é indimenticabile.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
Per quanto abbia apprezzato molto il fatto che ci fossero dei libri reali come argomento del beach read book club, per me questo libro non é mai decollato del tutto e si é trascinato per quasi una settimana fino all'ovvio finale. Forse ero stanca io, forse era noiosetto il libro, non saprei, ma certo non é indimenticabile.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
August 9, 2021
Emotionally unavailable book shop owner. Do I have to say more?
The Beach Reads Book Club is a romance full of books and book-lovers. A lovely summer read!
Lottie was part of a very serious book club, and it was not working well for her. She wanted to share her love for escapist reads with like-minded readers—the pleasure of reading as a way to a better place and time.
I could totally relate to Lottie. Like her, I read to relax and feel happy, preferably falling a little in love along the way.
Through the book club Lottie starts, she finds friendship, companionship, and love. It was so awesome to see the fictional characters reading several books I have enjoyed myself.
I love the fact that Lottie was an electrician. There are several possible ways of succeeding in life, and it was refreshing to see Lottie finding hers outside the university degree/ high prestige job box.
Matt was the perfect hero! He was sweet, caring, honorable, a little shy, and, most of all, a bookworm.
His relationship with Lottie was light, fun, and endearing. There was an ex-boyfriend in the picture, but he never stood a chance, lol!
I've read several books by Kathryn Freeman, and she always brings a lovely romance to the pages. I love all her books, but Matt is definitively my favorite of her heroes.
The Beach Reads Book Club is a lovely, light, and uplifting summer read!
Highly recommended!
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley for an honest review.
*For more reviews, book art, and book-related articles, please visit https://lureviewsbooks.com *
The Beach Reads Book Club is a romance full of books and book-lovers. A lovely summer read!
Lottie was part of a very serious book club, and it was not working well for her. She wanted to share her love for escapist reads with like-minded readers—the pleasure of reading as a way to a better place and time.
I could totally relate to Lottie. Like her, I read to relax and feel happy, preferably falling a little in love along the way.
Through the book club Lottie starts, she finds friendship, companionship, and love. It was so awesome to see the fictional characters reading several books I have enjoyed myself.
I love the fact that Lottie was an electrician. There are several possible ways of succeeding in life, and it was refreshing to see Lottie finding hers outside the university degree/ high prestige job box.
Matt was the perfect hero! He was sweet, caring, honorable, a little shy, and, most of all, a bookworm.
His relationship with Lottie was light, fun, and endearing. There was an ex-boyfriend in the picture, but he never stood a chance, lol!
I've read several books by Kathryn Freeman, and she always brings a lovely romance to the pages. I love all her books, but Matt is definitively my favorite of her heroes.
The Beach Reads Book Club is a lovely, light, and uplifting summer read!
Highly recommended!
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley for an honest review.
*For more reviews, book art, and book-related articles, please visit https://lureviewsbooks.com *
August 27, 2021
Lottie Watt has had her fill of the regimented book club run by Eve. It was like being back at school. And she certainly doesn’t appreciate being quizzed on why she hasn’t had chance to read the designated (by Eve) book. Throwing caution to the winds, she decides to start her own book club with lighter reads and a more relaxed atmosphere. She was joined by Gira and Heidi, two other now ex members who also wanted more romantic, fun reading.
Lottie has the perfect place in mind for the book club if the new owner of Books by the Bay doesn’t mind them taking over the book shop’s cafe one evening a month. Matthew (Matt) Steele isn’t quite sure but Lottie’s charm offensive wins the day and the Beach Reads Book Club is born.
Matt is finding it hard to transition from a full on corporate job to his now more laid back occupation, living as well with his father and sister. However, a fresh start for them all was badly needed after their recent bereavement and Matt’s regrets and feelings of guilt which aren’t allowing him to feel more open emotionally or, for that matter, relaxed.
I enjoyed how the book club evolved to include Audrey, an lonely older lady who benefits from a new lease of life when she joins the club. All the characters are well drawn and likeable but probably the star of the show is Lottie who brings everyone together and forms a close knit group. She’s a positive force, understanding and supportive, able to bring people out of themselves without really trying. The attraction and developing romance is in turns delightful and steamy.
This is a book club I’d love to join — talking about books in a bookshop, (I appreciate the books discussed are real titles) with the added attraction of (plenty of) gin courtesy of Audrey, cake and sometimes pizza, plus a group of great people all up for a bit of fun. Each character has his or her own story with personal struggles or issues and all fleshed out and brought to life. Complete and enjoyable escapism.
Lottie has the perfect place in mind for the book club if the new owner of Books by the Bay doesn’t mind them taking over the book shop’s cafe one evening a month. Matthew (Matt) Steele isn’t quite sure but Lottie’s charm offensive wins the day and the Beach Reads Book Club is born.
Matt is finding it hard to transition from a full on corporate job to his now more laid back occupation, living as well with his father and sister. However, a fresh start for them all was badly needed after their recent bereavement and Matt’s regrets and feelings of guilt which aren’t allowing him to feel more open emotionally or, for that matter, relaxed.
I enjoyed how the book club evolved to include Audrey, an lonely older lady who benefits from a new lease of life when she joins the club. All the characters are well drawn and likeable but probably the star of the show is Lottie who brings everyone together and forms a close knit group. She’s a positive force, understanding and supportive, able to bring people out of themselves without really trying. The attraction and developing romance is in turns delightful and steamy.
This is a book club I’d love to join — talking about books in a bookshop, (I appreciate the books discussed are real titles) with the added attraction of (plenty of) gin courtesy of Audrey, cake and sometimes pizza, plus a group of great people all up for a bit of fun. Each character has his or her own story with personal struggles or issues and all fleshed out and brought to life. Complete and enjoyable escapism.
July 31, 2021
This was such a fun book to read , it had everything you need from this genre and was perfect to read in the little bit of summer we had!
In this book we meet Lottie Watt , who was an absolute delight to meet! She is kicked out of her uptight book club and embarks on doing her own one , one where conversation, gin and cake (I agree with this one highly ) take precedence over actually reading the book . When she finds a place to hold the book club , sparks are soon flying between Lottie and the bookshops owner Matthew Steele . If you are anything like me then you will find yourself totally invested in their romance .
A book that is a mixture of cake, books and a romance....yes please! This was absolutely brilliantly written , it kept you reading on and kept you gripping tightly to the book (or kindle) willing them to found happiness and also wishing you were part of the book club with them!
In this book we meet Lottie Watt , who was an absolute delight to meet! She is kicked out of her uptight book club and embarks on doing her own one , one where conversation, gin and cake (I agree with this one highly ) take precedence over actually reading the book . When she finds a place to hold the book club , sparks are soon flying between Lottie and the bookshops owner Matthew Steele . If you are anything like me then you will find yourself totally invested in their romance .
A book that is a mixture of cake, books and a romance....yes please! This was absolutely brilliantly written , it kept you reading on and kept you gripping tightly to the book (or kindle) willing them to found happiness and also wishing you were part of the book club with them!
July 15, 2021
Lottie loves reading but not the high brow reads her book club are interested in so she starts her own beach reads book club with some other club members and one of her customers. Soon the four of them start to build more than a book club held in the local book shop. The owner of the bookshop, Matt, is quite aloof but soon Lottie realises she needs him to drop his guard and she could have her own romance!
This was just a perfect summer read. Reminded me a lot of Milly Johnson with cracking one liners and Audrey was one of the funniest characters ever.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
This was just a perfect summer read. Reminded me a lot of Milly Johnson with cracking one liners and Audrey was one of the funniest characters ever.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
June 19, 2021
As soon as I saw the title of this book, it jumped and I couldn't wait to read it. Lottie is a energetic bubbly character who is kind hearted and always wants to help everyone. She meets Matt when she asks him if she can use his bookshop for the new book club she is setting up after being made to feel unwelcome in the one she was attending.
I loved the book club with its selection of characters that soon become a solid friendship as you see them help and support eachother.
A light hearted read full of wonderful book recommendations, a touch of romance and brimming with love and friendship.
I loved the book club with its selection of characters that soon become a solid friendship as you see them help and support eachother.
A light hearted read full of wonderful book recommendations, a touch of romance and brimming with love and friendship.
August 10, 2021
I would firstly like to say a big thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for very kindly forwarding me a copy of this book, for my Kindle, in return for an honest review.
Lottie gets thrown out of a book club and so she decides to set up her own club - along with cake and gin!!
The Beach Reads Book Club soon begins to take place at a gorgeous book shop and cafe that is owned by the brooding, Mathew…..
This book was very quick and easy to read and I loved all the characters and drama.
Lottie and Mathew were wonderful together and seemed to have the perfect combination of sweetness and sauce!!
A great, heartwarming, Summer read and I really enjoyed it!
Lottie gets thrown out of a book club and so she decides to set up her own club - along with cake and gin!!
The Beach Reads Book Club soon begins to take place at a gorgeous book shop and cafe that is owned by the brooding, Mathew…..
This book was very quick and easy to read and I loved all the characters and drama.
Lottie and Mathew were wonderful together and seemed to have the perfect combination of sweetness and sauce!!
A great, heartwarming, Summer read and I really enjoyed it!
June 21, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
I think this was my favourite Kathryn Freeman book so far! There were so many incredible characters, and Lottie was brilliant! I love that she just takes everyone under her wing and is so caring! Audrey was my favourite book club member, she was just hilarious!
I loved that the majority of the books chosen for the book club were ones that I had read, and those I hadn't are now on the to read list!
Such an enjoyable read!
I think this was my favourite Kathryn Freeman book so far! There were so many incredible characters, and Lottie was brilliant! I love that she just takes everyone under her wing and is so caring! Audrey was my favourite book club member, she was just hilarious!
I loved that the majority of the books chosen for the book club were ones that I had read, and those I hadn't are now on the to read list!
Such an enjoyable read!
August 4, 2021
Another fabulous read from Kathryn Freeman!
When Lottie Watt is shown the door from the prim and proper Book Club for not following their rules, she makes the decision to start one of her own; a friendly club where chat and cake will be enjoyed alongside some less serious – but no less enjoyable – novels. Her club soon finds a venue for their meetings in the local bookshop / cafe, under the watchful eye of Matthew Steele – the handsome but straight-laced owner. As the book clubs heats up, so does the attraction between Matt and Lottie but they are a long way from being friends, never mind anything more.
I loved everything about this book; it’s smart, funny and the attraction between Lottie and Matt is palpable. The author has created a wonderful cast of characters, all life-like and entertaining but, for me, Audrey was the star of the show. I spluttered, giggled and hooted with laughter throughout this novel and recommend it as a fantastic summer read. A delightful and enthralling story, beautifully written and full of the magic which makes a book sparkle, making it well worth all five stars.
When Lottie Watt is shown the door from the prim and proper Book Club for not following their rules, she makes the decision to start one of her own; a friendly club where chat and cake will be enjoyed alongside some less serious – but no less enjoyable – novels. Her club soon finds a venue for their meetings in the local bookshop / cafe, under the watchful eye of Matthew Steele – the handsome but straight-laced owner. As the book clubs heats up, so does the attraction between Matt and Lottie but they are a long way from being friends, never mind anything more.
I loved everything about this book; it’s smart, funny and the attraction between Lottie and Matt is palpable. The author has created a wonderful cast of characters, all life-like and entertaining but, for me, Audrey was the star of the show. I spluttered, giggled and hooted with laughter throughout this novel and recommend it as a fantastic summer read. A delightful and enthralling story, beautifully written and full of the magic which makes a book sparkle, making it well worth all five stars.
August 2, 2021
[Thanks Netgalley for the ebook. This review is my honest opinion but just another opinion, you should read this book and judge it by yourself]
Mñe. Como tantas que leo, tenía buena pinta pero en eso se queda. Es un nadismo de mono con platillos pero que tira más por lo ñoño y blando que por lo divertido y sexy. La historia es muy sencilla, le intenta añadir algo de tensión al final con un nuevo personaje pero nada, no funciona de ningún modo, al menos a mí no me atrapó en ningún momento. Además, la estructura me ha despistado un poco, ya que, con la excusa del club de lectura, ves que hay capítulos en cuyo enunciado se menciona el libro que van a leer (que luego no tiene importancia alguna), pero otros capítulos son normales, sin enunciado alguno. No sé, es una cosa rara de leer.
La historia de amor es de esas de hombre de ciudad que va a pueblito encantador a curar sus heridas pero tanto él como ella tienen tantas dudas sobre su propio comportamiento que te cansas de leer sus pensamientos.
No es que tuviera mucho encanto pero en la parte final tan floja lo pierde por completo.
Una pena porque esta autora tiene libros que me han hecho disfrutar mucho (aunque si buscas leer guarrerismos, esta no es tu novela), pero este libro no formará parte de ellos.
Mñe. Como tantas que leo, tenía buena pinta pero en eso se queda. Es un nadismo de mono con platillos pero que tira más por lo ñoño y blando que por lo divertido y sexy. La historia es muy sencilla, le intenta añadir algo de tensión al final con un nuevo personaje pero nada, no funciona de ningún modo, al menos a mí no me atrapó en ningún momento. Además, la estructura me ha despistado un poco, ya que, con la excusa del club de lectura, ves que hay capítulos en cuyo enunciado se menciona el libro que van a leer (que luego no tiene importancia alguna), pero otros capítulos son normales, sin enunciado alguno. No sé, es una cosa rara de leer.
La historia de amor es de esas de hombre de ciudad que va a pueblito encantador a curar sus heridas pero tanto él como ella tienen tantas dudas sobre su propio comportamiento que te cansas de leer sus pensamientos.
No es que tuviera mucho encanto pero en la parte final tan floja lo pierde por completo.
Una pena porque esta autora tiene libros que me han hecho disfrutar mucho (aunque si buscas leer guarrerismos, esta no es tu novela), pero este libro no formará parte de ellos.
July 31, 2021
When Lottie starts up the Beach Reads Book Club, she's thrilled to be able to hold her meetings at the local bookstore. It's the perfect venue, with a cafe and smoking hot owner Matt in residence. As the book club takes off, so does the attraction between Lottie and Matt. But then Lottie's ex comes back to town and it's time for Lottie to decide who she really wants.
I always get excited when I see Kathryn Freeman has a new book out. Her books remind me of Christina Lauren but unfortunately without as much hype. If you enjoy a sweet rom com with a side of humour, then you'll definitely enjoy this one.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I always get excited when I see Kathryn Freeman has a new book out. Her books remind me of Christina Lauren but unfortunately without as much hype. If you enjoy a sweet rom com with a side of humour, then you'll definitely enjoy this one.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 26, 2021
‘Five people whose lives she hoped would all be improved, just a little, by the combination of a good book, a mug of tea and the company of like-minded readers.’
Let’s make a tally of all things fun and bookish:
book about books - tick
books and tea - tick
takes place in a bookshop - tick
centres around a fun book club - tick
book club has some fun reads I have read and can relate to - tick
there is a fun romance with a dashing hero and strong woman - tick
I could go on …. but I think my fellow book lovers appreciate where I am going with this … MUST. READ.
‘The Beach Reads Book Club’ contains everything one looks for in this genre - it’s easy to read yet has serious undertones, it’s light and funny but has a deeper level of significance, it’s romantic and just simply what I was after. I loved it!
‘What you mean to tell me you were alone in the dark with this town’s answer to Mr Darcy, and you didn’t take advantage of it?’
This is the kind of book club I would want to join with super fun members and just the right amount of romantic escapism that had me smiling and feeling all gooey inside (#newbookcrush). There is the promise of not only book talk but real life talk washed down with cake and tea or pizza and gin! Lottie and Matt are the perfect ‘opposites attract’ - so sweet and steamy - and challenge each other to step outside their comfort zone. The members of the Beach Reads Book Club are awesome! A group of women who are both fun and funny in their love of literature and life.
‘Seeing the look on their faces, the excitement, the delight when they’d only been talking about books… it had made her wonder if she’d been missing out. Then she’d read one of their recommendations. After that, she’d been hooked, going on to devour all the books she could get her hands on.’
This leads me to two key points. One, I stand and applaud the theme of ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ - literally! Beach reads, chick lit … call it what you will, however, these books, seemingly light and frivolous, often contain so much more …
‘Real guys don’t walk around with roses between their teeth,’ her brother had mocked. ‘And life isn’t full of sappy endings.’ ‘If you think that’s what romance books are all about, you’ve clearly never read one,’ her mum had countered.‘They’re about hope, about joy. About handling adversity and coming through the other side stronger. Yes, they’re also about love, the most powerful emotion you’ll ever experience.’
Secondly, I also wish to highlight the books read at the club and how these titles often reflected and coincided with the events of the story itself. A clever way to highlight a theme but also to note once more, how these ‘beach reads’ often have more substance than at first glance.
‘… books that take us on holiday.’ Gira, the quieter of the two women, looked at them both. ‘I don’t mean they have to be about beaches, but they take you out of your head. Transport you to another world for a while.’
This was such a fun rom-com with a cast of lovable characters and a gorgeous love story! For some heartwarming escapism you really cannot pass it up.
‘To the Beach Reads Book Club and all who join it … it’s about bringing the joy of books to all readers, no matter what their tastes.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
Let’s make a tally of all things fun and bookish:
book about books - tick
books and tea - tick
takes place in a bookshop - tick
centres around a fun book club - tick
book club has some fun reads I have read and can relate to - tick
there is a fun romance with a dashing hero and strong woman - tick
I could go on …. but I think my fellow book lovers appreciate where I am going with this … MUST. READ.
‘The Beach Reads Book Club’ contains everything one looks for in this genre - it’s easy to read yet has serious undertones, it’s light and funny but has a deeper level of significance, it’s romantic and just simply what I was after. I loved it!
‘What you mean to tell me you were alone in the dark with this town’s answer to Mr Darcy, and you didn’t take advantage of it?’
This is the kind of book club I would want to join with super fun members and just the right amount of romantic escapism that had me smiling and feeling all gooey inside (#newbookcrush). There is the promise of not only book talk but real life talk washed down with cake and tea or pizza and gin! Lottie and Matt are the perfect ‘opposites attract’ - so sweet and steamy - and challenge each other to step outside their comfort zone. The members of the Beach Reads Book Club are awesome! A group of women who are both fun and funny in their love of literature and life.
‘Seeing the look on their faces, the excitement, the delight when they’d only been talking about books… it had made her wonder if she’d been missing out. Then she’d read one of their recommendations. After that, she’d been hooked, going on to devour all the books she could get her hands on.’
This leads me to two key points. One, I stand and applaud the theme of ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ - literally! Beach reads, chick lit … call it what you will, however, these books, seemingly light and frivolous, often contain so much more …
‘Real guys don’t walk around with roses between their teeth,’ her brother had mocked. ‘And life isn’t full of sappy endings.’ ‘If you think that’s what romance books are all about, you’ve clearly never read one,’ her mum had countered.‘They’re about hope, about joy. About handling adversity and coming through the other side stronger. Yes, they’re also about love, the most powerful emotion you’ll ever experience.’
Secondly, I also wish to highlight the books read at the club and how these titles often reflected and coincided with the events of the story itself. A clever way to highlight a theme but also to note once more, how these ‘beach reads’ often have more substance than at first glance.
‘… books that take us on holiday.’ Gira, the quieter of the two women, looked at them both. ‘I don’t mean they have to be about beaches, but they take you out of your head. Transport you to another world for a while.’
This was such a fun rom-com with a cast of lovable characters and a gorgeous love story! For some heartwarming escapism you really cannot pass it up.
‘To the Beach Reads Book Club and all who join it … it’s about bringing the joy of books to all readers, no matter what their tastes.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
August 1, 2021
A book club really is meant to be fun – and the one Lottie’s part of at the library feels more like being at school, as she returns another book she hasn’t been able to read to her local bookshop. So she makes the decision to start her own – a less stuffy one, reading the kind of books she enjoys – and the bookshop cafe looks like the perfect place to hold it. This really is my kind of book club – Audrey’s heavy hand with pouring the gin, plenty of cake, just enough book talk about the kind of books I enjoy, and then lots more conversation about the important things going on in the various lives of a group of very different individuals who become close friends.
Matthew (“call me Matt”), the new bookshop owner, isn’t too comfortable about the whole idea of “fun” – he’s very uptight at first in his business-like suit and tie, buttoned up in every way, finding it difficult to relax after leaving his corporate life for a fresh start, struggling at home with the relationship with his grieving father and difficult sister while trying to come to terms with his own guilt about some of his past actions. But Lottie’s bubbly personality is impossible to resist, and the attraction between them starts to warm up very nicely �� until an old flame turns up and stops everything in its tracks.
I have to say that I absolutely adored this book – and that’s certainly not the first time I’ve said that about a book from this wonderful author. The characters are just excellent – not just Lottie and Matt, but every single individual who’s part of the unfolding story. Audrey (the one with the gin) is quite superb – a rather lonely elderly lady that Lottie comes across when she visits to fix her electrics, she becomes very much the life and soul of the party, and I just loved her absence of any filter. But every single individual is particularly real and well-drawn, and has their own great story – and there’s also a baby (in time) added to the chaotic mix, and Lottie’s adorable dog who suffers from separation anxiety and sometimes has unfortunate accidents between the book stacks.
The way the story was structured around the books they read was particularly cleverly done, the chosen books always tied in to the unfolding story, almost all of them familiar to anyone who reads the books I always enjoy (and those I was less familiar with have been added my reading list!). And I entirely loved the developing romance – they’re both just such thoroughly lovely people, totally winning your heart through their shared thoughts and hopes and dreams, all the small acts of kindness – and I really enjoyed the initial thrust and parry of their exchanges as things slowly start to heat up rather nicely, with the perfect amount of added steam. And although the book is always essentially a fun read, filled with well-judged humour, there’s real emotional depth too – everything is just so wonderfully well balanced, always entertaining but at times surprisingly and satisfyingly touching.
There’s an immense warmth to the whole book that really does your heart good – I loved every moment, and couldn’t recommend it more highly.
Matthew (“call me Matt”), the new bookshop owner, isn’t too comfortable about the whole idea of “fun” – he’s very uptight at first in his business-like suit and tie, buttoned up in every way, finding it difficult to relax after leaving his corporate life for a fresh start, struggling at home with the relationship with his grieving father and difficult sister while trying to come to terms with his own guilt about some of his past actions. But Lottie’s bubbly personality is impossible to resist, and the attraction between them starts to warm up very nicely �� until an old flame turns up and stops everything in its tracks.
I have to say that I absolutely adored this book – and that’s certainly not the first time I’ve said that about a book from this wonderful author. The characters are just excellent – not just Lottie and Matt, but every single individual who’s part of the unfolding story. Audrey (the one with the gin) is quite superb – a rather lonely elderly lady that Lottie comes across when she visits to fix her electrics, she becomes very much the life and soul of the party, and I just loved her absence of any filter. But every single individual is particularly real and well-drawn, and has their own great story – and there’s also a baby (in time) added to the chaotic mix, and Lottie’s adorable dog who suffers from separation anxiety and sometimes has unfortunate accidents between the book stacks.
The way the story was structured around the books they read was particularly cleverly done, the chosen books always tied in to the unfolding story, almost all of them familiar to anyone who reads the books I always enjoy (and those I was less familiar with have been added my reading list!). And I entirely loved the developing romance – they’re both just such thoroughly lovely people, totally winning your heart through their shared thoughts and hopes and dreams, all the small acts of kindness – and I really enjoyed the initial thrust and parry of their exchanges as things slowly start to heat up rather nicely, with the perfect amount of added steam. And although the book is always essentially a fun read, filled with well-judged humour, there’s real emotional depth too – everything is just so wonderfully well balanced, always entertaining but at times surprisingly and satisfyingly touching.
There’s an immense warmth to the whole book that really does your heart good – I loved every moment, and couldn’t recommend it more highly.
September 8, 2021
Lottie Watt is kicked out of her uptight book club for not following the rules, so she decides to start her own club with her own rules. Conversation, gin and cake are the base, and discussions of the book are secondary. The Beach Reads Book Club meets at Books by the Bay, a bookshop and café owned by the gorgeous Matthew Steele, who seems to have problems of his own. As the club meets each week, an attraction between Matt and Lottie develops as well. Lottie knows that true love is hard to come by and that she needs to work at it to earn Matt's love, but is a risk she is willing to take.
Lottie was a great protagonist, easy-going, forgiving, kind, generous, but strong and stubborn. I enjoyed the ladies in the book club, Audrey especially was a hoot. Everyone Lottie meets is changed in some way, she brings out the best in everyone. Life does not always happen the way we want, but when you have good friends and support it makes it easier to deal with and that is exactly what this group does for one another. The male lead, Matt, is the opposite to Lottie. Where she is outgoing, he is rigid and standoffish, at least at first. As he comes out of his shell we see a witty, smart, and caring man. I like the way they balance each other. In this story, the group reads and discusses real romance stories, some of which I have read and enjoyed. The chapter titles are the titles of the books the club plans to read, with the title often reflecting what is happening in the story. This is a romance story, so of course that is also a large part of the story. I enjoyed seeing Lottie and Matt open up to each other. The scene where Lottie repairs an electrical problem in the store was a hoot as Matt was surprised about her job. The romance is sweet and I loved the slow development and heat in the story. I did a read/listen with the audiobook narrated by Hannah Brown. She does a nice job with the story and gives voice to the many characters. She uses expression to give emotion to the story. Overall, this is a great book for readers who like heartwarming and fun contemporary romances with great messages, well-developed and relatable characters, and a fantastic love story. I definitely recommend this one. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
Lottie was a great protagonist, easy-going, forgiving, kind, generous, but strong and stubborn. I enjoyed the ladies in the book club, Audrey especially was a hoot. Everyone Lottie meets is changed in some way, she brings out the best in everyone. Life does not always happen the way we want, but when you have good friends and support it makes it easier to deal with and that is exactly what this group does for one another. The male lead, Matt, is the opposite to Lottie. Where she is outgoing, he is rigid and standoffish, at least at first. As he comes out of his shell we see a witty, smart, and caring man. I like the way they balance each other. In this story, the group reads and discusses real romance stories, some of which I have read and enjoyed. The chapter titles are the titles of the books the club plans to read, with the title often reflecting what is happening in the story. This is a romance story, so of course that is also a large part of the story. I enjoyed seeing Lottie and Matt open up to each other. The scene where Lottie repairs an electrical problem in the store was a hoot as Matt was surprised about her job. The romance is sweet and I loved the slow development and heat in the story. I did a read/listen with the audiobook narrated by Hannah Brown. She does a nice job with the story and gives voice to the many characters. She uses expression to give emotion to the story. Overall, this is a great book for readers who like heartwarming and fun contemporary romances with great messages, well-developed and relatable characters, and a fantastic love story. I definitely recommend this one. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
July 14, 2021
"The Beach Reads Book Club" is the kind of book that hits all the right notes: funny, light, romantic, serious, thought provoking, and enjoyable. What starts out as a rebellion against the serious book club in town becomes life changing for everyone involved. Lottie and a few others start a bookclub to get back to reading books they enjoy, and the books become a gateway to sharing their lives, their problems, and their successes. Matt is trying to start a new life by moving with his father and sister to the small seaside British town and taking over the local bookshop. He's trying to reinvent himself but having minimal success until Lottie comes in asking if her new bookclub can meet in his shop. The whole family is slowly changed by the friendly and outgoing club members and Matt and Lottie discover special chemistry between them that might lead to something as explosive as in the pages of any romance novel.
This book is a love letter to the romance genre. It celebrates how the books are about more than what their detractors think: sex. Friendship, support, humor, and discovering one's own sense of worth are at the heart of any romance, and "The Beach Reads Book Club" has all of this in spades. All of the secondary characters get their moments, balanced nicely and propelling forward the main plot and main characters. Lottie and Matt are both lacking in self-confidence, though for different reasons, and doing a great job of not showing it to the world. Matt in particular fools even his family. It's heartbreaking to see how they think he's reacting versus how he is internally reacting and I love how Lottie helps bridge the distance between Matt and his family. Lottie and Matt get great emotional journeys and internal struggles, and while each can support the other, author Kathryn Freeman does a brilliant job of showing how we each have to make the decision to change and confront our problems before they can be fixed.
Full of British humor and slang, sweet moments between friends and sparkling ones between lovers, this is a beach read you'll want to pick up even when its snowing outside.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
This book is a love letter to the romance genre. It celebrates how the books are about more than what their detractors think: sex. Friendship, support, humor, and discovering one's own sense of worth are at the heart of any romance, and "The Beach Reads Book Club" has all of this in spades. All of the secondary characters get their moments, balanced nicely and propelling forward the main plot and main characters. Lottie and Matt are both lacking in self-confidence, though for different reasons, and doing a great job of not showing it to the world. Matt in particular fools even his family. It's heartbreaking to see how they think he's reacting versus how he is internally reacting and I love how Lottie helps bridge the distance between Matt and his family. Lottie and Matt get great emotional journeys and internal struggles, and while each can support the other, author Kathryn Freeman does a brilliant job of showing how we each have to make the decision to change and confront our problems before they can be fixed.
Full of British humor and slang, sweet moments between friends and sparkling ones between lovers, this is a beach read you'll want to pick up even when its snowing outside.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
August 1, 2021
Well this book turned out to be a breath of fresh air and as it's about a book club set in a book shop it's the perfect read for book lovers. I loved it and read pretty much the whole book with a smile on my face so I must say a huge thank you to Kathryn Freeman.
Lottie's experience of the book club in her local library is precisely what puts me off book clubs: reading a book that somebody else has chosen and then having to discuss it. I love books but speaking about them in front of people is my idea of hell. Lottie isn't the only book club member to find that they're not having as much fun as they'd hoped so when Lottie decides to set up her own book club she already has a couple of founding members.
A book shop café is the perfect location for Lottie's book club and owner Matthew Steele provides the sexual tension as a brooding Mr Darcy style love interest. Lottie is an electrician (and her surname is Watt which is rather amusing) so there's more than a few sparks as she is drawn to Matt but both of them have been hurt in the past so they're each reluctant to make the first move.
If all book clubs were like this one, I wouldn't mind joining! Although I'd be the size of house with so much gin and cake! I loved every single character as each one is brought to life through Kathryn Freeman's wonderful writing. I have to say that my favourite character was Lottie's dog Chewie and it just shows the depth of character portrayed that he is so multidimensional without having the ability to speak.
You're always guaranteed a smile with a Kathryn Freeman book and The Beach Reads Book Club is no exception. It's perfect escapism and I picked up one or two book recommendations along the way so it's a book lover's dream. So cut a slice of cake, pour yourself a (large) gin and tonic and pick up a copy of The Beach Reads Book Club - you won't be disappointed.
I received a digital ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Lottie's experience of the book club in her local library is precisely what puts me off book clubs: reading a book that somebody else has chosen and then having to discuss it. I love books but speaking about them in front of people is my idea of hell. Lottie isn't the only book club member to find that they're not having as much fun as they'd hoped so when Lottie decides to set up her own book club she already has a couple of founding members.
A book shop café is the perfect location for Lottie's book club and owner Matthew Steele provides the sexual tension as a brooding Mr Darcy style love interest. Lottie is an electrician (and her surname is Watt which is rather amusing) so there's more than a few sparks as she is drawn to Matt but both of them have been hurt in the past so they're each reluctant to make the first move.
If all book clubs were like this one, I wouldn't mind joining! Although I'd be the size of house with so much gin and cake! I loved every single character as each one is brought to life through Kathryn Freeman's wonderful writing. I have to say that my favourite character was Lottie's dog Chewie and it just shows the depth of character portrayed that he is so multidimensional without having the ability to speak.
You're always guaranteed a smile with a Kathryn Freeman book and The Beach Reads Book Club is no exception. It's perfect escapism and I picked up one or two book recommendations along the way so it's a book lover's dream. So cut a slice of cake, pour yourself a (large) gin and tonic and pick up a copy of The Beach Reads Book Club - you won't be disappointed.
I received a digital ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
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