Augustus Everett new fictional crush: I think yes, this whole book as a new crush: I think yes. Overall this book really feels like having a crush, you get butterflies thinking about it. I still haven't stopped thinking about it, it was such a good romance book. However it was also more than a romance book, this book indulged into topics i wasn't expecting it to, for example grief, betrayal, abuse, and CULTS. This book was also a contemporary that took through the journey of both these characters and their stories. One concept that is explored in this book is outlooks on the world (pessimism, optimism, and realism), after I finished I reflected on how I saw the world and whether my view is more towards Gus's or January's. This goes to show how good of a book it was.
, since I became wrapped up in philosophical thinking
The plot is there are two writers named Augustus Everett and January Andrews, they are polar opposites: January writes best-selling romance books and Augustus writes best-selling literary fiction. In addition to being polar opposites, they were college rivals and always competed for the highest spot. Their paths intersect when they are living next to each other in neighboring beach houses for the summer in North Bear Shores, Michigan with writer's block. One evening things happen and they end up making a deal, Augustus will try to write a romance with a happy ending and January will try to write the next "Great American Fiction". They go on field trips that will help each other write their books such as line dancing and interviewing former cult members, they also promise not to fall in love with each other but promises are broken.
Where do i begin? First off let me just say this book has the enemies to lovers trope, and one thing to know about me is that I love this trope. Something about seeing characters who are enemies slowly turn their annoyance with each other into love is really compelling to me. Let’s carry on and ignoring about one of my favorite tropes, The characterization in this book was very strong, January and Augustus were very well developed characters. January's journey with dealing with the loss of her father and his secret ( which I won't spoil in this review) was compelling to read. We see her confront a side of her father she didn't know about and come to terms with his death knowing she can't say anything back. I loved seeing the before and after of her father's death: like her world view before and her world view after. it created a clever juxtaposition illustrated the impact of the death on her character and values. Her especially being a romance author was interesting, she writes about happy endings, falling in love etc but after her father's death she struggles to write a romance book after her worldview shattered by his secret. I wanted to give her a hug and watch Veronica Mars with her all day. Now for one of my new fictional crushes Augustus Everett, he was also a very compelling character his worldview was different than January's he doesn't believe in happy endings, his books are about more dark topics than falling in love and montages. To see his worldview contrast with January's was amazing, we later find out the major reasons why he thinks the way he does about the world and experiences.
The setting was perfect for this book, a costal town suites the book in the story so much. it made the whole romance better, costal town romance that is amazing. The sexual tension and chemistry between January and Augustus was perfect *chef’s kiss*, I could feel it through the pages. the funny banter between them, their field trips espically to the drive-in theater *hehe*. Also the emotional moments between them, when they were honest and open with each other. It was so natural between them and if they have been friends for decades, they complemented each other really well emotionally, mentally, physically, and sexually. When they opened up about both of thier pasts, you could feel the connection between them stretching, which in my opinion was never diminished over the years. This book was so touching and heartfelt, my eyes nearly welled with tears a couple times throughout this books.
Please read this book if you want a good romance with amazing characters, it might become a favorite. I will confidently say that this book and Red, White, and Royal Blue are my favorite romance books I have read this year so far. Beach Read is the perfect beach read *pun intended*
4/5 stars
- V
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