Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun read with a cast of relatable characters. The book club aspect works well and each member of the book club brings something to the story. The romance is sweet with some angst to the backstories of the main characters. I like enjoyed the mention of the monthly book club choice, several of which I've read, as I could relate a little more to their thoughts about their monthly reads.

A fun, easy read for the summer

This is the first book that I have read by Kathryn Freeman and I loved it so much so that I finished it in less than a day.. I will most definitely be going back to her other books now to plough through them too.

The mix of characters in this book was brilliant and you could feel their personalities jumping off the page throughout. The suggested titles for the bookclub reads made me want to go and look those books up and the complicated potential relationship between Lottie and Matt kept me hooked.

There is potential for follow up books for Lottie and Matt or detailing some of the other characters from this story too so I hope that they will be forthcoming.

Overall a fantastic read that I couldn't recommend more highly.

This was a really fun read. I, in general, liked Lottie and Matt's relationship, Matt being my favourite character. I also really liked the book club and their members. It was really fun to read, especially with Audrey's sexual commentary. I liked how they ended up being really close friends and talked about things other than books.
However, I hated the conflict so much, the more I think about it, the worse it gets. When the ex comes back and Lottie is very confused about what to do, and also meets up with him, making Matt feel terrible... no. Overall, a fun and fast summer read (I read this during holidays and it was the perfect read).

One could say that it’s a little bit of a cheat, when you start to read a book by an author with which you are familiar. Myself, I look upon it as an indulgent pleasure; a treat, that you know for certain, before you have even started, that you will enjoy. What’s not to love?

Well, what is not to love, is the book club at the very start of the book – surely enough to put anyone off reading for life! What a shame! In my opinion, the love of books is a marvellous thing, and if romcom novels are your thing, then so be it. It is far better to read romcom novels than to not read at all and shame upon any book snobs who try to say otherwise! The situation echoed back to my early childhood, when literary snobs would pan parents for allowing their children to read Enid Blyton novels. I remember my Mum arguing that it was better to be reading Enid Blyton novels, than to not be reading at all and I fully condone this attitude today. I really did hope that Lottie would start her own non oppressive book club, reading the kind of books she so loved.

The Books by the Bay is the most amazing sounding bookshop, in a fantastic location. Matthew and his Father and Sister have uprooted to the south coast for a fresh start, but I couldn’t help but wonder why they needed said fresh start? This was the start of a bit of intrigue for me!

Lottie was a thoroughly likeable character, as was Matt. I felt sad at the implication that Lottie had fared badly in love, and I had high hopes for her and Matt, if only he would loosen up a bit, but I felt as though he had a lot on his plate, having uprooted his Father and Sister to the South coast. Matt surely assured his place in my animal lover affections by not only not making a fuss when Chewie peed on the floor of the bookshop, but also by offering to clear up the mess.

I loved the story when Lottie had her ‘lightbulb’ moment, in deciding to start her win book club, reading the kind of books she liked. I could totally empathise with this. Reading has always been a joy for me. I thoroughly enjoy reviewing books for my blog, and I tend to write good reviews – the reason being that I can choose which books I choose to review. I select my review books very carefully, only choosing to critique books from authors that I like, or novels that I am pretty sure I will love. Life is, I have decided, too short to spend reading books that I don’t love. So this tome passed on both fronts – an author whose work I have previously enjoyed, and a story I felt certain of loving. Not wanting to labour the point, I can assure you readers, that when reading a book is a chore (like in the first book group Lottie attended), please don’t risk endangering your love of reading!

I liked the way that the book club seemed to evolve, with the passing of each session. As if in some kind of mirror image, the relationship between Matt and Lottie seemed to be improving over time, like a wine, slowly mellowing with age. I also appreciated Lottie’s musing that the book club was a club first, for the members to enjoy each other’s company, and a book club second. It felt as though she had created a lovely ‘safe’ environment for the group of friends to get together. Another thing that appealed to me about this novel was the fact that the book club read real books, so when the reader buys this book, they are getting a 2 for 1 deal – a great read, plus a nice long suggested reading list!

Matt has an odd relationship with his family – his Sister Amy and his Dad Jim. The reason for this perhaps became apparent when Jim described his late wife as what had held them together. This seems very telling. I felt as though all three of them were hurting badly over the death of the Mother/wife, but they weren’t very good at. verbalising this with each other. Who knows – maybe hearing the ladies talking about books at the book club, would encourage them to talk with each other?

I enjoyed the clever writing – the way the books the book club were reading reflected what was going on in the book – for example when they are discussing ‘that line when he first kisses her’ in chapter 12, when discussing their chosen book. This directly reflected what had happened in the previous chapter, when Matt and Lottie first kissed. I thoroughly enjoyed these kind of intelligent nuggets in the book. It was as though on one hand the book club were getting better at talking about the books they had read, and were reading more complex books, whilst on the other hand, Matt was mellowing and his relationship with Lottie was also starting to blossom.

I liked the way that the relationship between Lottie and Matt progressed at a simmer, with the odd kiss and days out; like a real old fashioned courting. As the book, progresses, so does their relationship and I had high hopes for their future together. The period of time covered in the book was fairly lengthy, evidenced by the fact that Sally hadn’t had her baby when the group first met, yet by chapter 16, baby Freddie was rolling around on a picnic blanket!

I just hope that you enjoy this book and it’s eclectic characters even half as much as I did. I know I am very much looking forward to Kathryn Freeman’s next offering.

Mystery. I like a bit of intrigue and as I progressed through this book, the mystery piled up. What is going on with Matt and his family – there is some kind of undercurrent going on, but why? Why is Matt burned out at 33, why is Amy so withdrawn, what is Jim’s problem? Similarly, where are Lottie’s family and is Gira’s Husband really cheating on her? Will Lottie’s affections be swayed by the return of an old friend? You will of course have to read this book for yourself, to find the answers to these mysteries, as well as the outcome of the burgeoning relationship between ‘Mottie’ (as I liked to think of Matt and Lottie). Will the pair get together or will Matt get held back by the fear of hurting Lottie? Surely if a reader thinks them worthy of a name conjugation, the future augers well for them? Matt mentioned that ‘It’s a nice thought. To grow old with the person you love.’ and these characters had become so real to me that I found myself vehemently hoping that this could possibly be the future for ‘Mottie’.

A cute summery read. I loved the idea of a book about a book club and I wish I could join! The supporting characters were actually my favorite part of this book. I did enjoy the romance between the main characters but their larger than life friends were what kept me reading. This was the first book I’ve read by this author and can’t wait to pick up more!

This book was really slow to begin. However I loved the representation of reading chick lit and how they hold just as much muster as high brow lit.

This felt like of big hug of a book. Challenging the need to read highbrow literature, Lottie Watts realises that her local library book club is too stuffy and what she really needs are light, romantic, summary beach reads. The book even reviews real books that I've read which I loved and thought was a really clever touch. I've also added a couple more reads to my TBR!

Thank you for approving my read, I'll definitely be checking out more by this author and I'm surprised this is the first book I've read, as it was so much fun and will be an auto buy in future!
Loved the character Lottie and really would love the join this book club. A perfect summer read which will give you all the good feels!

This book started extremely slow for me. It didn’t feel like there were any “stakes” with any of the characters. There were a lot of past traumas, issues they were dealing with and miscommunications, but none of it was really plot-driven so it felt like the first half of the book crawled along. It got better in the second half once the romance got into gear, but I still wasn’t very invested in any of the characters. I’m sorry to say that it felt flat for me.

This is a thoughtfully written story that explores relationships - namely friendship and (a lovely) slow-burn romance. I enjoyed how the author wove in existing reads and how they reflected key points of character self-discovery. The writing was immersive with rich descriptions, thoughtful characterisation, and a wonderful arc for our heroine.

When I saw the blurb I didn’t hesitate at the chance to read The Beach Reads Book Club. It sounds exactly the type of book I love; full of romance and friendship, easy to read and escape into. And I was certainly not disappointed, I flew through this book and was left desperate to find my very own version of the Beach Reads Book Club. What more could you want than books, friendship, gin and cake?!

The Beach Reads Book Club sees Lottie set up her own book club after walking out of the one she belonged too due to the strictness of it. Lottie wants to fall back in love with reading and what she’s reading, enter the Beach Reads Book Club.

With a handful of members they find a home at Books by the Bay, the local bookshop and café. Whilst the members are reading about romance, Lottie is set on her own real life romance with owner Matt. They seem the unlikeliest pairing but you can feel the chemistry through the pages. But as with all true love stories it’s not all plain sailing.

I loved Lottie, she is full of life and energy, and is supportive and loyal to her friends. Matt comes across as the complete opposite of Lottie, tight, stiff and straight-laced. We see Lottie knock these walls down slowly and see another side to Matt, one that I completely fell in love with. I’m sure I’m not the only one who sees Matt as their perfect man.

If you are a fan of romance, romcoms, chicklit and women’s fiction then this is the book for you.

Now, I need to go and find myself a Beach Reads Book Club.

Oh I loved this book.
Great characters, with a few laugh out loud moments but not too fluffy !
Great

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!

This was such a fun and uplifting read, I honestly couldn't put it down! The story follows Lottie Watt, who after being kicked out of a strict and snobby book club decides to set up her own - The Beach Reads Book Club - where fun, romance novels will be the focus. She thinks that the new bookstore would be a great place to host it, however she doesn't anticipate finding a romance of her own with the owner, Matthew Steele!

I really enjoyed this book, it was just the kind of fun, romantic novel that I could picture the Beach Reads Book Club discussing. The characters were really well-developed and relatable, and the romance was perfect - not too over the top, but certainly not slow-paced either. If you're looking for a good Summer read, then this book will be perfect for you!

There are books that fit perfectly with the title, this one is one of those, it will make you smile, dream and see your life with a bright light; exactly the things I needed! Sadly I didn’t read it on a sunny day in the beach, but mostly in a rainy night day… but I was so immersed in the story that I read it in one sit!
This is a romance story, yes, but with some very interesting characters and a sweet dog; they will help you remember your love for reading “spicy” books! 😉
I can say so many things of this book that I enjoyed and loved! First of all, the story happens in a bookshop (what’s not to love?), there’s a book club (with some interesting book names to read in the future), there’s some humor, love and friendship. Really, all the ingredients that will make you love this book and re-read it again and again!
Lottie Watt is not a woman that needs help but friendship and a good laugh, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t need this in their life? So, when the book club she was part in didn’t fit her expectations, she decide to create one of her own; with relatable books that are not created to make you think or have nightmares but to make you smile. And when she decides to make the club meetings at the bookshop Books by the Bay, owned by the stiff Matthew Steele, the sparks will start flowing in her life. If you want to know more, read the book, you’ll love it!
Are you ready for “The Beach Reads Book Club”?

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 chapter titles with monthly meeting and book characters were discussing. Setting of ‘Books by the Bay’ book store overlooking the sea was great.

Plot was simple and yet lovely and fun. It started with Lottie tired of reading heavy literary books and quitting the book club run by strict librarian at library. She decided to start her own book club with like-minded readers deciding to read only uplifting books that one takes to vacation and called it “Beach Reads Book Club”. All she needed was place for her book club meeting and what can be better than a book store with a café on seaside, Books by the Bay. Book store was run by new owner gorgeous and brooding Matthew Steele (Matt). Matt agreed to the book club but problem was attraction between them and sexual tension in the air and both weren’t ready for romance or commitment after their past, they are still trying to get over.

It was interesting to see how Lottie’s book club will turn out, who would join her book club, how characters’ life will change with book club, what was Matt and Lottie’s past, why there was issue between Matt and his family, how they were going to get over the family issue, and if Matt and Lottie will find their happy ending or not.

Characters were lovely and realistic. I rooted for both Matt and Lottie from the beginning. Lottie was lovely, lively, kind, supportive and selfless electrician. She was people person, loved talking and helping people and her this ability changed life of characters around her. She was fiercely independent, had little insecurity, and never allowed any one to help her. I liked how being with book club members and Matt, she learned to allow people help her when needed.

Matt was serious, brooding, and mysterious hero. He was introvert and kept his thought to himself. He wasn’t good with people and never good at letting others know his feelings and sharing his thoughts. As the story progressed, we know more about his past mistakes, guilt and regrets that gave his character more depth. His development was great. It was great to see how his time with Lottie turned him slowly from serious, uptight, and reticent to happy, relaxed, and expressive. He was such caring, big hearted and gentleman. There were many moments that earned him lots of points and with each point I loved him more and more.

I loved Matt’s family. At first, I couldn’t get why Matt kept blaming himself and why his sister, Amy, and dad, Jim, were being rude to him when all he wanted was to help them settle and move on in life. But as story progressed, I loved how Lottie and her book club not only helped Matt but helped in development of his family. Once they all got over their issues and started talking, I loved seeing their love for each other.

Meet the other book club members– Gira, the introvert and quiet one. Heidi was single mom who had amazing baking skill. Sally was newbie mom, Lottie’s best friend, outspoken, whose mouth ran faster than her brain and without any filters. Audrie was best of all. She was 80 yrs old lonely lady who loved reading and talking sex. She was priceless and made story most hilarious.

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 wanted to join this club!

Romance was lovely and steamy. There was spark between Lottie and Matt but I liked author made them friends first. They were both polar opposite and yet I loved how both understood each other and brought balance in each other life. They both didn’t want serious relationship but readers can see it was hard to resist growing attraction and relationship. Their dates were lovely and I enjoyed chemistry between them.

Twist and turns were predictable but I still enjoyed reading them. I felt sad for Matt and wanted to shake Lottie for a moment but I was glad she was no fool, she was sure of her feeling, only problem was understanding Matt. Climax was fun with book they were discussing so apt to their situation and loved how Lottie realised it’s okay to accept help. End was lovely and uplifting with happily ever after.

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

This is the first book that I've read by Kathryn Freeman but it certainly won't be my last.
There were a few things that I really loved about this book.
First of all, it really inspired me to start my own book club. I've always been put off my book clubs where they only read literary masterpieces. I can definitely see myself starting my own version of the Beach Reads Book Club in my own hometown.
It was great seeing them read some of my favourite romances (The Kiss Quotient being a brilliant one to discuss and one of my all-time favourites). I also found myself with a list of new books to read after seeing the book club discuss them.
The cast of characters were great (Audrey was a real stand out) and the sexy scenes were just that without being too much.
I also liked that you got chapters from both Lottie and Matt's perspective.
But it always frustrates me reading rom coms/romances where if they just told each other how they felt everything could be resolved in seconds. So Matt pushing Lottie to see how she feels about Henry without letting her know how he feels was a bit annoying. It was also a bit predictable in that way.
However, I really did like the way that this was written.
I can't wait to see what Kathryn Freeman does next and I'm looking forward to catching up with her back catalogue of books very soon.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

How is is the first book I’ve read by Kathryn Freeman? A perfectly posh book about the joy of female friendships and the wonders of a good book! The Beach Reads Book Club was the perfect summer read! The dynamic characters, the love story, friends and old flames round out the perfect summer book. Add this to your TBR, you won’t regret it!

I am such a massive fan of Kathryn Freeman, and having read some of her other books, including Up Close and Personal, The New Guy and Mr Right Across The Street, I knew within a second I was going to absolutely love The Beach Reads Book Club. The story follows the two main characters – bookstore owner Matt and book club organiser Lottie.

When Lottie is thrown out of the stuffy book club she has been attending, she decides to set up her own club reading and reviewing books that are fun and with people who enjoy those types of books too. The only problem is, she doesn’t have anywhere to hold the meetings. That is, until she discovers Books by the Bay and asks the owner, Matt if she can hold the book club there. Matt, being instantly bowled over by Lottie, agrees before he realises what he has let himself in for.

The more Lottie spends time around Matt, we see the chemistry between them building. Not only does Lottie have a huge impact on Matt, she has a positive impact on everyone she meets – from all the new members of The Beach Reads Book Club to the other members of Matt’s family, who are grieving from the death of Matt’s mum. I loved seeing the chemistry and relationship building and developing between Lottie and Matt. But with both of them still hurting from past mistakes, can they really be happy together?

The Beach Reads Book Club is another incredible read from the fantastic Kathryn Freeman. Packed full of fun, friendship, love, laughs and Gin – this book is an absolute must read this summer. Thank you Kathryn for writing another fantastic story.

This is the latest book in Kathryn's amazing Romcom Collection and is all about Lottie and Matthew. Their story is told over the course of 32 Chapters and is full of moments that readers will love.
This story is witty and engaging, drawing readers in and ensuring they don't leave until they know the full story. Not only that in true romcom fashion it is also full of moments that will leave the reader giggling. All these moments make this book really hard to put down.
Overall I loved this book, Kathryn has written another Romcom that readers will adore. It will make readers fall in love with the story as well as Kathryn's style. This book will leave readers wanting more. More from Kathryn and hopefully more books in this series.