Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.

This is a bit of a Beauty and the Beast themed story with Miss Elizabeth Sharpe running a small bookstore that has been in her family for centuries; but because there is no male heir, her father has been neglecting the business, falling into drink after the death of his wife, leaving Elizabeth to manage it. Part of their tradition is a contract with the Duchy of Montrose,where the owner of the store would personally curate books for the Duke. But this has been declining with Elizabeth's father's decline. This is vital to maintaining the bookstore, as it is small, and old, and cannot compete with the likes of Hatchards of Picadilly.

Finally, one day, after failing to receive his books, the Duke of Montrose, the reclusive Garrett Maxmilian, personally shows up at their store and demands that the contract be fulfilled or he will end the duchy's sponsorship of the store. Elizabeth ends up fulfilling the store's contract as her father is no fit state to do so. Despite their differences in status and personality, Elizabeth connects with Garrett through their love of books and she shows him a new world by introducing the taciturn and stern recluse to the joys of novels. Their growing connection becomes a sensual attraction that they both decide to act on.

Unfortunately, Elizabeth's father rouses from his drunken haze enough to realize the situation and twist it to his advantage, trying to prostitute his daughter to the Duke for his own gain, and forcing Garrett to save Elizabeth from her own father's manipulation of her. But despite making Elizabeth his duchess, he fails to treat her as she deserves, and is unable to open his heart and mind to the possibility of love and emotion and almost loses her through his beastly treatment of her.

I loved the connection that Elizabeth and Garrett shared over books, and how she opened his heart and world through her own warmth and enthusiasm. But I was quite aghast at how Elizabeth's father treated her, and failed to respect or appreciate her contributions or even her existence because she was not a male heir. While Garrett did the honorable thing and saved Elizabeth from her father's abhorrent plans for her, he did so begrudgingly and then also failed her by not valuing her and treating her as less than he should have. He was a hero with clay feet and almost lost his chance at love because of his behaviour. After what Elizabeth had to go through with her father and the emotional turmoil Garrett put her through, I felt that he needed to grovel more to win her back, ducal arrogance not withstanding.

3.5 stars out of 5

A sweet, short historical romance. Elizabeth runs the family bookshop. She meets Garrett Maximilian, the Duke of Montrose, the shop’s main patron, when he arrives at the bookshop demanding to see her father. It seems her father has not been delivering books to the Duke’s estate as agreed. Elizabeth agrees to take her father’s place in the weekly book selection and deliveries. The two begin to discuss books and the ensuing friendship turns into something more. Ms. Devon is a gifted writer who incorporates the history of the time by touching on many subjects of the time: gender inequity, alcoholism, division of social classes, treatment of the mentally impaired.

Joi them as they overcome their differences and find their HEA you won’t regret it.

Thank you NetGalley, Eva Devon and Entangled Publishing for the ARC of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Beast and the Bookseller by Eva Devon is a delightful twist to a fairy tale. The beast is the Duke who is determined to be horrid to the bookseller only to find out it is the bookseller’s daughter , Elizabeth who is really watching the store. She is not intimidated by the meanness of the Beast, Garret Maximilion and even has found a way to sooth him, but things at home are not good for her. Her father is sinking deeper and deeper into his cups and has made a bargain with her as the prize. The beastly Duke might be the only one who can save her, if it is not too late.

I liked the twist in the novel. I like how brave Elizabeth was - even if she didn’t realize it! I liked how the Beast and the Bookseller started a friendship with a book club first! The Beast and the Bookseller by Eva Devon was a good read.

Oh gosh I was thrilled when I was selected to read an ARC of Eva Devon’s latest Once Upon a Wallflower series novel. I’ve really enjoyed all of her books so far. The beast and the bookseller is a regency spin on the beauty and the beast, with a hint of pride and prejudice thrown in. Elizabeth, bookseller with her neglectful father, meets the Duke of Montrose, who is haunted by the terrible treatment of his mother on the past. They bond over their love of books, and somewhat improbably, Create a book club.
Theirs is not a cheerful story though. I was struck by this line: “Most princes have terrible lives, if you ask me. They’re deeply unhappy—at least the ones I’ve met. Not many dukes are happy, either.”
And I was disappointed by the manipulation, shame, and withdrawal. The resolution was very quick and tidy at the end, which did not flow as well as some of her others.

The Beast and the Bookseller is a historical romance about Garrett, the reclusive Duke of Montrose, and Elizabeth Sharpe, the daughter of the bookseller who runs Sharpe and Son. The bookshop opened in 1665 and since has enjoyed the patronage of the Dukes of Montrose. However, Elizabeth’s father has failed in his duty to the regularly supply the Duke with books as he is in a depression, drinking heavily since the death of Elizabeth’s mother. Elizabeth meets the Duke when he comes to the shop in person to meet with Elizabeth’s father. Rather than ending his connection with the bookstore as he planned, the Duke charges Elizabeth with bringing his weekly supply of books to him in person. Elizabeth convinces the Duke to expand his reading material and introduces him to Jane Austen's work, Pride and Prejudice, which she agrees to read along with him. A friendship between Garrett and Elizabeth grows and she introduces him to new literature.

There are wonderful elements of a Beauty and the Beast retelling as Elizabeth braves the fearsome Duke to discover the person behind the mask. As the pair read Pride and Prejudice together, we also see the parallel story of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett. Both Garrett and Elizabeth’s feelings grow as their relationship evolves from work- related to friendship.

I loved this short book and how the plot of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice was woven into the storyline. Like Elizabeth, I also believe in the transformative power of literature and seeing the Duke open up emotionally as his reading choices expanded was very satisfying. I also wished the story was longer and involved a more intricate plot. Perhaps I like more conflict or angst before the couple finds their HEA, but the loose ends were tied up a bit too predictably for me and end of the book came too soon. I hope this is the start of a series and we get to see these characters in other books by Eva Devon.

I really enjoyed reading this historical romance! I liked the romance between the two leads, and I thought the plot was good. Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

The Beast and The Bookseller by Eva Devon is the First book in the Once Upon a Wallflower Series. This is the story of Elizabeth Sharpe and Garrett Edward Matthew Maximilian, the Duke of Montrose.
Elizabeth has taken over running the Book store after her father has taken to feeling sorrow for himself which has lead to him to drink. The Duke of Montrose is one of their best customers and Elizabeth knows they need him to keep their bookstore going. When the Duke comes in she tries to smooth his upset which leads him to request she be the one to deliver his orders. Enjoyed this book and I hope to read more from this author.

The Beast and the Bookseller is an absolutely delightful Beauty and the Beast retelling. Our “Belle” is Elizabeth, who runs her father’s bookshop. Her father is devastated from the loss of his wife a year ago - and his chance to have a male heir to give Sharpe & Sons to. Our “Beast” is Garrett Maximilian, Duke of Montrose. Montrose has isolated himself from society after a traumatic childhood, but also works to better London for all of its citizens.

One day, Montrose storms into the bookshop because he hasn’t been receiving his weekly book shipment. He’s surprised to meet Elizabeth, who promises to resume the shipments herself. Which quickly turns into the two of them reading Pride and Prejudice outloud to each other…and falling in love. (Obviously, it’s a romance novel.)

Some things I LOVED:
💖 Combo of Pride and Prejudice and Beauty and the Beast? Two of my favorite things!
💖 Grumpy MC
💖 Woman in business
💖 Elizabeth leads the development of this relationship so we don’t get the Stockholm Syndrome vibes of the Disney movie.
💖 Falling in love over books.

I read the whole book yesterday (with my eyes!) and absolutely adored it.

I really enjoyed the twist on the classic tale and the characters of Elizabeth and Garrett were exactly as I'd hoped they'd be. I loved reading about their bond as it grew and getting to the heart of who they were as people, with their own dreams and plans. I'll always be a sucker for a broody royal 😍 I'm so glad I read this one!

The Beast and the Bookseller by Eva Devon

Published: June 5, 2023
Entangled: Amara
Pages: 222
Genre: Historical Romance
KKECReads Rating: 4/5
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.

Eva Devon, USA Today bestselling author, was raised on literary fiction, but quite accidentally and thankfully, she was introduced to romance one Christmas by Johanna Lindsey's Mallory novella, The Present. A romance addict was born. She devoured every single Lindsey novel within a few months and moved on to contemporary and paranormal with gusto. Now, she loves to write her own roguish dukes, alpha males and the heroines who tame them.

“Shall we form a book club?”

Elizabeth works day in and day out in her family’s bookshop. A shop that has been in the family for decades. Though, her father spends more time drinking than working. Garrett spends his time mostly alone, despite being a Duke. He spends time reading and expects the bookshop to deliver his books diligently. Neither expected to fall in love.

This was so sweet! I loved how this romance centered around a shared love of books and how stories connected two lost hearts.

Elizabeth was such a fun character. She was bold, intelligent, kind, and warm. Garrett was a brooding, well-read, generous man who was lost. Their connection was instant and profound.

The way this story flowed was lovely. And I enjoyed how other books were woven into the plot. It was a fun, refreshing read. The charm in these pages was delightful.

Unfortunately, this one was a DNF for me. For some reason, I just couldn't get into the characters, I may try again later to see if it was just not the right time.

A Duke with PTSD from, an abusive father and a beautiful bookseller fall in love over their love of reading. This one is steamy. I really loved the dukes arc of redemption. Beauty and the Beast retelling.

Despite its brevity, I found this book to be undeniably endearing. As an avid fan of Eva Devon, I greatly appreciate her distinct writing style, particularly her ability to create strong female characters within historical eras that often failed to fully appreciate women's worth. While this may not rank as my personal favorite among her works, I nonetheless reveled in the delightful journey it offered, with a slow-burning romance that steadily captivated my interest. Moreover, the inclusion of book-loving characters instantly won me over, as both protagonists embarked on their own love story through their shared passion for literature.

The tastefully executed spice in the narrative added an engaging layer of allure. However, my only reservation lies in its brevity. Towards the conclusion, the story somewhat meandered, abruptly reaching its resolution without delivering the heightened stakes and grand romantic gesture that typically induces swooning. Yet, in spite of this minor setback, I still wholeheartedly relished the book, as I have with all of this author's works.

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I had read another series by this author and when I saw this I knew I needed to read this. I have to say it was not my favorite but I did enjoy the take on Beauty and the Beast. Overall, a fairly decent read.

Elizabeth sharpe has take over running her family's bookstore that's been in her family for a long time Garrett Maximilian the Duke of Montrose. is the bookstore's only patron is a recluse. he never comes out of his house Elizabeth's father use to bring him books but because his wife and only chance of a son has died and he's decided to drink himself so it falls to Elizabeth to bring the duke books she teaches him about other books then just books about science, politics and books like it this was a good book I love eva devons writing

This delightful book is a keeper! What more can you ask for with a book-loving beast of a duke, misunderstood of course, and a poor book-loving bookseller? Garrett, the Duke of Montrose does not associate with people - at all, unless it's absolutely necessary, but the bookshop assigned the contract to provide books to the Montrose duchy for over 100 years hasn't delivered for weeks. The Duke is put out and as soon as he crosses the threshold, he orders everyone out of the shop. Elizabeth has been running her father's bookshop, while he's wallowing in grief and alcohol, and now she's faced with an angry duke. If she can't deliver and they lose the Montrose contract, that will be the end of the family bookshop. Garrett was used to Elizabeth's father delivering his weekly allotment of books and now he's commanded Elizabeth do it instead.

After the first delivery, Elizabeth decides to broaden Garrett's reading choices and brings him Pride and Prejudice. They form a two-person book club and start reading the book aloud to each other. And everything just gets better and better from there until Elizabeth's father decides to 'save' her.

Thanks to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

Many, many thanks to NetGalley, the author and Entangled Publishing LLC for granting me advance copy of this book in return for my honest opinions.

Fairy tale retellings have become one one my go to gonre so when I read the synopsis I had to read this one!

The book is a short quick read and I enjoyed the romance that develops between Elizabeth and the Duke.

Thee bookstore setting was perfect.

I wish the book were a bit longer and had more depth, but it was sweet and well worth the read.

Recommend.

I always enjoy Eva Devon’s book and this one was not an exception.
All of London gossips about the Duke of Montrose. A recluse with a terrible temper. But he’s also the most important patron of the centuries-old book shop that belongs to Miss Elizabeth Sharpe’s family. Now she’s been charged with delivering books to him, or risk their shop falling into ruin. Garrett Maximilian doesn’t care what society says about him. Most of them are sycophants, bowing and scraping in his presence. But not this proud, redheaded spitfire of a woman standing before him. In fact, nothing makes him feel more alive than Miss Elizabeth tartly criticizing his books.
What starts as a business transaction, almost immediately transforms in a friendship, and then in a romance that promises to change their lives forever.
I love the promise of a Beauty and the Beast retailing, but with an interesting and original plot twist. This story is beautiful and shows how two different people can find happiness together despite of their differences. He is a duke and she sells books for a living. But both love books most than anything in the world and that is the beginning of a deeply engaging relationship. I enjoy the way they are honest with each other, and open to new experiences. I’ll be waiting for Lily’s story because she was a great addition to the book.
The story is romantic, with the perfect amount of aghast, an almost villain and a happy ending. It’s a slow-burn romance with a few steamy moments and witty dialogs. And the references to Pride and Prejudice made my day.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Sweet and saucy retelling of Beauty and the Beast during Regency period
My favorite romance trope: “Beauty and the Beast,” which is followed closely by “The Ugly Duckling.” From the title you can see which one this book is retelling. For me this was a page-turner because I love the storyline. The writing is good, moves along at a good pace, the anticipation is perfectly staged and the ending is quite stunning. Before reading this I never noticed the similarities between the B&B trope to “Pride & Prejudice” either. There will be mention of that novel several times.
Miss Elizabeth Sharpe runs her family’s bookstore, which enjoys the patronage of the Duke of Montrose aka Garrett Edward Matthew Maximilion. The Duke is a horrid man, as people say. He is gruff, opinionated, a recluse and in general not well-liked. His best friend is Lord Essex with whom he has shared his past and now his present. He is so afraid of “the disease” that he and Essex meet daily to follow his regimen to prevent it. When he meets Mr. Sharpe’s daughter, Elizabeth his life begins to change.
This book is multi-faceted and quite enjoyable. The characters are well-written, in that I was very invested in their HEA. Adore the ending! I’ve never read Eva Devon before but I see where she has multiple B&B books. I guess I found a new author! I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Entangled and NetGalley.

The Beast and the Bookseller is the story of two people who meet and discover their love of reading books. The trouble is that they are from different stations of life. The Duke of Montrose is a man in pain from the loss of his mother when he was very young. He believes he has a role to uphold, and he keeps people at a distance. Garrett is a recluse with a demanding temper. He meets Miss Elizabeth Sharpe when he arrives at Sharpe and Son to discuss the accounting books with her father who has been remiss in his duties as the owner. Covering for him she offers to bring the books to him in her father's place.

Garrett does not scare Elizabeth, she sees him as he is a wounded soul. She offers to bring him books that he has not read before and in doing so, he starts to see her with different eyes as they bond over their love of books. Will Elizabeth be able to save him from his demons before he loses her as well.

This is a very special love story. I really liked the fact that they each loved books and shared that love with one another which brought them closer.