This summer beach read was more serious than I expected it to be. Phoenix and Holland had great chemistry and I loved all the nicknames. And while I appreciate how true to enemies to lovers this story was in that Phoenix and Holland actually started out not liking each other, I wasn't the biggest fan of Phoenix or the way he treated Holland.

This was a fun, quick read. Not real in depth, but that's what I wanted. There were some tough topics, like the death of a sibling, and toxic families. Once you get to know Phoenix though, yum!

Loved this one!!

The banter between Phoenix and Holland was *chef’s kiss*!

The nicknames they have for each other throughout the book had me laughing so hard! I didn’t want this book to end. It had all my attention!

Holland loses all her money due to an internet scam and desperate times calls for desperate measures so what does she do? Accept a job from the one man she cannot stand!

Phoenix has known Holland since they were younger and when he sees an opening to help her when she’s down, he jumps at the chance! But of course Holland doesn’t make it easy. She’s sassy, sarcastic and knows how to push his buttons.

What can possibly go wrong? Forced proximity and equal dislike does not make a great situation, or does it?

Beauty and the Beach is the first book I have read by Gracie Ruth Mitchell, but it won't be the last. I was approved for an audiobook through Net Galley, but when I went to listen to it, it was gone. So, I listened from Hoopla and I recommend you do the same.

Beauty and the Beach was funny right from the beginning. I was captivated by the story and didn't want to stop listening. Holland and Phoenix's relationship was interesting.

Read for:

😄enemies to lovers

😄shared history

😄brother's best friend

😄 the nicknames

😄marriage of convenience

😄witty banter

Beauty and the Beach is a romcom at its finest. It is also a deep story. There is a tragedy, there is emotional baggage, there is therapy, and there is so much heart to this story! The story is dual POV and the narrators delivered a fabulous experience. I enjoyed every minute of it. It was one of those stories I did not want to end.

Thank you to Net Galley for approving me to listen to the audio. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts are entirely my own.

This is my first book by Gracie Ruth Mitchell. I listened to an ARC of the audio book with NetGalley. I have to say that the narrators ( male and female) interpreted the dialogue well and it was very well done. Good readers can make or break a book and these two made it. I actually didn't have high hopes for this one because it is an enemies to lovers book and I find I have a really hard time believing those. But...I really like marriage of convenience books and I hoped that would be well done. I thought the relationship between the two was a little over the top in the enemies territory but the dialogue was fun and interesting. It kept me smiling. I have to say that the author exceeded my expectations in the way the relationship developed. It took time for the two to come together. I felt that Phoenix was a little too controlling to be believable in this day and age. I think he would get into trouble if the two were really as combative as the book portrayed. But...it is a light romance. You suspend the reality. The way they came to appreciate one another took a good amount of time and was well done. The story had some depth and heart and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it.

Wooh! The tension… the banter… the swoon! Another great addition to the Falling For Summer Series!

This was my first book by this author and I’m already looking forward to reading more from her! She did an amazing job with all of Holland and Phoenix’s enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience, banter and tension goodness.

I am usually not a huge fan of enemies to lovers because it usually feels too fake, but this one was written in a way that felt genuine and believable. It flowed amazingly, it wasn’t rushed, but it didn’t lag. Their connection grew in a natural feeling way and was so much fun to see them fight against it along the way. I think a big part of the realness of this book was that it was, of course, a rom-com, and had plenty of laughs and swoon worthy moments, but it had so much depth to it as well. Grief from a close loss, terrible family members, therapy, money problems, and more.

I listened to the audio version which was so fun as Rylee and John did an awesome job bringing Holland and Phoenix to life in my mind. Their voices for the characters were matched so well to what I would have imagined and the banter and swoon was made even better with them voicing it so well.

Overall I enjoyed this one so much. There were so many laugh out loud moments, especially between our MCs. I was so impressed that being a clean, kisses only read, it still brought plenty of swoon and blush worthy moments. Great job to the author for a wonderful book, and the narrators for bringing it to life! Don’t miss this one!

Oh my LANTA. The audio for this book was PERFECTION. This book has so many great things and covers a wide range of emotions. Gracie has this amazing ability to make you laugh out loud, and then cry in the same chapter. It’s amazing! The banter between Holland and Phoenix was hilarious! I have never enjoyed an enemies to lovers book as much as I enjoyed this one. If you haven’t ever tried audiobooks before, this one is a good one to start with! It will get you hooked!

Genre: romcom
Content: makeouts, death of a sibling (past), working through grief (current)

Since I saw the first teaser for this book, I have been DYING to get my hands on it and let me tell you: IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT!

Holland and Phoenix do not like each other. But when Holland makes a sketchy middle of the night purchase & gets scammed, she needs money. Phoenix just so happens to have that and he also happens to need a (temporary) wife in order to inherit his psychotic grandmother’s company after she dies. Enter: a marriage of convenience.

@authorgracieruth is a MASTER of her craft. She balances hard topics with humor so well. The antics of these two will have you in stitches; at the same time, their experiences with grief and loss will touch your heart deeply. I loved the therapy rep.

I could say so much more but let this suffice: YOU WON’T REGRET READING THIS BOOK.

Audiobook Note: Ah, I loved getting to listen to Phoenix and Holland’s banter rather than just reading it! This book is done in dual narration, which means John Rogers reads every line in the chapters from Phoenix’s POV and Rylee Kuberra reads every line in the chapters from Holland’s POV. I’ve seen a couple of reviews that didn’t like the audio of this one but I thought both narrators did great, and I’m not generally an audiobook type of girl.

Favorite Quotes (plus more in the pictures):
🔥 “If you kiss me right now, everything will change, and we won’t be able to go back.” He pauses before going on. “We’ll sleep in the same bed. I’ll call you sweetheart instead of Amsterdam. We’ll argue when you use my nice razor to shave your legs…And I will love you, Holland, because every single emotion you make me feel is intense. There will be no crushes or infatuations.” ….”If you kiss me now...” he says, trailing off as his gaze darts over my face. Then he shakes his head. “If you kiss me now, you’re mine.”

😍 “You have two seconds to drop it, you complete menace,” he says against my lips then, “or I’m going to-“ “What?” I say with a smirk. “Throw me over your shoulder? Pin me to a bookshelf? Put a dead fish in my mailbox?” “Kiss you,” he says, grinning; I can feel every word he speaks. “Kiss you first and forever and I swear, Holland, if you use my razor again-“ “Sweetheart,” I say, pressing the word to his lips. “I like sweetheart.” “Sweetheart,” he says, his hands on my waist pulling me to the edge of the desk. “Fine.”

I love the marriage of convenience trope and this book does it so well. I loved being in this little island town. I never want to leave.

Early reviews of this book said that the character growth of this book was amazing, and I couldn't agree more. I loved seeing the journey of Pheonix and Holland to accept the death of Holland's brother, who was Pheonix's best friend.

The two choose to enter into a marriage of convenience to give Pheonix the opportunity to inherit his family's paper products company. His grandmother is probably the most interesting grandma that I've ever read about, and she makes their journey quite interesting. Their shared connection of the death of Holland's brother ends up drawing them closwer into a sweet relationship that lasts more than their convenient marriage was planned for.

Overall I really liked this book! I would categorize it as a sweet romance appropriate for teenagers and older who enjoy reading about kissing only in the romance department. Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the advance listener copy of this book. A positive review was not required.

5 emotional stars!

This book is such a beautiful read. I was not expecting to get emotional and root for these characters, but I totally did. Phoenix and Holland are genuine enemies. You can see that they genuinely don't like each other. But deep down, they really care for each other. Phoenix is Holland's brother's best friend, and they share a deep trauma. This story is about how they come together and heal. This book is all about healing and swoony romance.

Holland, poor Holland. My heart broke for her. She is such a sweet girl. I love her antics, and she was so lovable. You could see that she is genuinely strong and loyal. I love her barbs toward Phoenix, but as the two mellowed out, you can see how she takes care of him. Her character growth in this book is phenomenal. I just loved everything about it.

Phoenix is the ultimate book boyfriend. I love that he genuinely dislikes Holland in the beginning, but deep down, he cares. His overprotectiveness is really sweet. As he warmed up, he became the ultimate book boyfriend. Normally, I wouldn't appreciate it, but you know that it comes from a good place. I love how he stands up to his horrible family. He is such a courageous person. I love how he takes care of Holland and how he is extremely loyal. He is there, and yes, he is hot, but he is so kind, and I love that his tender side comes out.

The romance, OMG, is perfect. The romance is beautiful, emotional, but with so much sizzle. The emotional part was done so well. I really liked the incorporation and discussion about therapy. I love how both Phoenix and Holland support each other but also take their individual journeys. The sizzle is good. OMG, the kissing scenes are on fire in this book. I love how Phoenix and Holland kiss a lot, but you know that they care and love each other. The office room kiss in the beginning is so sweet. I love so many of the comfort scenes. This book is just so good. The sweetness is just there. Even though this book is sweet, it can be a little heavy, but I love the romance so much. Phoenix and Holland progress at a beautiful pace from enemies to friends to genuine lovers. You can see how they change toward each other throughout the book, but in such a good way. I love that Holland supports Phoenix's horrible family. The ending was super satisfying.

The audiobook was so well narrated. I was not expecting to connect so well with the voices. John was a phenomenal narrator for Phoenix. He brought his voice to life. It was sexy and just incorporated the sexiness in him. Overall, this book is just beautiful. Go check it out. I just loved it.

SUCH a fun summer romance!! I thought Holland and Phoenix’s personalities were a good match, and the chemistry was 🔥 this is my second favorite Gracie Ruth Mitchell book!

Only complaint is the plot felt a little lacking to me, and I got a little bored near the end. HOWEVER. It was still a fun book and I’m so glad I read it!

Audiobook narrators do a good job, too!

Read. This. Book. Just do it. Don’t wait. Move it up to the top of your TBR pile. I listened to an Advanced Listener Copy of this audiobook, and I just wanted to start it over as soon as I finished it. The narrators were wonderful! I’ve been able to read/listen to 4 of the Falling for Summer multi-author series, and I’ve loved every single one. But Beauty and the Beach might just be my favorite! Phoenix and Holland’s first meeting had me rolling! And their first (and second) kiss had me swooning 😍 Like I said, don’t wait on this one!

Read if you like:

👩‍❤️‍👨 Enemies-to-lovers
💍 Marriage of Convenience
🧔🏻‍♂️ Brother’s best friend
🗣️ Tons of snark
😆 Pranks!
💋A scorching first (and second) kiss
💔Main characters dealing with shared trauma/grief (Gracie Ruth Mitchell did this so beautifully!)
💬 Nicknames

Intimacy: Sizzling kisses only
Language: None
Content Considerations: Grief, Death of a loved one (past), innuendo

Thank you to the author, Dreamscape Media & NetGalley for the Advanced Listener Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

2,5 estrelas

Expectativa é um negócio complicado. E é engraçado que, ao mesmo tempo em que eu as tinha, ainda embarquei na leitura de Beauty and the Beach de mente aberta para o que encontraria, esperando ser surpreendida positivamente apenas. A surpresa? Ela até veio, mas infelizmente não de forma positiva.

Meu primeiro contato com uma história de Gracie Ruth Mitchell não poderia ter sido mais... agridoce? Instável? Ou decepcionante mesmo. Mesmo no audiobook, verdade seja dita que da metade para o final a leitura já estava cansativa e, num geral, criei zero apego aos personagens. Diria até que gostei mais da avó da protagonista e da irmã caçula dela do que dela propriamente dita. O mocinho, coitado, é o único que se salva da família problemática e tóxica, para dizer o mínimo, dele - mas as interações dele com a Holland, principalmente na primeira metade, não me passaram o real sentimento de um enemies to lovers. Gosto da trope, esse nem é o problema, mas no nível deles já beirava à irritação, e não fui nada convencida de que havia sentimentos românticos ali não.

Passada a interação que não curti, ainda achei que o tal plot da avó dele, tanto levando ao casamento quanto o que pega de surpresa depois foi meio mal desenvolvido. Acontece tão rápido, de certa forma, que a gente pisca e eles mal casaram e já estão falando em anular o acordo ou não porque a senhora foi liberada do hospital, mas tipo, explicações rasas, muito sentimento de "é assim e pronto", sem muito aprofundamento. De desenvolvido mesmo só citaria a situação de luto da protagonista, mas até nesse ponto achei que as coisas correram um pouco ou foram mal distribuídas na narrativa como um todo. Enfim, esperava ao menos me divertir, como com o outro audiobook que ouvi dessa série, mas nesse eu só me fiquei cansada e até irritada ou entediada mesmo com o tal casal. Não foi pra mim.

The love/hate relationship is top notch in this one. Enemies to lovers. All the tropes I love. I can't get over this story. Phoenix is so so conflicted and sweet. He doesn't want to feel anything but treats Holland so well. Tries to keep up his dislike for her but just can't do it. I loved everything about this story!

Um hello Gracie….. we see you!!!! Like steamy clean yummy goodness!!!

Ok, the angry kisses in this book are FIRE!!!! 🔥 Like enemies to lovers done in a whole new and improved way!! Can we just say Closet and Bookshelf 😏😏

Synopsis: Holland cannot stand the one man that reminds her of the worst day of her life, but he won’t go away due to a dang promise. Phoenix Park, aka Rooster, Flamingo, Tit Mouse (yes she calls him by any bird name to piss him off obviously.) But when she loses all of her money from a stupid scam site, Phoenix offers her the deal of a lifetime to save them both. But does the deal go haywire? Yes it does!!!

Review: Gracie seriously outdid herself with this one. The character growth and development. The depth and themes. So freaking well rounded, believable and heart wrenchingly amazing!!! We loved the tropes, the emotional moments, the bonding over trauma, and so much more. Also the pranks!!!! Hahah the best!!!

If you enjoy Billionaire romances with enemies to lovers, then you will love this book. It gives off early 2000s romcoms.

Content: Trauma over Death, overbearing/controlling family
Romance: Steamy kisses 😏😏

Thank you to @netgalley for the audio arc. This is a dual narration, and so good!

For one thing, okay, I don’t love when it isn’t duet style, but I didn’t even notice that here. They just kept the story moving without trying to affect masculine/feminine voices too greatly. I appreciate that! Just read me the brilliant book and move on. They did that! Especially when they are defending one another. I was listening and punching the air. As one does… 😅

You know what burns me up? Enemies to more that aren’t actually enemies. But THIS BOOK, honey! They genuinely do not like each other for a large part of this story, enough that they each eventually feel remorse. Like… clap clap clap, yes! Just… 👏🏻. That one AWKWARD moment for our FMC was enough to completely convince me that they do not like each other prior to this marriage of convenience.

I’ve told yall before, but here I go again— I LOVE A FMC WHO WILL PULL A WELL-DESERVED PRANK! So, again, yes.

If this was a silent review I’d be tapping my fingers and making all the gushing faces, and nodding enthusiastically. Alas I talk too much, and could literally never.

I recommend this book if you have eyeballs, and this audiobook if you have ears.

Why do I love this so much!? Phoenix is so annoying and I love it. I love a man I can be super mean to.
I do hate when male narrators do women's voices but I forgive this narrator. They both did a great job. This was relatable to me. I am also a Park and I am also mean to my husband.
I had so much fun with this.

While the premise for this book was pretty unbelievable, I found myself enjoying it for the most part. I’m always grateful for dual narrators in a romance and that part was done well. As the story went along though, I found myself waiting for it to end and it had some odd parts that felt disjointed. It was fine enough to finish, but not one I’d recommend.

Beauty and the Beach is a dual pov romcom, standalone book in a series of summer books from a multi-author series. It can absolutely be enjoyed first (I did) however if you have read/listened to previous books you will find cameos from characters you care about throughout the book. As a marriage of convenience, I knew I would like this book, and Gracie Ruth Mitchell did not disappoint. This is the first book I have heard/read of hers, and it will not be my last. I found her humor fantastic, the pacing of the writing was good, and the story kept moving throughout the book. These narrators did a good job portraying the characters, the voices used felt like they matched the personalities of the characters. I listened to an ALC from NetGalley, these are my personal opinions.