I adore Jasmine Guillory’s books and retellings; however, this one fell short. In this retelling, Belle was Isabelle, a new book editor, and the Beast is Beau, a celebrity with a bad reputation.

The overall premise was perfect for a Beauty and the Beast retelling; it just didn’t go far. A book editor heads to a book convention, and then tries to help a struggling writer find inspiration for their memoir, which is past the deadline. The story was just superficial, nothing was fully developed, and the romance was very Hallmark like.

Guillory is always spectacular. I loved the setting of this romance, complete with charming side characters. The nods to Beauty and the Beast are subtle and not cloying (I was a little nervous). Perfect!

I was provided a free advance copy of this from @netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
This is the second book in the Meant to Be series, modern adult adaptations of Disney princess stories. I enjoyed the first one, If the Shoe Fits (and reviewed it last year), so I was excited when I got the chance to read this one too!
Isabelle is so excited to get a job at the Tale as Old as Time publishing house (TAOAT, I was always confused if I was supposed to try to pronounce this as a word or just say the initials 🤣) right out of college! But a few years later when she hasn't moved up, is still living at home, and doesn't see advancement in her future, the excitement has worn off. After overhearing her boss's complaints about a beastly high-profile client, who is way past his manuscript due date, she decides this is the chance she's been waiting for to prove what she can do. She volunteers to go meet Beau Towers at his house and give him a pep talk, or two, to get him back on track.
What starts out as a quick visit, turns into a stay at the jaded celebrity's house, coaching him through the writing process. Will she be able to help him write his memoir? Will she be able to figure out what she wants with her career? Will she discover the man behind the beast? Will the inanimate objects in the house start to sing and dance? You'll just have to read it and find out! 😁
This was a fun read with a lot of heart. It could have been a fluffy fairy tale, but I liked that it went deeper. The characters felt real, dealing with and worked through some pretty big issues. But don't get me wrong, it was also funny and a sweet romance story too! There were quite some fun bread crumbs alluding to the Disney movie to find (*coughBeautyandtheBeastcough*)! 🥀📚
I will also say, although written for adults (the characters are all adults), these are still very mild on the adult romance. There is kissing/touching (but not in the bathing suit zone), and going to sleep/waking up next to eachother, but nothing more is described.
This one comes out on Tuesday, 3 May, so add it to your TBR!
#NetGalley #ByTheBook

I wanted to love this. I love Beauty and the Beast. Belle is the Disney character I most identify with, she likes books, so duh. But this reimagining? It was a miss.

Things I liked: I feel like Izzy portrayed the frustrations of the publishing industry really well. Her character was super likeable.

Things I didn’t like: it was completely spiceless which is fine but there was like ZERO chemistry. I almost stopped reading this about halfway through. Also, some of the remarks were a little too on the nose. A tale as old as time? Talking to furniture? Rooms that are off limits? I mean… Lastly, wasn’t a fan of Beau’s ‘secrets’. Felt like a lot of drama…

All in all - this book was meh. I finished it. So I can add it to my collection for the year. But other than that, didn’t do anything for me.

This was a cute romcom, but not my favourite! It felt like a fairytale which I enjoyed but the main character got a bit on my nerves, and the plot didn't feel very original. I would for sure still recommend it to any romcom lover as it is full of your regular cute and cheesy romance!

This review is hard for me to write, because I have been an OG Jasmine Guillory fan from the very beginning. I love Beauty and the Beast, so I was very much looking forward to this reimagining. The premise was solid - Izzy works in a publishing house and is tasked to help the grumpy and reclusive Beau Towers complete his memoir. I absolutely loved the first book in this series, If The Shoe Fits, so I had high hopes for this book. Ultimately, I was disappointed.

What I liked:
The forced proximity was well done and believable. I enjoyed the twist of Beau being incredibly entitled. It gave the "beast" a new feel, rather than just being surly. You could feel Izzy's love of books, which felt true to the original without going overboard.

What I didn't care for:
This book did not feel like Guillroy's previous work at all. The dialogue was stilted and was missing the fun, witty banter that I'm used to with her work. Even though this was a closed door romance, I didn't feel the chemistry between Izzy and Beau and their character arc lacked emotion and depth. Both characters felt flat and immature and the book almost read more YA than adult.

The second entry in the “Meant to Be series,” this is a retelling of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast story, though both books can be read independently of the other. We first meet Isabelle, or Izzy, as a new employee at a publishing house, excited about writing and the opportunities she sees. Two years later, Izzy isn’t seeing the fairytale ending she had anticipated: her job is tedious, her boss is curt, and she feels unappreciated and stuck, especially as a Black woman in a predominantly white field. While in LA for a conference, she seizes an opening to impress her boss by going to the home of an especially difficult wannabe author. Through a complicated series of events, she winds up staying in the writer’s house and offering pep talks to encourage his writing. This is a fun read, with many nods to the beloved original Disney movie. Thanks to NetGalley for the arc!

Isabelle Marlowe is an editorial assistant at Tale as Old as Time Publishing. Working in publishing has always been her dream, but after a few years of being under-appreciated by her boss and earning a salary that has her living with her parents at 25, she's looking for a way to make a change. When a conference in California provides the opportunity for someone to confront a reclusive celebrity who's way behind on his memoir, Isabelle volunteers. Before she quite knows what has happened, she's staying at a massive Santa Barbara mansion and working with the elusive Beau Towers on the manuscript. Though his beastly behavior appalls her at first, she begins to wonder if they could be barely even friends... or something more.
I love everything Jasmine Guillory writes, so I jumped at the chance to review an advance copy of this book on NetGalley. I won't lie, I was apprehensive about a Disney retelling. I love Disney, but I wasn't sure how the Beauty and the Beast story beloved by so many could be retold in a new enough way. However, like the magician she is, Jasmine Guillory managed to write a book that is at once original and nostalgic. In a loose BATB-like framework, Guillory develops a story that is fresh in so many ways, with lovable, complex characters. I could see so many twenty-somethings (like myself) relating to Izzy's feelings of being stuck and unsure what comes next. While Beau's "beast" character could've easily been unlikeable, Guillory writes a tortured man with a complicated past who just needs a bit of compassion, courage, and tough love. And the relationship that blossoms between them is sweet and real in a way fairy tales don't quite capture.
On top of a story that is entirely her own, Jasmine Guillory manages to pack this book with references and Easter eggs from the Disney classic. From an opening scene reminiscent of Belle's morning walk through the village, to a glorious library and a WiFi password that references everyone's favorite candelabra, this book will make any Disney lover grin. But even if you're not a Disney fan, this book stands on its own as a sweet, funny romance novel. I'd recommend it to all romance lovers, whether you've never seen a Disney movie or you have Mickey ears to match every outfit.

By the Book is the second in the 'Meant to Be' series of light-hearted Disney fairytale re-tellings, and gives all the Beauty and the Beast vibes. The book is flirty and fun, and is very cute in all the little details thrown in that are an homage to the Disney animated film.

This romance takes a little departure from the kind of books Jasmine Guillory is generally known for, in that it is a closed door romance. Closed door isn't a dealbreaker for me, and I still really felt the chemistry between the characters, and enjoyed watching their relationship grow.

I found the book to be a really clever modern day look at Disney fairy tales, and would recommend it to anyone who wants a light and fun romance.

Thanks to Hyperion Avenue for proving me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Izzy works for a publishing house and is aspiring for a promotion. In hopes to prove herself, she pitches an idea to fly out to California to meet with a difficult writer. Upon approval she is on her way to help Beau Towers, a celebrity bad boy finish his book. This story follows Izzy as she develops a book and working relationship with Beau. But then things develop further.

What I liked about this book: This book is a play on the Disney classic Beauty and The Beast. I appreciated the little tie-ins to the original story through the modern take. Izzy is a ball of sunshine and very likable. Beau is darker, has experienced a difficult life and is anything but positive. This is my first Jasmine Guillory book and I will be reading her others. I was impressed with her writing style.

What I disliked about the book: I felt like the words “Beau Towers” were used way too much. Why so many mentions of the last name? We get it, his name is Beau and he is a celebrity. There are other cases that feel like words are overused (e.i. "kissing").. I feel like this book could use an additional editor to eliminate some of these repetitions.

Thank you Hyperion Avenue, Jasmine Guillory, and Netgalley for the ARC.

By the Book was a fun, cute time and had all of the trappings of a Beauty and the Beast retelling that readers come to expect from such endeavors. I think Guillory's tone and writing style worked well with this story, and I liked the characterization! I wouldn't call this a standout of the year, but I had a good time and I know romance readers will devour this as soon as it hits the shelves.

A perfectly executed take on Beauty and the Beast for the modern world!!

Fairytales capture your heart when you’re young and still hold as you get older, but sometimes you can get jaded by the world and curse the ground the princesses walked on. In Jasmine’s Meant to Be novels we get a modern take on these classics that are relatable and realistic! These books remind me why I love fairytales to begin with! In By the Book we meet Izzy and Beau!

Izzy is a hopeful woman who works as an assistant in a publishing house! She’s surrounded by the one thing she loved most; books!! As she finds herself at a crossroads in life and at work she is appointed to go and check on Beau! Beau is supposed to be writing a book well a memoir but not a single word has been sent! When Izzy shows up at his door step she gets a cold welcome! Together Izzy and Beau have to work together to figure out what to do about his book and a weekend turns into a month? Hate turns to friendship and well it’s a tale as old as time!

I loved how Jasmine transformed Belle and Beast into two modern characters that I found myself wanting more of! Seeing them both grow and heal was just absolutely breathtaking especially that amazing ending!!

Rating: 4/5

The second (but standalone) book in the Meant to Be series did not disappoint… but of course, that’s to be expected from the incredible romance novelist that is Jasmine Guillory!

There’s nothing groundbreaking in this modern re-telling of Beauty and the Beast, but it’s filled with so many cute moments and is an easy, enjoyable romance. Plus, the setting is a gorgeous mansion with a library (eek!) in California.

It’s fun to find the easter eggs of how the original story has creatively been added to this story. For example, the cook and friend of Beau’s nickname is Kettle.

Another fun part of this story is that the main characters are involved in the publishing world and we get to see the work of an agent and editor.

This novel is great for anyone looking for a pleasing and cheesy romance with a little of the enemies-to-lovers trope! Can’t wait for the next one in the series!

Jasmine Guillory is a must read author for me. In my opinion this book was not quite up to the caliber of writing that I have come to expect from her collection. I am wondering if it has to do with the fact that all her other books are part of the "Wedding Date" Series that she created, but this book is book #2 in the "Meant to Be" series and book #1 was written by Julie Murphy. It is possible she went in a new direction with this one to try to coordinate it with the other author's book. For me this book was just very slow and fixated on certain details that just weren't as important to me. There were big moments with the main couple that I would have enjoyed a little more time reading about instead of what was focused on. The book had a strong beginning and ending,

Book #2 in the Meant to Be series. This is a fun modern day ‘Beauty and the Beast’ retelling.

Isabelle Marlowe is an editorial assistant at Tale as Old as Time, the only black employee at her publishing house, and has a special dream of becoming a writer herself. She attends a convention in California and volunteers to try to convince their uncooperative client, Beau Towers, to finish his memoir. He’s grouchy at their initial meet, she snaps, antagonizes him, and in return he fires back.. (he agrees to write if) she stays at his home to give him those ‘great pep talks’ she had mentioned to help him get his book underway. Which of course, she has no choice but to agree. Eventually Beau opens up to her revealing why he hasn’t been able to write, Izzy agreeing to stay much longer (her boss Marta relaying not to let her down). Beau is this gorgeous recluse that she grows closer to each day, a no-no since he’s their client, but indeed boundaries are crossed to the delight of them both. Unforeseen obstacles are nipping at their toes, but as with all Jasmine Guillory books this leaves you smiling from ear to ear!

*Thanks to Hyperion Avenue via NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This is the second book in the Meant to Be series from Disney’s publishing company. Where the first book was If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy which was a Cinderella retelling. This book is a Beauty and the Beast retelling. Izzy travels to California to encourage Beau, a former child star, to actually the write the memoir he signed on to do ages ago. The two find that there is more to the other than appears on the surface.

I am usually a big sucker for Beauty and the Beast retellings but this one fell a little flat for me. It didn’t bring enough new to the table for it to be a truly memorable book, which is in sharp contrast to the first book which is one of the few Cinderella retellings that I like. I found Izzy’s narration style crossed the border into annoying at times and I really wish it had been dual POV. The book itself is well written but it just didn’t click for me. I usually really like Jasmine’s books, so my lack of interest in this one surprised me. Oh well, not every book can be perfect.

I was so excited to see Jasmine Guillory's take on Beauty and the Beast in this series of Disney fairy tales adapted to contemporary romances. Izzy is an assistant at a major publishing house and one of her tasks is emailing the reclusive celebrity Beau Towers for updates about he very late memoir, which are always ignored. In an effort to impress her boss, Izzy goes to Beau's home in Southern California to try to finally find out what's going on, but ends up staying to help Beau despite his prickly exterior.

I really liked the background for Beau's self-imposed exile and the nod to the talking appliances from the movie.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.75 stars

This Beauty and the Beast retelling was a sweet closed-door romance between angsty beast Beau Towers and sunshiny sass-pot Izzy. This is a loose retelling of the fairy tale, I loved the small touches weaved in -- Izzy talking to inanimate objects in the home, Beau's assistant is nicknamed Kettle, and <i>the library of every book nerds dreams</i>.

The tension starts early when Izzy shows up to Beau's house to talk to him about his long overdue manuscript. He throws down the gauntlet and tells her if she wants the manuscript, she'll have to stay in his home and give him pep talks in person every day. Izzy's never one to back down from a challenge, so she accepts. The longer they work together and get to know one another, the more their feelings grow. This is definitely a slower burn kind of romance and it works so well!

<b>"It was a big deal, Isabelle. You're a big deal to me."</b>

We love emotionally vulnerable men who put it all out there. Beau is sweet and romantic underneath the beasty snark and seeing him come out of his shell and work through his writing was sweet. The only thing I truly disliked about this book was how many times Izzy says "Beau Towers". For me, it stuck out like a sore thumb. It's not until their flirting turns to more that she finally just calls him Beau. This may be something that was edited out before publishing.

Thank you Net Galley, Hyperion and Jasmine Guillory for the eARC!

I've never read a retelling of Beauty and the Beast before and I wasn't sure what to expect, but this was really cute and clever!

This reminded me a lot of Must Love Books. Izzy is working at a publisher and feeling lost and confused about her job. She gets a break by going to Beau Towers house because he needs help writing his memoir.

They had a lot of chemistry. And I think their relationship grew and progressed easily. I heard people say this read sort of as a YA and I agree.

I sort of wish there was more of a conflict. I feel like Izzy was insecure and not sure in her relationship with Beau or her job, but there wasn't like a catalyst or big misunderstanding and I sort of wish there was.

But I enjoyed this and if you like Beauty and the Beast you will love all the little details thrown in.

Check this out May 3rd!

I really enjoyed this story and finished it in one day. I loved this retelling of Beauty & The Beast in this Rom-Com format that centers Black Love Interests/characters. I laughed quite a bit and enjoyed the banter between Izzy & Beau as well as Michaela (who was definitely a favorite for me)...It was a wonderful build up to Izzy & Beau's romance, which I appreciated! I do wish that we got Beau's perspective and maybe a tad bit more spice but I was more than happy with gratuitous kissing. This was such a wonderful read and a great pick me up!