Beach Read

January Andrews, a bestselling romance novelist, is grappling with severe writer's block and a deep cynicism about love following a personal tragedy. By an ironic twist of fate, she finds herself neighbors for the summer with Augustus Everett, a critically acclaimed literary fiction author who is equally stuck in a creative rut. Despite their diametrically opposed writing styles—January crafting happily-ever-afters and Augustus exploring the darker aspects of life—they share the common struggles of being broke and creatively drained. They strike an unconventional deal: Augustus will attempt to write a romance, while January will tackle the next Great American Novel. This challenge leads to January immersing Augustus in rom-com worthy field trips, and Augustus exposing January to his more unconventional research methods, including interviewing members of a peculiar cult. What begins as a professional wager soon blurs the lines, forcing them to confront their preconceived notions about love, life, and storytelling, and potentially finding an unexpected connection.