4.5 ⭐️ // Goodness, I am on a high after finishing By the Book! 🥰

Beauty and the Beast has always been one of my all-time favorite fairytales, so I jumped on the chance to read the advanced reader’s copy of this modern retelling. Plus, I’ve heard so many wonderful things about the author.

Like most books, I found the first quarter of the story to be slow, but it quickly picked up speed. Once I hit the halfway point, I was a goner! I stayed up way too late to devour the rest, and it was so worth it!

I loved how many little references the author made from the story we know and love! Plus, I adored Izzy’s character. She was very likable and relatable, and I found myself constantly rooting for her.

Don’t get me started about Beau! The modern twist of being a “monster” was well done by the author, and the slow-burn chemistry was exactly what I was hoping the story would have.

Read this book if …
🥀 You dream of the library from Beauty and the Beast
🍿You always have snacks handy
🏄‍♂️ Surfing is a hobby of yours
📖 You enjoy books about books and writing
❤️‍🔥 You like slow burn romances

TW: anger, grief, parental death, strained parental relationship, toxic coworker

Thank you, NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue, for providing me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A Goodreads review will be posted shortly, and an Instagram post with an inspired music playlist will be posted within a week.

I really enjoyed this book. As a curvy woman myself, I could relate to her. I would definitely recommend this book!

REVIEW: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 /5 🌟

I love Jasmine Guillory! When I am in the mood for a fun romance, she is a go to for me. And when I read she had written a retelling of Beauty and the Beast? Come on! Really excited. I mean, updated classics are too much fun. You immediately think of Wicked, right?

Synopsis from the publisher: Isabelle is completely lost. When she first began her career in publishing after college, she did not expect to be twenty-five, still living at home, and one of the few Black employees at her publishing house. Overworked and underpaid, constantly torn between speaking up or stifling herself, Izzy thinks there must be more to this publishing life. So when she overhears her boss complaining about a beastly high-profile author who has failed to deliver his long-awaited manuscript, Isabelle sees an opportunity to finally get the promotion she deserves.

All she has to do is go to the author’s Santa Barbara mansion and give him a pep talk or three. How hard could it be?

But Izzy quickly finds out she is in over her head. Beau Towers is not some celebrity lightweight writing a tell-all memoir. He is jaded and withdrawn and―it turns out―just as lost as Izzy. But despite his standoffishness, Izzy needs Beau to deliver, and with her encouragement, his story begins to spill onto the page. They soon discover they have more in common than either of them expected, and as their deadline nears, Izzy and Beau begin to realize there may be something there that wasn’t there before.

I will admit, I was really underwhelmed in the first several chapters. The Disney references felt forced, and didn’t support the story line. It seemed cliche for me for lack of a better term. But about a third of the way in, the story really grabbed me. It became a romance between editor and an author, with a couple of Beauty and the Beast references thrown in, which at that point, were really fun. I became invested in Izzy and Beau’s story.

I recommend this book to readers who love Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, as you will enjoy the references. Even more, if you enjoy light romance books - centered around books, the writing process and publishing, you will enjoy this one.

Release date is May 3, 2022.

Note: Thank you to Jasmine Guillory, NetGalley and Hyperion for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was so fun and I loved it! I don’t usually gravitate towards romance books, but with the description of being a reimagining of Beauty and the Beast and revolving around books I was so intrigued- and I’m so glad I went for it!

Isabelle (Izzy to her friends) always dreamed of being a writer, and when she landed a job with a publishing company she was so excited! Two years later her dream come true is not so dreamy. She feels stuck at her stressful job and is dying for a promotion, so when the opportunity comes up to help a famous nightmare of a client write his memoir, she thinks this might be her shot at moving up. Next thing she knows she’s missing her flight back home to New York to stay in Beau’s incredible Santa Barbara house. Is she in over her head, or will this be everything she hopes for?

By the Book was such a pleasant surprise for me, and I loved that there were hints of Beauty and the Beast while still very much being it’s own story. It was such a light feeling romance while still having meaningful and emotional moments.

I loved these characters, and while I do wish there had been more backstory for them, I thought we really got to know their personalities, and I genuinely wanted to watch their relationships grow. I really appreciated that the book’s focus was on developing Izzy and Beau’s relationship and their feelings for each other, but without a ton of smutty scenes- it was more sweet than spicy. And though I found the begging of their story a little unbelievable or unrealistic, the ending was super cute and satisfying and all around great.

I have always been a fan of Jasmine Guillory, and having her involved in this Meant to Be series is very exciting. And for the most part, By the Book delivered everything it was meant to. A light, cozy book with some major Beauty and the Beast vibes. Did I think it stood out amongst all the other Beauty and the Beast retellings we've had on the market recently? Not quite. That doesn't make it bad-- I loved Izzy and Beau--but it does mean I wasn't quite as captivated by this book as I would've liked. It was all very nice and enjoyable. This is a solid rec for anyone who loves Jasmine Guillory, the previous Meant to Be title, or retellings of Beauty and the Beast.

By the Book is a charming tale of a privileged and wealthy memoirist who is terrified of writing, a book deadline long past the due date, and a publishing novice who volunteers to get him out of his writing phobia to a finished manuscript. It excels at creating that butt in chair to write every day atmosphere, then rewrite and reevaluate ad nauseum until you’ve exposed the hard emotional challenges life has brought you and address the weaknesses of your manuscript. While professionalism is at the forefront, a solid relationship grows bit by bit from conflict to resolution and friendship to something solid enough to build a life on. The jabs that cut, the healing forgiveness freely given, and the lack of machinations gives the reader a deeply appreciated HEA. Guillory delivers romance that grows realistically in the balmy central coast of California near the Pacific on a property grand enough to have a library, media room, and orchard. Ah, dream on reader, this romance sings.

….eek. This book needed Marta or Gavin as an editor. Jasmine Guillory is so prolific and writes so much great stuff but this was not it. The Beauty & the Beast script was so overdone (her talking to the bathtub….?!?!?) and it was just plain silly, in not a good way.

I really enjoyed By The Book by Jasmine Guillory and look forward into her other fan favorites!

Izzy’s direct demeanor was tenacious and refreshing. She is unapologetic in holding her ground and not letting others bring her down or treat her without respect. A clever Beauty and the Beast retelling set in Santa Barbara. And yes, there is a Harry and Meghan shout out in the acknowledgements (wink).

Isabelle is a bookish Belle working at a publishing company in Manhattan. She is a foodie who has a penchant for provincial period pieces and a soft spot for romance. With the task to fulfill a contract a draw a memoir out of a notable actor, Izzy takes the challenge on in hopes to not only prove her capabilities to her employers, but to herself. Step one: show up at said actor’s front door.

I loved the grumpy/sunshine retelling in a contemporary setting. There were several threads that hold true to the origin story which made it fun to spot them. I also treasured the discussion of being Black in the work place. Lastly, this book communicates the weight assumptions can hold in preventing progress when the parties involved don’t, in fact, communicate their intentions and feelings clearly.

Thank you, NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

I read If The Shoe Fits late last year and it brought my heart so much joy - finding out this was going to be a series of books with different authors rewriting different fairytales made that joy tenfold. The opportunity to read this ahead of time was amazing, because Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite fairytales, and the modern twist talks about books and publishing? YES PLEASE! Additionally we have BIPOC characters in abundance, not just the main character or love interest or best friend, but all of them and then some! There are so many real world relatable struggles in this book that the main character Izzy overcomes, and she does it with tears, sarcasm, and grace. One of the best things about this book is you know it is based on Beauty and the Beast but it isn't a beat for beat modernization - it is more like both stories were in the room at the same time, and I love that. It gave me the feels that Beauty and the Beast gives me without taking away from the wonderful story that this is on its own. This was a lot of fun for me to read and it brought me out of a little bit of a reading funk I was in, so thank you for that too. I can't wait to go back and read other things Jasmine has written now!

I was very excited to see a new Jasmine Guillory book available! I have enjoyed all of her lighthearted romance stories thus far. Unfortunately, this modern retelling of the classic fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast, fell short of the mark. I found most of the references to the tale detracted from the story, rather than adding to it. Thank you NetGalley for the advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

This was such a fun modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast.

I really enjoyed how the story played out. I liked how Isabelle was struggling in her life but still stood up to Beau. How she was able to successfully help him not only write his memoir but also address some of his very complex feelings.

This was such a slow burn but also so rewarding. It was also super closed door which makes sense given the publisher but ooh, I would have loved a little steam.

I just really enjoyed it and definitely recommend.

By the Book immerses readers in the world of writing and publishing. Isabelle (Izzy) has worked at her publishing firm for two years and is desperate to either get a promotion or a new job. She sees her chance to prove herself by getting a reluctant writer to turn in his manuscript. Beau is a celebrity contracted to write a memoir, but he hasn’t turned in anything – or even responded to a single email – in the past year. While Izzy spends time with the reclusive Beau in his mansion, they might end up with more than just a finished manuscript.

Part of what drew me to By the Book is that it’s a retelling of one of my favorite childhood stories, Beauty and the Beast. As such, I was constantly charmed by the numerous nods to Beauty and the Beast, especially the Disney movie I grew up watching. While Jasmine Guillory made plenty of significant changes to the fairytale (which I’ll dive into in a moment), I do love the elements she chose to retain. Of course, the major themes are there: forced proximity in the man’s sizable home; the man seeming beastly despite his deeply buried good qualities; the gradual evolution from enemies to tentative friends to lovers. But the details made me giddy, and if you know the Disney movie as well as I do, you’ll catch them all: The spelling of Isabelle’s name is unconventional but perfect; Izzy’s publishing firm is called Tale as Old as Time; she and Beau watch a period drama called This Provincial Life; Beau’s WiFi password references a certain French-accented candlestick; I could go on, but there are so many little connections to the original that simply brought me joy the whole time I was reading.

There are differences from the original tale, updating it for a modern setting and removing the more problematic elements. Most notably, Izzy is not a literal prisoner in Beau’s mansion; there will be no Stockholm Syndrome between these two! Izzy’s father plays a minimal role here, the dishes don’t dance and sing, the characters aren’t even in France. But in spite of the big changes, By the Book still retains the magic that makes Beauty and the Beast so beloved.

I’m the kind of bookworm who loves to read about anything related to books, and in this novel, I enjoyed reading about the different sides to the industry. Izzy works in publishing and spends her days coordinating with authors, reading and editing manuscripts, and getting books ready for publication. She’s also a writer herself, though she has doubts about her own (unfinished) novel and her talent. Beau has never written a book before, and he’s faced with intense writer’s block over this memoir he owes Tale as Old as Time. It takes all Izzy has to get him to finally start writing, from pep talks to forced writing sessions. It is inspiring to watch these two work through their different roles with books and writing.

Beyond their professional relationship, Izzy and Beau must slowly work on their personal relationship, too. Like the Beast we know so well, Beau isn’t exactly forthcoming, and he has a temper, especially when it comes to his writing. He’s cagey and defensive and prone to lashing out. It’s no wonder he and Izzy are rather like enemies when she first arrives in his mansion. But like the original story, these two slowly inch closer to friendship and understanding… and then maybe something else that wasn’t there before. (Cue Mrs. Potts singing “Something There.”)

Theirs is a slow-build romance with some setbacks along the way. They bond professionally, over their shared love of food (especially snacks), and even over surfing lessons. Izzy helps Beau come to terms with some family trauma and his fraught relationship with his mom. Beau, in turn, helps Izzy become more confident in herself. Even as their relationship blossoms, things are kept G-rated, allowing all ages to enjoy their love story.

I appreciated the attention on mental health and burnout here. Lately I’ve been seeing both more and more in books, and I am completely here for it. Izzy and Beau have some progress to make on those fronts, and readers can gain some perspective from their journey.

If you love food, By the Book will be extra delightful: There are a lot of mentions of eating and cooking. It may make you hungry! I’ve heard that Jasmine Guillory’s romances are known for their depictions of food, and that trend has extended to this novel. It got to be a bit much for me as time wore on; I just wanted them to stop eating all the time! But perhaps food really is the way to their hearts.

By the Book is a sweet novel perfect for anyone who loves Beauty and the Beast, books about books, and slow-burn romances. It has touches of magic that make it a delightful yet wholly original take on a beloved classic.

⭐️⭐️💫
By the Book could have also been called By the Cookbook. I swear there is more written about the meals shared by the two characters, Beau and Izzy, their love for his snack closet (what girl would take three bags of chips in front of the heartthrob?), the wine, the detailed menus, fish tacos, etc. In addition, I think Izzy needs to find an apartment with a tub because she loses her shizz over the clawfoot tub in this house. Like it was almost the most substantial part of the love story. This is a story about an author who can’t write his memoir, and his book company decides to give him a nudge by sending a 25-year old staffer, Izzy, to finish his book. It’s solid writing, decently paced, and has a frenemies vibe. But it isn’t believable, and there is a lack of chemistry between the lovebirds. How do you teach a writer to write? Why does Izzy always get mad when talking to the “client” even though he might be rude. Why does Beau have borderline agoraphobia in addition to writer’s block? I realize we have a moment of truth later, but Beau could’ve saved everybody a lot of hassle by being honest. It was a good try, and anyone who can see the comparison to Beauty and the Beast is welcome to fall hard for this one. I didn’t see it. Jasmine Guillory is a solid writer, and I enjoy her books, so the next one should be a winner. #ByTheBook #NetGalley #ARC #TaleAsOldAsTime #romance @netgalley #hyperion @hyperionavenue
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Thank you to Hyperion Avenue and NetGalley for this free ARC; my thoughts and review are my own and without bias.
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#bookaddict #booksofinstagram #bibliophile #bookstagram #bookstagramer #bookshelf #booksbooksbooks #readersofinstagram #reader #booklove #author #instabooks #literature #prettybookcover Pub.Date: May 3rd

I will always read anything that Jasmine Guillory writes!! I enjoyed this modern day twist of the fairytale, Beauty and the Beast. (At times, some of the fairytale tie-ins felt cheesy.)

I loved the premise of this book! Izzy works in publishing and after years of working towards a promotion she is disappointed to find out she won’t be getting one. So in a last ditch effort to impress her boss, she offers to take on their most challenging client. Beau is the son of two famous Hollywood parents. He has received a bad boy reputation over the years. After his father died, he signed a deal to write a memoir but a few years later and there has been nothing to show for it.

Izzy shows up and offers her help and expertise and it isn’t exactly the warm welcome she is hoping for.

I loved the dynamic between Izzy and Beau, I loved the setting of the book.

Beauty and the Beast was my comfort movie from birth until I was probably 12. I love seeing when there's a new adaptation coming out but also feel pretty critical of them as well. This one was a very sweet and easy read. I wasn't especially impressed but also it was just what I needed for a never-ending winter.

I am a fan of Jasmine Guillory's Wedding Date series so when I saw that she had written a book in the Meant to Be series, I knew I had to read it, especially since it's inspired by Beauty and the Beast. I enjoyed the story and the development of the relationship between Izzy and Beau as they moved from enemies to friends and then lovers. I liked the little allusions to the Disney movie (the WiFi password is Lumiere, the housekeeper's nickname is Kettle, (a stand-in for Mrs. Pots), etc. and they weren't overdone. The romance is definitely not as explicit as her other books which I actually liked and it worked well here. It's a fun little romance and a pleasant way to pass an afternoon.

I am a huge fan of fairy tale retellings, but I don't see a whole lot of them written for adults. It is also semi-rare to see fairy tale retellings that are realistic and modern, rather than a fantasy. So, I was immediately drawn to the Meant to Be series! I absolutely adored the first, If the Shoe Fits, so I was ecstatic to get my hands on an advanced copy of this one.
By the Book is a modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast set in the publishing industry. Izzy, short for Isabelle, has been an editorial assistant for two years and she is vying for a promotion to assistant editor. So, when she sees her chance to prove herself by volunteering to go see Beau Towers, the rich celebrity who has been ignoring the publishing house for over a year despite having a book deal for a memoir, she jumps on it. What she doesn't expect is that she will end up living in his gorgeous Santa Barbra home, that's almost magical with the delicious food, over the top grounds, and life changing bathtub, for months to help him write.
I loved this story! It was a perfect way to give Beauty and the Beast a modern twist. I enjoyed the subtle hints toward the fantastical furniture from the original; Izzy frequently talks to the bathtub, and even imagines that it talks back occasionally, and Beau's assistant is nicknamed Kettle. The romance between Izzy and Beau was so sweet, and it was enjoyable to read their connection slowly form as Izzy begins to understand why Beau comes off as such a "beast." The ending of course doesn't disappoint, making this the perfect, happy, and light romance.
The actual writing in this one, however, was not as great. Maybe this is inevitable when setting a book in the publishing industry, so everyone is a writer and there is books within the book, but oftentimes the writing felt forced, and other times repetitive. I did find myself pulled out of the story on a few occasions due to awkward writing. But, I don't think it affected my enjoyment of the novel overall. This will still be a much appreciated retelling. Lovers of the medium will not want to miss this series!

Unfortunately not as good as the first Meant To Be Novel, or as good ad Jasmine's other romance stories. It was just a little cheesy, clique, and not very exciting of a read. Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite fairytalea, so I had high hopes... and this sadly didn't meet it. I'd say it's a 2.5.

Jasmine Guillory is an auto-buy author for me but I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure whether her voice would translate as part of the Meant to Be series of novels. Luckily, this book had the same strong female lead that I’ve come to love in Guillory’s work!

Though this novel takes more of a fade to black approach to the spicy scenes - we never get much beyond kissing - the chemistry between Izzy and Beau leaps off the page. I really appreciated the slow burn in this novel, as they come to first respect each other as coworkers, then friends, and eventually lean into the chemistry between them.

I loved the cheeky nods to Beauty and the Beast sprinkled throughout, especially Izzy frequently catching herself talking to inanimate objects - and thinking maybe, just maybe, the house is talking back. And yes, bibliophiles, the library is swoon-worthy in and of itself, even if it’s off-limits for any spicy scenes.

This was a really fun read, a perfectly crafted romance novel that provided a lovely escape. Highly recommend, whether you’re a long time Guillory fan or just a Disney fan excited for this retelling.

Let me preface this with two things: First, I love everything Jasmine Guillory has writen. Second, I hate Beauty and the Beast.

Both of those things said, this wasn't it for me. I found it tedious and try hard. The references to make it like BatB were annoying, such as an assistant unexplainably called Kettle and a reference to talking to a candlestick. I thought Izzy (Isabelle, ahem Belle) was super annoying. Her reaction to any little argument with Beau was to scream at him and flee upstairs to her room. She did this three times before I hit the 25% mark...

Overall, if you like a clean sex-free fairytale romance, this is for you. It just wasn't for me.