This is a take on the Beauty and the Beast tale, specifically that Disney version. Our heroine has red hair and loves books. Her family has owned a London bookshop for almost two centuries and their best client is the Duke of Montrose. He’s depicted as a beast, but there’s not much of a reason why. He’s a recluse, but he’s extremely good-looking and he works in Parliament to help the poor and he supports women’s rights. Mostly, he’s just tormented by the cruelty of his upbringing and he can’t get over that.

But then Elizabeth Sharpe enters his life and introduces him to Pride and Prejudice, and soon they’ve become good friends and are soon in love. It’s rather quick and predictable, but still rather fun.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

Thank you to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

To be honest, this kind of disappointed me. I really liked Eva Devon's <i>The Duke's Secret Cinderella</i>, so I was surprised that this wasn't hitting as hard. There is instant attraction between the two main characters, which I can understand as this is a shorter book. However, it relied on the "not like other girls" trope a bit too much in order to make the FMC stand out. The dialogue spoken by the FMC also seems out of place for an HR, speaking very modern (though not using slang or anything like that). However, once the romance got going, it was very sweet and made for an easy read. I would recommend this to someone looking for a bite-size beauty & the beast HR.

This is the first book in a new series by Eva Devon called, "Once Upon a Wallflower".
The heroine in this story, Elizabeth, is trying to keep her bookstore afloat. Her father has been grieving the loss of her mother for many years. He is drinking and gambling, putting them further in debt.
The Duke of Montrose, Garrett, is a patron of the bookstore. He is supposed to be getting a delivery of books every week from the bookstore. When the hooks stop arriving, he goes to the store to find out why. Here the two meet. Garret insists that Elizabeth take her father's place and begin delivering the books every week.
And so begins an unusual relationship. These are two lonely people who gravitate towards each other to help fill a void in their hearts and their lives.
I'm not sure how I feel about this book. There were some parts I loved. My favorite is them forming their own book club and spending several nights a week discussing books.
But when Garrett changed to a totally different person after marriage, the change was so abrupt and unexpected, I was disappointed. I guess that's where he becomes the beast.
3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I want to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.

I enjoy fairytale retellings, and this one was loosely based on Beauty and the Beast, although Garrett Maximilian, the Duke of Montrose, wasn't much of a beast if you discounted his glares and blunt mannerisms. Garrett suffers from nightmares from his cruel and violent father and the way his loving mother was ripped away from him when he was eight years old. His father constantly admonished him about how tender-hearted he was and the fact that he looked so much like his mother. To counteract his father's vicious nature, when Garrett becomes duke, he retreats inside his ducal home and rarely leaves except to vote in Parliament. One of the few pleasures in his life is the books provided to him weekly by Sharpe and Sons bookshop. When the books stop arriving on time, Garrett is forced to go to the bookshop personally to find out what the problem is.

Miss Elizabeth Sharpe lives and breathes books. She has lovingly taken care of the bookshop, even more so now because of her father's lack of interest and his drunkenness. Her disappointment at her father's behavior is appalling, made even more so when the Duke of Montrose invades her shop to confront her father about the lack of delivery of his standing order. Elizabeth makes a deal with the Duke that she will bring him his weekly allotment of books to keep the duke's patronage. Without it, the bookshop would perish.

The first time she brings the books to his townhome, she's awed by the opulence of his it. When she's standing in front of him, she's not cowed by his bluntness and offers a suggestion that he might enjoy a different kind of book besides the scientific tomes he reads. Thus begins their blossoming friendship of sorts. The more time they spend together, the more their friendship grows. The writing is compelling, and the author has a way of explaining Garrett's childhood trauma, that I felt every one of the duke's torments as well as Elizabeth's growing disappointment with her father.

There is a lovely side plot about them reading "Pride and Prejudice" that warmed my insides. The tension between them is palpable, and their attraction grows until it cannot be denied. When her father learns of Elizabeth's friendship with the duke, his greed nearly destroys everything. Can Elizabeth learn to live with Garrett's coldness and his bluntness, or will Garrett realize that he's pushing away the one woman who can soothe his savage soul?

"All of London gossips about the Duke of Montrose. A recluse. Inflicted with a terrible disease. A gargoyle 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 the Gargoyle of London herself—or risk their shop falling into ruin. But surely a duke can’t be that ghastly"
This is a good book. Elizabeth and Garrett make a fine couple.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

DNF at 15%

Eva Devon's been hit or miss for me in the past, but the thought of a Beauty and the Beast inspired novella was enough to draw me in.

Unfortunately, this book was slow going from the start for me and there's a lot of telling rather than showing so that the points can come across clearly in a short amount of time. I felt the atmosphere and romance was being telegraphed in a way that didn't endear me to the characters or their situations.

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled: Amara for an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review!

A very captivating and compelling story that kept me reading unable to put it down. I so enjoyed that it referenced so mush conflict to overcome and the struggles both endured. That their past shaped them and they were trying to be better.

Miss Elizabeth Sharpe, is strong and independent due to her mother's death and her father's neglect from grief. She has always viewed the bookshop as her baby and dream of it going to her control so that people who loved books would purchase that to enjoy not for status. Knowing she is a female not the son her e father wants is killing that possibility but she still holds out hope.

Garrett Edward Matthew Maximilian, Duke of Montrose, the gargoyle duke with ridge old fashioned ways that are expected from his past relatives. He has becomes something of a recluse. He is blunt, does not suffer people being around, and as hears to a very struck regiment.

With her father being more and more in his cups it is now up to Elizabeth to run the book shop and pay the bills, makes deliveries, and keep the shop open. When she gets the summons that the Duke of Montrose will be visiting and wants to talk about his patronage, she starts to panic. As he petitions that now Elizabeth has to deliver the books but with the stipulation if she does not meet his standards he will go elsewhere. She takes the challenge and then turns the tables on him to let her bring him other choices to bring joy and light into his world she sees is lacking.

Does she meet the challenge or exceed it? Does he accept her return challenge? How does the changes they are going through affect their working together? What repercussions does this all bring about? What does her father do, help or hurt?

Come join the world of to opposites as the traverse new experiences and grow. Read as they find out what really matters and try to hold onto it. Visit places not many go in a world that most find only in books. I cheered, cried, and hoped right along with them.

I usually love a Beauty and the Beast retelling, especially in a regency setting, though this wasn't my favorite of the ones I've read. Unlike other retellings, the "beast" attributes are more to do with Garrett's past than anything involving his physical or even really emotional attributes. I was expecting a bigger arc for his character, frankly, and while what we got in the last fourth of the book was good, I wish that it had extended further in the novel. Instead, Garrett is working to improve working conditions, help the poor, and all good works which doesn't really make him very beast-like. I did enjoy Elizabeth's character as she was not naive or painted to be a saint. She loves books and has a passion for them, though she also doesn't really undergo a major arc in the novel.

I suppose I was looking for a bit more conflict overall, but instead it's a very internal book. The last fourth of it is a real highlight with the two trying to figure out how to be a couple in the world that they live in but it takes a little too long to get to that point.

ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A mash-up of Beauty and the Beast and Pride and Prejudice, The Beast and the Bookseller is an immersive historical romance about a reclusive duke and a strong-willed woman who runs her family’s bookstore. The story begins with some major Beauty and the Beast vibes with Garrett Maximilian, the Duke of Montrose, charging into Elizabeth’s bookstore. As he is the main patron, and her drunk father is not meeting the Duke’s expectations, Elizabeth takes over her father’s duties and promises to deliver the Duke his books. This begins a friendship between Garrett and Elizabeth as they bond over their love of literature.

For a relatively short historical romance, the book packs a punch. Elizabeth and Garrett are well-developed characters with compelling stories that highlight many of the problems faced at that time. Gender inequities, the mistreatment of women, abuse, the horrific treatment of patients in mental institutions, alcoholism, and the lack of control women had over their own lives are all shown through Elizabeth and Garrett’s situations and struggles.

The focus of the story, of course, is the blooming relationship between Elizabeth and Garrett, and it is lovely. Garrett is very similar to Darcy in Pride and Prejudice in his actions and way of thinking. And Elizabeth very much resembles Elizabeth Bennett, which I love since they’re actually reading the novel aloud to each other. Both characters expose the other to new experiences and feelings, and their relationship evolves from a working relationship to a friendship to something even more special and swoon-worthy.

I love how Elizabeth and Garrett connect over their love of books, and they use it to battle their worries and grow closer. Garrett has such terrible memories of his childhood, and it has scarred him tremendously, even though he does everything he can to right the wrongs he witnessed. With an alcoholic and verbally abusive father, Elizabeth has experienced her fair share of turmoil. I think that’s why their book talks become so important to both characters.

Elizabeth and Garrett have long and deep discussions about the books they read, and they even read the books aloud to each other. These scenes are very romantic, and the chemistry between them leaps off the page. However, Elizabeth and Garrett come from different social classes, and they both feel like they’re not good enough. On top of that, Elizabeth’s father causes trouble for Elizabeth, which puts her romantic interest in Garrett at risk. Internal and external obstacles stand in their way, and they have a lot to overcome if they want to be together.

I really enjoyed the story. It was fun and witty, but it also tackled some heavier subjects and included some very touching moments. You can’t go wrong with a Darcy-like hero, a bookworm heroine, and a swoon-worthy romance in my book!

Special thanks to Entangled Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

“The Beast and The Bookseller” by Eva Devon
Oh, My
This was a good enjoyable read and I managed to stay objective, until I ceased being objective and got embroiled in the story. This was a strong 4-star story until it became a 5. Sometimes the biggest stumbling block to happiness is ourselves. I wonder if you will agree. Happy Reading ! !
Note: This review expresses my honest opinion.
I received an ARC of this story from the publisher via NetGalley

I liked how original this story was. It was still a regency romance, and it was still on the short side, but there was so very little of the ton mixed up in this titles. The characters came from very different stations and thought perspectives but meshed perfectly over their love of literature. The character progression was fun to see exp the aha moment had be "the beast". I also loved how the author added philanthropy and issues of the times seamlessly into the story line. I would be interested to read more from this author.

This begins as a Beauty and Beast retelling in a Regency romance setting. And latter it mixes in some Pride and Prejudice comparisons. It makes for an interesting but odd mixture. Elizabeth Sharp runs the book shop that has been owned for generations by family. Her father despairs not having a son to inherit the shop and turns to drink. Garrett Maximilian, the Duke of Montrose is a major patron of the shop. Normally Elizabeth’s father delivers books weekly to the Duke. After he neglects that duty is up to Elizabeth to call on Garret..

I enjoyed the first half of book where the two get to know each other and discuss books. A budding friendship grows between the two as she challenges Garret to read novels and they talk of their lives. His outer walls continue to break down and I love him taking her out of London on an outing to see forest and flowers she has only ever seen in books. But it jumps very quickly from a first kiss to I want you. The risks are especially high for her as her reputation could impact her shops viability. The last part of the story felt more awkward. The father trying gain from her relationship with the Duke is icky and then magically his feelings change. A lot of the ending drama felt throw in for drama’s sake. Garrett achieves a long term goal but it doesn’t seem to make him happy.

This is a quick read but it is more that the 150 pages that is showing currently on the description. (I can’t tell how many pages it is on my device.) I think the cover is very pretty with all the blue tones. Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for an ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.

A Beauty and the Beast retelling featuring a bold bookseller and a grumpy recluse Duke who both bond over Pride and Prejudice. Elizabeth Sharpe absolutely loves books, they are her life. Her father has been stuck in his cups of alcohol grieving the death of her mother and it’s been up to Elizabeth to run the family bookstore. She wants to inherit it one day and when the famous reclusive Duke of Montrose visits her family’s bookstore demanding to see her father because he’s been abandoning his duty of delivering books to him, Elizabeth strikes up the chance to face the duke. Garrett Maximilian is blunt, reclusive, and hates people... but he loves books. Ever since his mother died after his father sent her to an asylum, he’s been doing everything to push people away yet when he comes to face to face with a bold fellow booklover who actually isn’t afraid of him like everyone else, he finds his interest piqued. Garrett and Elizabeth begin an unlikely friendship, bonding over books, and having their own book club of two where they read Pride and Prejudice together. What begins as just simply dropping off books soon turns into afternoon readings over a fireplace and something much more. Yet Garrett refuses to be married or to even have a child, he has no interest after what happened to his mother, but he can’t get Elizabeth out of his mind. With her father threatening to marry her off, what will these two kindred souls do? This was definitely an interesting beauty and the beast-esque story and I did enjoy how much they both adored pride and prejudice, but I kind of wish it was longer and there was a bit more time spent working out the third act breakup/makeup between them. I think it was an enjoyable read overall and if you like cute booklovers, pride and prejudice, and beauty and the beast then give this a go!

*Thanks Netgalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC, Entangled: Amara for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

I loved her character, how she created the person she became with no nurturing from her father.

I liked the writing . This book did stir emotions in me, except anger at the father i laughed and cried.
Good read...strong characters interesting story just enough of everything to you interested..

I love regency romance and Beauty and the Beast is my favorite Disney movie so I was excited to see this new book combines both! Elizabeth’s family owns a bookshop and their biggest patron is the Duke of Montrose, a recluse who is rumored to be disfigured and a monster. But when she is forced to meet him in person, there’s more to him than she originally believed.

This book is well written and easy to read. The two main characters bond over their love of books and while the “beast” is certainly cranky, he is not cruel. This was a really interesting take on the fairy tale and I enjoyed it!

Historical romance. Regency-era England. Standalone novel. Elizabeth is the daughter of a bookshop owner and basically runs the shop while her father drowns himself in alcohol after the death of her mother. It turns out that her father has been shirking his duties to a cold and starchy duke who normally receives weekly deliveries of books at his home. The duke, Garrett, comes calling at the shop to demand the bookshop service that he pays for or else he will remove his patronage to the shop. Elizabeth agrees to start making the book deliveries herself and they both find that they have their love of reading in common. Garrett has his own issues with his crusade against treacherous mental asylums and he has been somewhat of a cold recluse. With Elizabeth’s visits, they grow closer and he wants very much to care for her. The romance part of the story progressed pretty quickly with some conflict related to Elizabeth’s father and Garrett’s general coldness. It was a relatively quick read and fairly light on the angst.

Thank you Netgalley for this arc, it was exactly what I needed right now. I haven't been able to finish a book in weeks but this? It read so quick. Now, I'm no regency romances expert but while I enjoyed the beauty and the beast archetype and the parallelism of "pride and prejudice" as well, it felt too quick to me.
I mean, if you create this characters around the element of indipendece for her and misantropy for him, then if they were to change it should happen naturally and over time. Instead it felt a bit rushed.
With this kind of romaces, I also feel like the FMC is anacronistic in her Independence and feminism.
The whole climax and third act conflit felt unfounded for this reason. Things were going so well, they had learnt to comunicate with each other and then all of it is thrown out of the windown for the sake of drama.
It's not a bad romance, I liked it fine. There were a lot of cute scenes.
It's just- for those few things that I mentioned, it wasn't great.
But it kept me entertained and I read it in two days so...

A Heart Warming Romance!

He didn’t expect her to come into his life, he was a Duke who was grumpy, demanded his own way, demanded respect and only spoke to people if he had a reason to!

Elizabeth couldn’t lose her book shop, it had been in the family for centuries and the Duke and all his family before him had been patrons.

An unlikely couple who get to know each other through their love of books, the storyline is wonderful and tender. Garrett does have issues with his childhood and nightmares but getting to know and care for Elizabeth who introduces him to a new world of reading helped his demons.

Could they be together and could he open up enough to prove his feelings for her or would he lose her forever?

Enjoy this wonderful historical romance sure to warm your heart!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Language: R (48+ swears, 0+ "f" + British swears); Mature Content: R; Violence: PG+
I generally enjoy retellings of Beauty and the Beast, and this version wasn't necessarily bad, but I didn't want to read the sex scene and so put the book down. The writing is cheesy, as was expected, but it wasn't poorly written. I just don't want to read the inappropriate content that is unsuitable for my blog's audience.
The mature content rating is for alcohol use, innuendo, nudity, and sex. The violence rating is for implied domestic violence.

Usually I read historical romance for pure enjoyment, something sweet and easy with banter and preferably spice. The Beast and the Bookseller sounded like it would be the perfect read.

Unfortunately, I did not like this one. The characters didn't draw my interest, the dialogue between the two MCs was a bit awkward for my tastes, their chemistry wasn't convincing for me. Also, I am not a Pride and Prejudice fan, so that particular part of the romance did nothing for me.

I'm sure this romance will work well for others. It just didn't for me.

***I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley.***