Just finished Beach Read? Next up read Seven Days in June…
If Emily Henry's Beach Read left you craving more stories about rival writers finding unexpected connection, then Tia Williams' Seven Days in June delivers that same irresistible blend of sharp wit and vulnerable romance—but with a bolder, steamier edge. Like Henry's masterpiece, this novel centers on two authors whose professional worlds collide in the most complicated ways, forcing them to confront both their craft and their hearts.
"The book is really funny... I loved the disability representation here... the chemistry between Eva and Shane was positively electric."— Ebony Rose, Goodreads
What makes this the perfect follow-up is how Williams amplifies everything you loved about Beach Read's core dynamics. Where Henry gave us genre-swapping rivals, Williams presents Eva Mercy, a bestselling erotica writer, and Shane Hall, a reclusive literary darling, whose explosive teenage romance left scars that seventeen years couldn't heal. Their reunion at a high-profile Brooklyn event ignites the same kind of antagonism-to-understanding arc that made January and Gus so compelling, but with an urban sophistication and raw honesty that feels distinctly contemporary.
The magic lies in how both novels understand that writing isn't just work—it's identity. Eva battles chronic migraines and writer's block while navigating single motherhood, while Shane hides his addiction struggles behind literary acclaim. Their shared history as teen writers who found solace in each other's words creates the same meta-textual richness that made Beach Read so satisfying for book lovers.
"Seven Days in June captures an entire spectrum of Black spirit, joy, humor, and redemption... There's all-important sizzle whenever these two share a page."— Yun, Goodreads
Urban Sophistication Meets Emotional Depth
Williams' prose sparkles with the same bittersweet humor and emotional intelligence that defines Henry's work, but grounds it in contemporary Black experiences within publishing, parenthood, and healing. The dual timeline structure—flashing between their passionate teenage romance and present-day reconnection—adds layers of intrigue while exploring how past trauma shapes present choices. It's the kind of smart, inclusive storytelling that expands the romance landscape while delivering all the swoon-worthy chemistry you're seeking.
