PLOT: 3.5/5 ROMANCE: 2.5/5 CHARACTERS: 3.5/5 WRITING STYLE: 3/5 ENTERTAINMENT: 3/5
There is something about beach reads that immediately pulls you in. Add to it an enemies-to-lovers trope, an exotic location (read Bali) and a visually appealing cover – and you have a potent mix that is hard to resist. And so it was, that when Georgie Tilney’s debut romcom Beach Rivals came my way, it was hard to resist.
The plot of Beach Rivals (no, spoilers here!)
A book shop in paradise… oops I mean Bali.
Two people who cannot stand each other
And the whole of summer to spend together
Imagine Clare, who once dreamt of having life all neatly sorted out by now, but guess what? She’s in a full-on life rollercoaster! Living with her mom, stuck in a job that feels like a snooze button, and zero clue about what’s next.
But one fine day, she stumbles upon a viral gig offer, a three-month gig as a bookseller on a Bali beach! Who wouldn’t leap at this chance? Clare certainly did. But, surprise! The plot twist unfolds in Bali – there’s more to this bookshop gig than meets the eye.
She’s not flying solo in this literary paradise. Nope! She’s sharing her sanctuary – and her flat – with none other than a dashingly infuriating American fellow, Jack.
Now, let me tell you, Jack and Clare? They’re like day and night, cats and dogs, peanut butter and pickles. They clash, oh boy, do they clash! They’re like magnets with the same polarity, pushing each other’s buttons in every way possible. It’s a whirlwind of bickering, arguing, and making each other’s eyes roll so hard they could power a wind turbine.
But here’s the juicy part: beneath all the bickering, the sparks are flying! In the midst of all the chaos and comedic clashes, it’s only a matter of time before their professional relationship takes a dive into the deep end of the personal pool.
My review
I’ve never been one to be overly critical, and I’ve always had a soft spot for a heartwarming romantic comedy. However, this particular book seems to fall short of the lofty expectations set by its enticing blurb. Despite the promising premise, halfway through the story, the enchantment I anticipated is still elusive.
Now, I’m quite a fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope, but “Beach Rivals” fails to deliver the compelling tension that makes this trope so engaging. Clare and Jack are undoubtedly likable characters, yet the spark, chemistry, and passion between them remain disappointingly elusive.
The story lacks the witty banter, the palpable tension, and the intimate moments that elevate a romance narrative. I’m not necessarily referring to steamy encounters; a genuine emotional connection can more than suffice. Regrettably, this isn’t the kind of slow-burn romance I had hoped for.
While the story initially hints at a beach and a rivalry, these elements aren’t substantial enough to justify the title “Beach Rivals.” Individually, Clare and Jack possess well-crafted personalities with depth and sincerity, but together, their connection feels forced.
I did find the supporting characters quite endearing. Adaire and Celestina bring a delightful charm to the story, and Adam, the bookshop owner, quickly earns your affection. The bookshop itself is a standout, capturing your attention with its small, idyllic, and quaint ambiance. It’s the sort of place that makes you dream of packing your bags and embarking on a quest to find a similar gem.
Interestingly, the bookshop’s evolution as a character in its own right proves more intriguing than the development of our protagonists. I relished the parts where the characters worked to breathe new life into the bookstore, tapping into their unique skills and creativity to rekindle its former glory. The book also dives into discussions about various books, genres, and all things literary, which delighted the bookworm in me.
However, I can’t help but feel that Bali, as a setting, didn’t receive the attention it deserved. There were abundant opportunities to infuse the culture and vibrancy of Bali into the narrative, but these elements were only superficially explored.
Even the conclusion leaves much to be desired, only marginally redeeming an otherwise lackluster narrative.
For those seeking a decent, one-time read, Beach Rivals should find its way onto your reading list. This book offers a lighthearted journey that encapsulates the charm of bookshops, and the dynamics of forced proximity, all set against the backdrop of exotic locations.
Buy your copy of Beach Rivals.
