The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella is a delightful rom-com of the grumpy vs. sunshine trope, with a charming cast of characters.
This book is part of My Fall 2023 Reading List.
My Overview
Sasha is burnt out from work and life. When her employer orders her to take some time off to recover, she ends up going to the seaside resort she used to visit with her parents. She has such fond childhood memories from her stays there! As soon as she arrives, though, Sasha realizes the resort isn’t what it was. The hotel is now in shambles, but Sasha decides at least she’ll be able to enjoy the beach all to herself since it’s the off season. She soon meets a fellow resort guest, Finn, who’s also burnt out and looking for solitude. Their initial meeting isn’t off to a great start, and he definitely lets his grumpiness shine. When they start finding secret messages on the beach, they both put their differences and need for solitude aside, in order to figure out what the messages mean.
What the dilapidated resort lacks in comfort and entertainment, the staff makes up for with their service. They’ll even search high and low for the elusive kale to prepare smoothies for “health-conscious” Sasha 😆. The hotel staff is comprised of a group of quirky and endearing characters, who truly elevate the charm and humor of the story. For me, the laugh out loud moments were provided courtesy by the hotel staff and the extent of their customer service efforts.
Sasha and Finn were likable, and I enjoyed their banter. However, although the situations and banter were up to par with what I’ve come to expect from Kinsella, Sasha’s character wasn’t. Her raunchy character took me by surprise. I’ve enjoyed every book this author has written, but I’m not a fan of the new direction of the raunchy/no filter main character. Overall, this is a light and entertaining story, which is what I’d expected. The seaside setting and charming characters make this an enjoyable read from beginning to end.
My Recommendation
I recommend this story, whether you’ve been a long-time Kinsella fan or not. If you’re looking for a cute, light, entertaining, and uplifting story … this is it. I listened to the audiobook, and enjoyed the narration.
Have you read this book?
Lindsey @ Lindsey Reads
This sounds like a great read, I do love the grumpy-sunshine trope and a lovely cast of characters 🙂
Lucy
The grumpy-sunshine trope worked well, but I think it’s the cast of characters that made the story shine.
Sam@WLABB
I loved this book, but I am a steadfast fan of Kinsella’s work. Always full of humor and warmth. The hotel workers were such a hoot too
Lucy
The humor and warmth I’ve come to expect in Kinsella’s stories were still there. Also, the hotel workers were definitely a hoot 😄.
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
I’m not sure I’ve read Kinsella, although I know she has a big fan base. I do enjoy grumpy vs. sunshine romances, though. Glad it was a hit despite Sasha’s raunchy character.
Lucy
I’ve been a fan of Kinsella for years, and highly recommend her books. The books in the Shopaholic series are my favorites 😁.
Lark
I don’t like the sound of the main character being so raunchy. That’s a little disappointing to hear. I don’t really enjoy characters like that.
Lucy
It definitely took me by surprise, but the humor and banter I enjoy in her stories were still as I’d expected.