A quick, easy read - perfect for holidays or those in need of a cheering pick-me-up. This was very much a reimagining of Disney's Beauty and the Beast plot, which readers need to buy into before they dive in. I enjoyed the crossover, though would have loved a Gaston-style villain to pop up at some point!

I was so excited to read this retelling! I was happy to find that Bellamy wasn’t expected to fall in love with a “beast” and that Oliver had so many redeeming qualities despite his initial grumpiness. I also loved the modern twist with the AI in the house. I look forward to seeing what this author writes next!

I live beauty and the beast. Seeing that this was a parallel to that story I immediately was intrigued. It was a cute quick read. Fun similarity to the classic.

A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the ARC of Mae Bennett's captivating debut, "Barely Even Friends" - a novel that weaves the classic "Beauty and the Beast" narrative into a contemporary story of romance and personal growth.

In this enchanting retelling, we are introduced to Bellamy Price, an ambitious lead contractor tasked with revitalizing the grand Killington Estate. Her path crosses with the estate's reclusive owner, Oliver Killington. Plagued by a tragic past and a life of isolation, Oliver's world is disrupted by Bellamy's vibrant presence.

Bennett's storytelling is a masterful blend of the old and the new. While she draws inspiration from the beloved fairy tale, her narrative stands out with its unique vitality and character. Bellamy and Oliver's relationship evolves in a dance of emotional complexity, reflecting their personal struggles and growth. The restoration of the Killington Estate mirrors their journey, peeling back layers of past wounds to uncover underlying passion and vulnerability.

The estate itself emerges as a silent yet potent character, its hidden corners and forgotten rooms echoing the depth and mystery of Bellamy and Oliver. Bennett's vivid descriptions breathe life into this setting, crafting an ideal backdrop for a romance that is as unpredictable as it is fated.

"Barely Even Friends" shines in its authentic portrayal of its protagonists. Bellamy's determination and Oliver's transformation are depicted with genuine rawness, bringing an element of realism to their story. The novel embraces the complexities of life and love, weaving them intricately into its narrative.

While the novel skillfully celebrates the theme of finding love and the bravery needed to expose one's true self, some aspects of the "Beauty and the Beast" motif felt a bit too deliberate at times. However, this does not significantly detract from the overall charm and message of the story.

Mae Bennett has indeed delivered a heartwarming and fiery debut. 3.5 stars to a novel that not only entertains but also resonates deeply with those who seek stories filled with depth, humor, and a touch of magic. Congratulations to Mae Bennett for emerging as a promising new voice in the genre of romance. We eagerly await her next literary endeavor.

SO DELICIOUS!! an amazing retelling with characters you can't help but root for! a witty, charming, incredibly smart heroine and a vulnerable, open, softie hero both of whom are HOTTIES this book is an instant rom com classic!

Barely Even Friends - Mae Bennett

I’ve never been particularly interested in modern story retellings of old favourites but I came across Mae Bennett’s, Barely Even Friends, and thought I would give it a go.

Based on the story of Beauty and the Beast, Barely Even Friends follows architect, Bellamy, as she makes her way to an estate that is in big need of a refurbishment. This is her first project without her father and she feels this is her moment to prove herself and hopes nothing will mess it up such as the estates grumpy resident, Oliver Killington. The two instantly butt heads but must grow to learn to live in each other’s company.

I thoroughly enjoyed the modernisation of the Beauty and the Beasts story and found it realistic and clever. Saying this, I unfortunately didn’t connect with the characters and found the writing had a slight immaturity to it.

Nethertheless, Mae Bennett’s story was very inclusive to all genders and sexualities which was refreshing to read and she touches on some very important topics making this an interesting read.

Finally, a Beauty and the Beast retelling done right for the modern reader!

Such a fun story by this new author. First off - this is Mae's first book. I looked it up to be sure. You can tell, there are some awkward shifts from scenes and I would look back a few pages to see who/where people were. With that said though, I think it's a fabulous slow burn retelling of Beauty and the Beast perfect for 2024.

Bellamy Price (our Bell) is looking to fix up the mysterious Killington Estate. Oliver (our Beast) is a recluse, closed off from the world for years due to an accident that killed his family. What follows is full of hijinks, interfering staff, a delicious one bed trope and a slow burn to burn your eyeballs out.

A great first book from a new author. Will definitely be checking out her future books!

In Mae Bennett's charming novel, "Barely Even Friends," we are introduced to Bellamy Price, a talented contractor determined to make a name for herself in a male-dominated industry. Her opportunity arrives when she is offered the lead role in restoring the enigmatic Killington Estate. However, upon arriving at the dilapidated mansion, Bellamy encounters Oliver Killington, the estate's grumpy caretaker and heir to the Killington empire. Oliver, still grappling with the trauma of a car accident that claimed his parents' lives, is less than thrilled to have Bellamy invading his solitary existence. As Bellamy delves into the renovation project, she and Oliver find themselves at odds, each determined to uphold their own principles. Yet, beneath the surface, a simmering attraction begins to ignite. As they work together to restore the estate to its former glory, Bellamy and Oliver must confront their inner demons and decide whether to let down the walls they've built around their hearts. Bennett's writing is witty and engaging, bringing Bellamy and Oliver's characters to life with depth and authenticity. The banter between the two protagonists is both humorous and heartwarming, creating a delightful enemies-to-lovers dynamic. The author also skillfully weaves in the theme of overcoming adversity, as both Bellamy and Oliver strive to overcome their personal challenges and find healing in the unlikeliest of places. Overall, "Barely Even Friends" is a delightful and heartwarming read that explores the complexities of love, loss, and the power of human connection. Bennett's charming storytelling and well-developed characters make this novel a must-read for fans of contemporary romance and heartwarming love stories.

A Beauty and the Beast retelling with a contemporary twist.

When this story began I was immediately reminded of the sweet (animated) romance I grew up loving (mostly for the library). The author truly made the story unique and modern with a lovable queer normative staff, saucy AI house companion, a misunderstood princeling with a traumatic past, and a strong-willed shelf assured reluctant-toward-love protagonist. Both a mansion and a man needing to be brought back from the shadows of neglect and loneliness.

As a quick and easy-to-read contemporary romance this story is flawless. The characters were believable in sympathy, triumphs, and their struggles. Bellamy’s charm and determination kept me reading as well as rooting for her success. Oliver’s character development was written so well, it a joy to follow his journey.

4.5 stars for this pleasurable tale as old as time. Thank you to NetGalley, author Mae Bennet, and the publisher Alcove Press for the opportunity to read this lovely ARC.

OMG the build up and the tension in this was great! I loved the plus size rep and the found family trope. It was also truly giving grumpy sunshine and I ate it up. Very swoony and romantic. I really enjoyed it

I DNF'd this one. Sadly the banter was weak and I thought the tension build-up was taking so long I lost interest.

With pipes exploding, an AI house robot and Taylor Swift references, you won't want to miss this debut!

When Bellamy arrives at Oliver’s estate as the lead contractor on the restoration, you best believe this grump was not happy. Oliver believes he is cursed due to a previous accident involving his parents, that he doesn't deserve happiness. Unknowingly, he lets Bellamy chip away at his heart along with his house and together overcome their personal problems.

I loved watching Oliver’s character development, as the story goes on you can really see the change from “beast”. This man really was a grouch. Bellamy was a strong, independent character who wanted to exceed in a male dominated career and this was perfectly executed. I liked that she was quirky and wore suspenders, not your typical FMC style.

Mae did a fantastic job to add a modern spin on this beauty & the beast retelling!

Key Points:
1st person
single pov
HEA

Tropes:
beauty & the beast retelling
Plus Size Rep
grumpy x sunshine
slow burn
found family
forced proximity

'barely even friends' is a medium-paced grumpy x sunshine rom com with the perfect amount of spice. the book keeps you engaged with it's tension and sharp and smart dialogue.

all the dynamics within the book were discovered to the fullest whether it was the main love story, side characters, complicated family relations or the quirky ai.

the name of the book was the first thing that caught my attention since it is the phrase "barely even friends" which is a part of the lyrics from the song "beauty and the beast," undoubtedly my favourite classic disney princess movie.

something i'd love to see further from the author? the love story of oliver's sister and the tim/jim.

some tropes included in the book:
✓ beauty and beast retelling
✓ plus size rep
✓ grumpy x sunshine
✓ swiftie references
✓ insecure mmc (we love to see it)
✓ idiots in love
✓ mutual pining
✓ witty banter

this book excels on all fronts, and i've only scratched the surface of its exceptional tropes. the quality of writing is astounding, especially considering it's a debut novel; the structure is impeccably crafted. it's high time everyone includes this gem in their 2024 to-be-read list.

thanks to mae bennet, netgalley and alcove press for the arc.

The cutest beauty and the beast retelling I didn’t know I needed. It’s got it all including one bed trope and enemies to lovers. MMC really is the sweetest, I love when a MMC makes me think “who hurt you?!” Oliver is honestly the greatest. And I love the fact that it is a plus size FMC and she is girl bossing her way to Oliver’s heart. Highly recommend, 5/5 stars!

This book was pretty....unremarkable. It was a fairly entertaining beauty and the beast retelling with some spice, featuring far too much talk of suspenders for my personal taste. It was weirdly drawn out, only for major developments to happen far too quickly to keep up with.
I think I wanted a bit more from this, just to really flesh it out so I could say I loved it.

This book is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast with a HGTV renovation show vibe. I had a good time reading it. This is the first book by this author and I look forward to more to come.


I voluntarily read an early copy.

This was a cute little rom com. Bellamy is a renovator who has been trusted by her dad to take on a big project since he’s been sick. She meets a zany cast of characters in the mansion, including Oliver, a reclusive heir to a company fortune.

Things I really liked:
The banter
The best friends were so funny
The mansion crew, those meddlers
The spice was spicin!
A fat FMC - more please!!
Now I want some suspenders for myself

Also a moment for this cover please? It’s so cute!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3 stars

This was such a cute and sweet story.
A bit of enemies to lovers mixed with grumpy-sunshine with a beauty and the Beast inspired story.
I liked Oliver more than Bell - especially by the end - but overall, their romance was beautiful.
The friend group was amazing, so it was the "mansion crew." they were my favorite part of the book.
Overall, it was a fun read .


Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Absolutely loved it! I wasn't even done with the book and I was texting all my reader friends that this this a must-read. Do yourself a favor and grab this book!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an arc of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

this is such an amazing Beauty and the Beast retelling!!! I absolutely loved Bellamy & Oliver’s relationship, the classic grumpy/sunshine, enemies to lovers, forced proximity romance! Oliver is such a love able grouch. I really feel for him as we learn about his past and his family. I love the way Bellamy is a friend to him first, before they become more, because he needs a loving soul to be his friend. And I love all the eccentric side characters, especially the AI butler who’s hilarious. All in all, this is the perfect romcom for a disney lover who also loves home reno, kind souls, love and acceptance in spades, and so much fun and fire between the characters ❤️❤️‍🔥
thank you for the arc!!!!