I immediately loved the concept, and the shenanigans of the diverse group that makes up the Beach Reads Book Club. I also found Matthew's development really interesting. As such, I was really enjoying this, until we reached the 'conflict in the final third. I hate forced conflict. And this felt REALLY forced. While the ending was ultimately satisfying, I felt frustrated with the lead up, so I had to drop a star.

Also posted on Amazon but awaiting moderation.

This was a sweet romance that I enjoyed. I had a little trouble getting into at first, but the plot was good and the characters were fun to read about. I loved the books the book club read, and I discovered a few new ones for my TBR pile. 4 stars.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A book about a book club - what's not to like? And, I didn't just like it, I loved it! I knew I would though from the intro when the author describes its as "one for all bookworms, book clubs, book bloggers and book readers. And also for all fans of romcoms, chicklit, romance and happy ever afters." It is a charming yet contemporary story of love, friendship and books with an adorable dog thrown in too. The members of the book club provide a great cast of diverse characters and unlikely friendships with my favourite definitely young-at-heart octogenarian Audrey who likes books featuring "rumpy-pumpy". Throughout the book the group read and discuss many such books including some of my favourites and some that I now can't wait to read myself. I just wish The Beach Reads Book Club was real so I could join and perhaps also bookshop owner Matt too - as like main character Lottie I fell for him a bit too!

This book was a perfect beach read, just as the book club was designed to be. Lottie had enough of the strict kind of book clubs that made her feel pinned to her seat when she couldn't answer the questions fired at her, so she gathered up some people who felt the same way. They decided the perfect book would be one that you could pick up and put down as time allowed, that has some plot, some romance, some sizzle, in other words, an easy to read and enjoyable book.
Of course there is romance and humor and a bunch of people I'd be happy to have in my book club, with all the idiosyncrasies that you would expect in a book with humor. They may be a little over the top at times, but it's a beach book so who cares, right?
My only peeve was how many times did Matt have to say Matt, not Matthew for her to get it into her head? That was a little over the top annoying, but if that is the worst thing I can say about the book, that is a good thing.
Easy 3 stars, probably closer to 3.5 as long as you don't expect a book that is going to be anything other than a beach book.
Thank you NetGallley and HarperCollins UK for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest opinion.

Lottie loves to read for pleasure and when the book club she is a member of has one too many deep books on the list she opts out and starts her own. She decides where best to host it but the local bookshop and cafe which is under new management. The new owner, Matt, is dark, handsome and mysterious and gets Lottie all flustered. He has recently moved to the area with his dad and younger sister to help get over the loss of his mum.

This book is a fantastic read - I instantly fell in love with Lottie and all her friends. Such loveable characters.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced read copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Kathryn Freeman's characters in The Beach Reads Book Club were a delight to meet and watch their relationships grow. A book club, an eclectic group of readers, alcohol, and several sex scenes kept the story moving. The love between new friends and that among family members blossoms. Will successful romantic love play a part?

If you are looking for an enjoyable, funny, sweet, romantic summertime Beach Read, look no further than Kathryn Freeman’s latest - The Beach Reads Book Club.

Lottie gets booted from her quite serious book club - so, she does what any lover of HEAs would do - she creates who own Beach Reads book club, complete with people who wouldn’t have come together otherwise. This group of quirky individuals quickly become friends who support each other through lifes ups and downs. The ensemble of characters are great together and make for some very funny laugh out loud movements.

But at the heart of the story - we also find Matthew Steele, the owner of the book store where Lottie holds her book club meetings. Matthew is a flawed man, who is trying to grow, and become a better brother and son. Lottie and Matthew’s connection seems impossible as they are so opposite - but we find they complete each other and make each other better in the process. Their story is really well developed and lovely.

Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. I can’t wait for more people to fall in love with Matthew (I mean who wouldn’t) and Lottie’s story!

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 what and who she really wants.⁣
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I always get excited when I see Kathryn Freeman has a new book out. Her books remind me of Christina Lauren but unfortunately without the hype. If you enjoy a sweet rom com with a side of humour, then you'll definitely enjoy this one.

How lovely it would be to be a member of the Beach reads book club. I loved how they looked out for each other. I loved all the characters, It was a great read and had my laughing out loud at times. Lottie was a great characters full of life and humour. I loved it.

This book was just lovely. A book club within a book made this bibliophile’s heart happy. Freeman gives her characters depth, but doesn’t shy away from giving them humor. I got some Letters to Juliet vibes with the book club- it felt a bit like the Secretaries of Juliet were running a book club. Lottie is a quirky and lovable main character, as are all of the supporting characters. The romance crackles with witty banter and thick sexual tension. This is truly a perfect beach read! I loved Freeman’s Up Close and Personal, and she did not disappoint with this one.

I would love to be a member of this book club! Easy to read, wonderful characters and a good story with romance and a great ending. What more can you ask for from a fab summer novel?

I really loved this book club - it was a bit like mine, a real mix of ages and chat about everything and anything without taking the books too seriously. No hot book shop owner at ours mind you - and it's tea rather than gin apart from when we're on zoom and not driving. What a lovely group of characters - I loved how they came together into a tribe and got to know each other and what was important to them. Lottie is such a wonderful person, it was so lovely to see her reach for happiness. Quite raunchy in parts, like some of the books they discussed, I felt a bit like Audrey at times. Matt was clearly troubled, and the difference between his brooding serious quietness and Lottie's chatty, bubbly self made them a perfect match. Add Chewy to the mix and it could be a perfect match! #netgalley #thebeachreadsbookclub

Lottie Watts is a fun and loving girl. She loves a good romance novel but the book club she attends doesn’t go in for sex and slush. She decides that she is capable of running one herself, but where? A book shop seems the most fantastic venue. After speaking with the very starchy yet extremely good-looking Matt, it is agreed, one day a month after the shop has closed, she can hold her book club there. A very apt name is agreed ‘The Beach Reads Book Club.’ The people who attended became fast friends. This is a fantastic read bringing smiles and laughter, especially when Audrey brought out the Gin bottle at the club nights, most of the way through. At times I wanted to push Matt and Lottie’s heads together. It shows how opposites do attract and that some people can change. The characters are wonderful and believable. This is a great summer read even when the weather is grey outside. The book brings the sunshine to you. Find out what happens to the book lovers, especially Lottie Watts and Matthew Steele, you will not regret purchasing this humorous romance. Thank you, Kathryn Freeman, for a first-class novel.

Do not sleep on this book! I was lucky enough to receive it as an arc and I’m excited to get my physical copy so I can read by the pool

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Such a fun read. I loved the different characters and where they were in their lives. I loved how they all came together to support eachother in their times of need.

If you are looking for a quick and fun book - look no further. It is definitely a perfect book to take the Beach!

I just couldn't get into this story. I loved the description but couldn't get passed the first few chapters. I DNFd.

This book was sent to me from Netgalley on Kindle. This is a book that is different...interesting with a quirky protagonist. She is delightful. She starts a book club with friends. This is a quick fun read. That being said, it is explicit…too much so.

Thank you to Netgalley, One More Chapter, and Kathryn Freeman for a gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I LOVED THIS STORY! Oh my god, what I wouldn’t give to be in this book club lol. I love how it began, the reason behind Lottie’s love of book clubs, the friendships formed, and it was fun seeing what their choices were and crying out “I read that!!!” What an eclectic cast of characters, and some of them are SO FUNNY!

If you are a fan of s slow burn love story, this one is for you! It is so much fun to watch the whole process and see how they come together!

Lottie is such a strong female character, that was one thing that really stuck out in my mind when reading. Fiercely independent (to a fault), big heart, entrepreneur, trying to break down the gender barrier with her choice of career, and someone with the biggest heart. I will definitely revisit this story!

I liked the concept of a book club specifically set up for beach reads. That would be right up my alley. Matt was adorably awkward and I like Lottie’s energy. There was a lot of talk throughout the book about their “spark” but I’m not sure this translated onto the page. Overall sweet, quick beach read. (3 ⭐️)

Kathryn Freeman does it again! It is the perfect Summer read. The character development was *chef's kiss* perfection. I absolutely loved the slow burning chemistry between stuffy, introverted Matthew and gregarious, outgoing Lottie. Would definitely re-read again. I can't wait to read what Kathryn writes next.