As someone who loves Beauty and the beast I really really wanted to like the book but I just couldn’t. And I really didn’t like the whole AI butler thing. I didn’t like either main character.

DNF at 38%. The tropes are what initially drew me in. But unfortunately the story just isn’t holding my attention. I want to feel romance, a connection, or even chemistry early on… and don’t here. An AI butler? Cool. But just not the story vibes for me. Might be for you though!


*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and given freely.

Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes: Frenemies to lovers, plus size rep, grumpy/sunshine, steamy romance, modern Beauty and the Beast retelling
Spice level: Sizzling

Prepare to be swept off your feet by "Barely Even Friends," a contemporary romance that combines all the ingredients for a perfect love story. In this sizzling tale, sparks fly, and it's not just because of faulty wiring.

The story revolves around a captivating frenemies-to-lovers dynamic, where passion simmers beneath every exchange. As the grumpy and sunshine personalities collide, you can't help but be drawn into their magnetic attraction.

One of the standout features of "Barely Even Friends" is the plus-size representation, allowing readers to connect with characters who reflect real-world diversity. It's a refreshing and important aspect of the story.

Adding to the allure, this book is a modern Beauty and the Beast retelling, blending classic elements with a contemporary twist. The result is a narrative that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Prepare yourself for steamy romance scenes. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, making their journey from frenemies to lovers all the more electrifying.

"Barely Even Friends" is a must-read for fans of romance, especially those who adore frenemies-to-lovers tales with a modern Beauty and the Beast twist. Get ready to be enchanted!
Thanks to Alcove Press and NetGalley for sharing an advanced copy of this book for review.

I was really excited to read this one, but I never really clicked with it. This story was a bit goofy for me (the talking AI in a crumbling mansion was too much) and I never felt invested enough in these characters.

A steamy modern retelling of 'Beauty and The Beast'? Sign me up! This book was such a treat, and it was so much fun to read. Bellamy has been working with her dad for years, and this is her first time to run a home restoration project on her own. This project is on the mysterious Killington Estate in upstate New York. When she gets to the estate, she meets the reclusive Oliver, who has been living there alone for years. His parents passed away in a car accident almost a decade ago, and he was injured in the accident. He hasn't been seen in public for years, and he seems to want to stay closed off from the world.

At first, he wants Bellamy to leave because he doesn't want her help, but over time, the two begin an almost friendship. He starts to open up to her, and they spend more time talking to each other. She brings out a side of him that has him questioning his life of solitude.

There were so many great tropes in this one, including forced proximity, only one bed, and grumpy/sunshine.

I love that Oliver's nickname for Bellamy was Petal, and his explanation for why he chose that nickname is so sweet. I love that he only smiles when he kisses her, and she brings out his sweet side.

Both characters have to work through inner turmoil- Oliver with his grief and guilt about the accident and Bellamy with being told that she isn't a relationship type of girl. Both characters find their way to each other, and it gets steamy and sweet.

Thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for an ARC of this book. I loved it!

i LOVE a good re-telling of a story and this one is no different. fun and quick. i definitely want to reread this already which is always the sign of a great book <3

This book was really sweet and heartwarming! I enjoyed reading it so much. My favorite part was the found family element/trope in it. Aside from the story/plot itself, I really enjoyed the writing, the author did a very good job!

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.