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The Book of G
A classic villain tells his own story.
I have a glorious past full of achievement and renown. I mean, I feel like I must, right? The problem is, I can’t remember it. I can’t even remember my own name. I was found in a river, body mangled and face scarred, with nothing to identify me besides a single embroidered letter. G.
My memory is a murky blur, but I have a quest, one that will give me back everything I’ve lost. The voice in the water told me so. But the voice seemed to miss a few important highlights—namely the woman who challenges me at every twist and turn of my journey. The woman who tells me I’m a villain. The woman who becomes every fervent whisper of my heart, and every last thought in my head.
If I can complete my quest and recover what I’ve lost, she’ll see we’re meant to be. But villains don’t get happy endings. Do they?
I have a glorious past full of achievement and renown. I mean, I feel like I must, right? The problem is, I can’t remember it. I can’t even remember my own name. I was found in a river, body mangled and face scarred, with nothing to identify me besides a single embroidered letter. G.
My memory is a murky blur, but I have a quest, one that will give me back everything I’ve lost. The voice in the water told me so. But the voice seemed to miss a few important highlights—namely the woman who challenges me at every twist and turn of my journey. The woman who tells me I’m a villain. The woman who becomes every fervent whisper of my heart, and every last thought in my head.
If I can complete my quest and recover what I’ve lost, she’ll see we’re meant to be. But villains don’t get happy endings. Do they?
Unknown Binding
First published May 21, 2023
546 people are currently reading
5794 people want to read
About the author
Lily Archer
20 books917 followersWhen I began writing Taylor and Leander's story, I had NO idea it would capture so many of your hearts and imaginations. Thank you for loving them as much as I do. You are making my dreams come true.
Lily Archer believes in fairies, mermaids, and fierce fae warriors. Armed with nothing more than her imagination and a well-worn MacBook, she intends to slay the darkest beasts of the fantasy worlds and create true love where none seemed possible.
Visit me at www.lilyarcherauthor.com
Lily Archer believes in fairies, mermaids, and fierce fae warriors. Armed with nothing more than her imagination and a well-worn MacBook, she intends to slay the darkest beasts of the fantasy worlds and create true love where none seemed possible.
Visit me at www.lilyarcherauthor.com
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May 28, 2023The cover and the blurb caught my attention instantly.
However, G and Charlie’s story didn’t excite me. Despite the mystery surrounding G’s life and his adventurous journey with Charlie, I got bored and my interest was lost.
I kept waiting to be thrilled, but I never did… As much as I tried, I dnf it @ 45%.
However, G and Charlie’s story didn’t excite me. Despite the mystery surrounding G’s life and his adventurous journey with Charlie, I got bored and my interest was lost.
I kept waiting to be thrilled, but I never did… As much as I tried, I dnf it @ 45%.
September 3, 2023
The Book of G was just the book I needed yesterday. It has an overall lighter and funnier feel, but with flashes of deeper feelings and heart. It does have a more modern feel to it language-wise, even though this is sort of a historical fantasy, but this didn't bother me personally. There are mysteries and secrets and I'm not going to spoil anything.
G washes up from a river, near death and a mess with no memories. He's nursed back to health by an old woman in a village and a stable lad, Charlie, before he has to leave the village to pursue a possibility at regaining what he's lost (and because the villagers hate him due to his scarring). Charlie's along for the ride, although more often directing everything. I loved the quest nature of the plot and the side quests that G was dragged into by Charlie. I also loved the villain redemption nature of this romance and how G changed and grew, but still retained parts of who he was. He started out overly cocky, impulsive, selfish to the core, and only focused on his own survival. While he remained cocky, somewhat impulsive, and slightly selfish, his heart and awareness did expand to others esp to his love interest, who he adored. Written in first person, single POV of H. Tiny ow drama when a widow expresses interest, but H doesn't reciprocate, om drama involving h and an arrangement her father made. Neither appeared to be virgins but no history given for either (and H wouldn't have been able to recall).
One of my favorite parts of this book were all the times G would be insulted by his love interest and he would tell her how it excited him and that it was foreplay. While it could have been creepy or overbearing, it just came across as silly to me and developed into this sweet and steamy joke between them. The romantic side of this book does take time to build because of secrets and G's own hang-ups (he doesn't see value in himself as he currently is and is certain that he'll only be loved once he's regained what he's lost). The physical intimacy does come before the deeper emotional intimacy, but eventually both G and his love interest are able to be vulnerable with each other. I adored them together. And there are multiple steamy scenes, sometimes right after a near death experience.
Violence and danger abound throughout the journey, mostly with G being dragged into participating when he doesn't want to. Supernatural and fae creatures are discussed and encountered, for example. Most of the side characters are just passing through, but the horse is a lovable side character and some of the other villagers are likable and fun. One later character in the story felt complicated and I do wish there'd been more time spent with him after something else was resolved.
I thought the culmination of the quest was fantastic. I do wish there'd been another chapter or two between that and the epilogue though. The ending is a HEA with an epilogue sometime in the future and them happily in love and getting ready to start a family. I wanted a little more in terms of details, I did still have a few questions about what their future might hold in terms of responsibilities, but I was happy. There's even a mention of another couple being happy together that I liked.
G washes up from a river, near death and a mess with no memories. He's nursed back to health by an old woman in a village and a stable lad, Charlie, before he has to leave the village to pursue a possibility at regaining what he's lost (and because the villagers hate him due to his scarring). Charlie's along for the ride, although more often directing everything. I loved the quest nature of the plot and the side quests that G was dragged into by Charlie. I also loved the villain redemption nature of this romance and how G changed and grew, but still retained parts of who he was. He started out overly cocky, impulsive, selfish to the core, and only focused on his own survival. While he remained cocky, somewhat impulsive, and slightly selfish, his heart and awareness did expand to others esp to his love interest, who he adored. Written in first person, single POV of H. Tiny ow drama when a widow expresses interest, but H doesn't reciprocate, om drama involving h and an arrangement her father made. Neither appeared to be virgins but no history given for either (and H wouldn't have been able to recall).
One of my favorite parts of this book were all the times G would be insulted by his love interest and he would tell her how it excited him and that it was foreplay. While it could have been creepy or overbearing, it just came across as silly to me and developed into this sweet and steamy joke between them. The romantic side of this book does take time to build because of secrets and G's own hang-ups (he doesn't see value in himself as he currently is and is certain that he'll only be loved once he's regained what he's lost). The physical intimacy does come before the deeper emotional intimacy, but eventually both G and his love interest are able to be vulnerable with each other. I adored them together. And there are multiple steamy scenes, sometimes right after a near death experience.
Violence and danger abound throughout the journey, mostly with G being dragged into participating when he doesn't want to. Supernatural and fae creatures are discussed and encountered, for example. Most of the side characters are just passing through, but the horse is a lovable side character and some of the other villagers are likable and fun. One later character in the story felt complicated and I do wish there'd been more time spent with him after something else was resolved.
I thought the culmination of the quest was fantastic. I do wish there'd been another chapter or two between that and the epilogue though. The ending is a HEA with an epilogue sometime in the future and them happily in love and getting ready to start a family. I wanted a little more in terms of details, I did still have a few questions about what their future might hold in terms of responsibilities, but I was happy. There's even a mention of another couple being happy together that I liked.
September 8, 2023
3.5 stars.
I like it… but it’s missing something and I’m leaving a bit unsatisfied.
We meet G when he’s almost died. He survives with severe scars and a lot of attitude. I have SO MUCH CURIOSITY about his past and it’s not satisfied AT ALL.
I love their relationship for the most part; how she insults him and he acts like it’s foreplay (until it is)… but they have sexy times before I personally was ready for them to get together. And there’s not enough that happens afterwards in their relationship to warrant the secrets that are kept. Why did it take her so long to tell him she loved him!?
I didn't like the descriptions of sexy times. There was something off putting about them.
It’s confusing that her name is too dangerous to share with him… and then everyone uses it all of the sudden.
I get the idea of him growing from a selfish guy to a better guy... but I'm not a big fan of him ONLY being concerned about her. He doesn't become a better person... he starts to love one other person than himself... and even the way he loves her is a bit selfish. I wanted a deeper redemption arc for him.
If you’re not expecting deep… it’s pretty fun. I feel like the author either got lazy, didn’t have a good editor/readers who told her the truth, or is a new writer. They had a good idea for a plot, but it needs more work.
I like it… but it’s missing something and I’m leaving a bit unsatisfied.
We meet G when he’s almost died. He survives with severe scars and a lot of attitude. I have SO MUCH CURIOSITY about his past and it’s not satisfied AT ALL.
I love their relationship for the most part; how she insults him and he acts like it’s foreplay (until it is)… but they have sexy times before I personally was ready for them to get together. And there’s not enough that happens afterwards in their relationship to warrant the secrets that are kept. Why did it take her so long to tell him she loved him!?
I didn't like the descriptions of sexy times. There was something off putting about them.
It’s confusing that her name is too dangerous to share with him… and then everyone uses it all of the sudden.
I get the idea of him growing from a selfish guy to a better guy... but I'm not a big fan of him ONLY being concerned about her. He doesn't become a better person... he starts to love one other person than himself... and even the way he loves her is a bit selfish. I wanted a deeper redemption arc for him.
If you’re not expecting deep… it’s pretty fun. I feel like the author either got lazy, didn’t have a good editor/readers who told her the truth, or is a new writer. They had a good idea for a plot, but it needs more work.
April 3, 2024
So this was a good time.
We follow the POV of G. He has mysteriously ended up half dead in a river. He hears an ethereal voice that makes promises and then he blacks out.
When he comes to he’s in a backwoods little town full of small minded people, but thank goodness for the kind yet crusty old crone that nurses him back to health along with her stable-boy Charles.
G looks awful. He’s got scars on his scars but that doesn’t stop him from having all the self confidence 😂 He’s got a magical mission that’s put a ticking clock in his head. Poor Charles ends up on this mission with him, and is the voice of goodness and reason.
OOH! I almost forgot, even though G can’t remember who he is, it’s pretty clear he wasn’t the best guy before the waking up a total mess thing.
I wouldn’t go so far as to call him a villain because well, we don’t know what he was up to before the start of the story, but it wouldn’t be a big surprise if he was.
Fun banter and ensues as we ride on one horse towards all the spicy scenes.
If you like your morally grey characters cocky and your banter snarky this was fun.
G at first was a little much, but he slowly works his way under your skin and then before you know it you’re giggling along with the love-interest at all his ridiculous self confidence.
This had its flaws but it was fun…and that’s all I really needed it to be.
We follow the POV of G. He has mysteriously ended up half dead in a river. He hears an ethereal voice that makes promises and then he blacks out.
When he comes to he’s in a backwoods little town full of small minded people, but thank goodness for the kind yet crusty old crone that nurses him back to health along with her stable-boy Charles.
G looks awful. He’s got scars on his scars but that doesn’t stop him from having all the self confidence 😂 He’s got a magical mission that’s put a ticking clock in his head. Poor Charles ends up on this mission with him, and is the voice of goodness and reason.
OOH! I almost forgot, even though G can’t remember who he is, it’s pretty clear he wasn’t the best guy before the waking up a total mess thing.
I wouldn’t go so far as to call him a villain because well, we don’t know what he was up to before the start of the story, but it wouldn’t be a big surprise if he was.
Fun banter and ensues as we ride on one horse towards all the spicy scenes.
If you like your morally grey characters cocky and your banter snarky this was fun.
G at first was a little much, but he slowly works his way under your skin and then before you know it you’re giggling along with the love-interest at all his ridiculous self confidence.
This had its flaws but it was fun…and that’s all I really needed it to be.
August 21, 2023
I had a great time reading this, such a fun retelling! This was Lord of the Rings meets Beauty and the Beast, and if you have a hard time picturing that, just know that the author pulls it off. We’re in historic France, just like the fairytale, but everything else has pretty much changed. A badly wounded and scarred man known only to himself and others as G has washed up on the shores of a small town, and is gradually healed by an old woman named Madge and a surly stable boy named Charles. He has one thought only, a quest that a mysterious voice from the water gave him before he wound up on the shores of the river. He sets out, grudgingly accompanied by Charles, and they set forth on the seemingly impossible quest.
Along the way, they encounter all sorts of obstacles. Tree demons, a ravenous Beast, Unseelies…and when we uncover the mystery of Charlie, let’s just say G is not prepared. What I wasn’t prepared for was how much of a dopey cinnamon roll G is! So cute and funny, and I loved that this entire book was from his perspective! Charlie was smart and sarcastic and just badass enough to make me fall in love, and not in hate like I sometimes do with ultra independent characters. I am a huge romantasy fan, and this book ticked a lot of my boxes, and was just a super fun experience. Now I’m looking forward to reading more by this author!!!
Along the way, they encounter all sorts of obstacles. Tree demons, a ravenous Beast, Unseelies…and when we uncover the mystery of Charlie, let’s just say G is not prepared. What I wasn’t prepared for was how much of a dopey cinnamon roll G is! So cute and funny, and I loved that this entire book was from his perspective! Charlie was smart and sarcastic and just badass enough to make me fall in love, and not in hate like I sometimes do with ultra independent characters. I am a huge romantasy fan, and this book ticked a lot of my boxes, and was just a super fun experience. Now I’m looking forward to reading more by this author!!!
May 22, 2023
Spice rating: 4 peppers
This book is a love letter to the wicked characters we can’t help but love.
The Book of G was a fun reading experience. More than imagining a movie, I felt like I was imagining a video game while reading it—the kind of video game with an open world concept and side quests that allow you to meet new characters and discover more about the main characters while they’re on their way to fulfill the main quest/storyline.
That is more or less what happened in this book. G is on a mission to recover his memory and good looks, and while on the road, we have the opportunity to learn more about him and Charlie, especially in their contrasting way of dealing with people, situations and danger. Charlie is the classic good character, the good-hearted hero who wants to help people even if there’s no gain, while G is selfish, with a mean streak and set on his goals. This certainly made for an interesting dynamic between the two, and the banter was hilariously good. I lost count of how many times I cackled while reading. Yes, the banter was definitely my favorite aspect of the story—and the spice. G is the president of the Villains Do It Better club.
The ending was unexpected yet satisfying, and I can’t go into detail because I don’t want to spoil. I will say I wished we'd learned what exactly G did to land him in the river, but that I adored the epilogue!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
This book is a love letter to the wicked characters we can’t help but love.
The Book of G was a fun reading experience. More than imagining a movie, I felt like I was imagining a video game while reading it—the kind of video game with an open world concept and side quests that allow you to meet new characters and discover more about the main characters while they’re on their way to fulfill the main quest/storyline.
That is more or less what happened in this book. G is on a mission to recover his memory and good looks, and while on the road, we have the opportunity to learn more about him and Charlie, especially in their contrasting way of dealing with people, situations and danger. Charlie is the classic good character, the good-hearted hero who wants to help people even if there’s no gain, while G is selfish, with a mean streak and set on his goals. This certainly made for an interesting dynamic between the two, and the banter was hilariously good. I lost count of how many times I cackled while reading. Yes, the banter was definitely my favorite aspect of the story—and the spice. G is the president of the Villains Do It Better club.
The ending was unexpected yet satisfying, and I can’t go into detail because I don’t want to spoil. I will say I wished we'd learned what exactly G did to land him in the river, but that I adored the epilogue!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
July 19, 2023
My favorite Disney movie is ‘Beauty and the Beast’. As a child I loved it to bits and watched it all of the time. Even as an adult I’m still watching it now and again. I’m also a sucker for books where the supposed villain gets the girl. When I heard there is a book that combines these two things, I knew I had to read it.
G wasn’t just morally gray, it’s debatable if he has any positive characteristics. Still it didn’t really bother me, because his arrogant ways and his behavior fit with the character I expected him to be. I liked his development and how his character turned out not to be one of the good guys but still able to find love and happiness. Charlie on the other hand was good. I liked her from the beginning, but after a while she turned out to be pretty bland. Even her secrets didn’t intrigue me as much, still I liked following the plot of these two characters.
Normally I’m not a fan of books with Fae, but it didn’t bother me in this book, I kinda enjoyed the supernatural element in this book.
G wasn’t just morally gray, it’s debatable if he has any positive characteristics. Still it didn’t really bother me, because his arrogant ways and his behavior fit with the character I expected him to be. I liked his development and how his character turned out not to be one of the good guys but still able to find love and happiness. Charlie on the other hand was good. I liked her from the beginning, but after a while she turned out to be pretty bland. Even her secrets didn’t intrigue me as much, still I liked following the plot of these two characters.
Normally I’m not a fan of books with Fae, but it didn’t bother me in this book, I kinda enjoyed the supernatural element in this book.
May 26, 2023
This is my first book that I have read of Lily Archer, and I am absolutely hooked! Her writing is absolutely superb, easy to follow, easy to read, and a whole lot of fun! This is a beauty and the beast retelling of sorts with its own unique twists in the villains (Gaston) “g” point of view through the book. So you get to hear his inner monologue and live this classic story, with unique spins in the male villain characters eyes. You get to live the curse with him and follow him through this really exciting, really unique spin on a classic tail. An exciting adventure, full of plot and excitement! Never a boring moment. This book was definitely a page turner for me! I love the fun, sassy banter between Charlie and G. They are a lot of fun and the spice really fits in well with the story. It’s a standalone story and the ending is unique but very fitting. It has a lot of the favorite tropes like one horse trope, and forced close proximity. Slow burn that just makes the romance exciting and worth it! There is major growth for both of the main characters and you get to explore an exciting new world. I do wish there was a little more world building, because the Fae world just seemed so exciting and I wanted so much more of it! I just ate it up! I don’t give books 5 stars very often, but this is a five star read for me. One to add to the collection. 5/5⭐️ 3/5🌶️ enjoy and happy, reading my bookish friends!
I received this book as an ARC, and I can assure you that this review and my thoughts are 100% my own @mimisays411
I received this book as an ARC, and I can assure you that this review and my thoughts are 100% my own @mimisays411
June 13, 2023
У книжки якийсь дикий маркетинговий міскомунюкейшн, бо воно подається як темне фентезі-ретелінг про якогось злодія, а по факту це весела казка про Джоуї Трібіані (ну не прямо про нього, але персонаж і фізично, і по характеру максимально схожий) в обста��инах типу Dungeons&Dragons. Від ретелінгу відомої казки там декілька малюсіньких натяків і не більше. Мені в цілому сподобалося, я сміялася вголос над діалогами і трошки закохалася в головного героя. Підійде тим, хто хоче відпочити та почитати щось добре, веселе та з перчиком.
June 13, 2023
Анотація книжки говорила, що ми побачимо історію злочинця його ж очима, а по факту казка про молодика, у якого відшибло пам’ять і який полюбляв всі розмови зводити до сексу. Таке собі чтиво, не рекомендую. Смат-сцени простяцькі, типічні і неоригінальні. Але з іншого боку - це легеньке роуд сторі з майже не бісячими героями)) і фейрі, звісно 🧚🏻♀️ за це окрема зірочка.
June 8, 2023
A RETELLING ABOUT GASTON???
Say less besties I got it and read it. And it has artwork throughout the pages!
What if Gaston didn’t die when he was thrown from the tower at the end of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast?? What if he barely survived and was dragged from the river and nursed back to health only to discover he has no memory of who he is or where he came from? The only thing they found on his person was a tattered piece of cloth embroidered with a G. So they called him… G.
The author definitely captured the brute he was inherently and turned it into an endearing quality as the story goes on. The love interest is anything but ordinary and is the voice of reason for his wicked heart. This gets PRETTY SPICY as it unfolds and definitely plays on the primal side of a testosterone infused man. His need to protect, provide annnnd procreate.
This lands somewhere between 3.5-4stars for me, overall an interesting read!
Say less besties I got it and read it. And it has artwork throughout the pages!
What if Gaston didn’t die when he was thrown from the tower at the end of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast?? What if he barely survived and was dragged from the river and nursed back to health only to discover he has no memory of who he is or where he came from? The only thing they found on his person was a tattered piece of cloth embroidered with a G. So they called him… G.
The author definitely captured the brute he was inherently and turned it into an endearing quality as the story goes on. The love interest is anything but ordinary and is the voice of reason for his wicked heart. This gets PRETTY SPICY as it unfolds and definitely plays on the primal side of a testosterone infused man. His need to protect, provide annnnd procreate.
This lands somewhere between 3.5-4stars for me, overall an interesting read!
June 11, 2023
Ehhh very flat. I skimmed a lot of it and the characters just felt pretty one-dimensional.
May 27, 2023
I really really loved this book. I love a good morally grey MMC (except, I’d say G def leans more to the villainous side of things than the good side of things 😂) so I was thrilled to read an entire book from a villain’s perspective. And I loved going on G’s journey to discovering his past life, and what he ultimately decides about how life in the end. G’s relationship with Charlie was sooo good and 🌶️ and I loved how he really was pretty nasty to everyone but her 😂 also, the epilogue at the end was perfection! 💜 def recommend this one if you love a good loose fairytale retelling.
Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 31, 2023
This was the retelling my heart had been calling for! 🖤 Gaston was a mean and arrogant villain so I was always curious how a retelling about him would be like and I DEVOURED this book!
The retelling is loosely based on Beauty & the Beast since it takes places after the fall from the Beast’s tower . He loses all his memories, the only thing he has of his past is the letter G. His body is broken and his face disfigured. I think this was a very fitting demise for an egocentric villain. Even though he has no recollection of his past G still has an inflated sense of grandeur. The author did an incredible job portraying his selfish personality and how it starts to change as his feelings for a mysterious woman that helps to save him start to develop.
Their romance is slow burn but once we get to the burning part it’s hot! 🥵🔥 what I LOVED the most was their banter! G’s constant cockiness combined with Charlie’s sharp tongue was the perfect combo. Fans of The Witcher will also really enjoy this tale since in their voyage they encounter all types of threatening monsters. G has brawn and Charlie the brains so they are a force to be reckoned with. I loved everything about this story, the French setting made it even more magical.
A must read for fans of fantasy romance retellings!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review.
The retelling is loosely based on Beauty & the Beast since it takes places after the fall from the Beast’s tower . He loses all his memories, the only thing he has of his past is the letter G. His body is broken and his face disfigured. I think this was a very fitting demise for an egocentric villain. Even though he has no recollection of his past G still has an inflated sense of grandeur. The author did an incredible job portraying his selfish personality and how it starts to change as his feelings for a mysterious woman that helps to save him start to develop.
Their romance is slow burn but once we get to the burning part it’s hot! 🥵🔥 what I LOVED the most was their banter! G’s constant cockiness combined with Charlie’s sharp tongue was the perfect combo. Fans of The Witcher will also really enjoy this tale since in their voyage they encounter all types of threatening monsters. G has brawn and Charlie the brains so they are a force to be reckoned with. I loved everything about this story, the French setting made it even more magical.
A must read for fans of fantasy romance retellings!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review.
May 5, 2024
The only thing saving this book from a 1-star is that I actually finished it. The writing was cringey and cheesy. The world building and character development were almost non existent. Don’t read this. It’s 500 pages and only about 75 of them are worth reading.
May 29, 2023
Spice rating: 4/5 peppers
THE BOOK OF G is a standalone fantasy romance perfect for those of us who are inexplicably drawn to the morally gray-black villains, who are often times more interesting than the hero because of how complex they are, and how real they feel with their selfish streaks, anger, and determination to protect the few people they love in favor of the world.
Despite not remembering anything about his past, G is all of the above. After being found on the brink of death in a river and being nursed back to life, G is determined to fulfill a quest given to him by a mysterious lady of the river, who promises him he will recover what he’s lost. G is convinced she means his looks—seeing as half of his body is disfigured by horrible scars—and his memory. So determined he is, that he often butts heads with his travel companion, Charlie, who is naturally distrustful of the mysterious voice and often cautions G to see reason. G and Charlie don’t see eye to eye on other things, like Charlie’s proclivity for helping others and G’s complete disinterest in doing so. Their contrasting personalities led to some hilarious banter, which was the crowning jewel of a story riddled with magic and adventure reminiscent of The Witcher. Quest stories aren’t always my favorite, unless the characters and their dynamics keep my interest piqued—especially if this leads to a romance.
Aside from their chemistry as a couple, what I liked about both Charlie and G was the mystery surrounding both these characters. G’s is obvious, as he can’t remember his past. Charlie, on the other hand, is clearly running from her past, and part of the fun was understanding what that past entailed. Of course I had my suspicions, but whether or not they were founded you will have to find out by reading the book yourselves.
Though I believe I know who G truly is given the clues we have in the book’s description and the book itself, I do wish we learned more about G before he fell into that river. We’re often told his actions earned him his scars, but we don’t truly discover what those actions were. However, I enjoyed the ending and a part of me is hoping in a potential sequel.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
THE BOOK OF G is a standalone fantasy romance perfect for those of us who are inexplicably drawn to the morally gray-black villains, who are often times more interesting than the hero because of how complex they are, and how real they feel with their selfish streaks, anger, and determination to protect the few people they love in favor of the world.
Despite not remembering anything about his past, G is all of the above. After being found on the brink of death in a river and being nursed back to life, G is determined to fulfill a quest given to him by a mysterious lady of the river, who promises him he will recover what he’s lost. G is convinced she means his looks—seeing as half of his body is disfigured by horrible scars—and his memory. So determined he is, that he often butts heads with his travel companion, Charlie, who is naturally distrustful of the mysterious voice and often cautions G to see reason. G and Charlie don’t see eye to eye on other things, like Charlie’s proclivity for helping others and G’s complete disinterest in doing so. Their contrasting personalities led to some hilarious banter, which was the crowning jewel of a story riddled with magic and adventure reminiscent of The Witcher. Quest stories aren’t always my favorite, unless the characters and their dynamics keep my interest piqued—especially if this leads to a romance.
Aside from their chemistry as a couple, what I liked about both Charlie and G was the mystery surrounding both these characters. G’s is obvious, as he can’t remember his past. Charlie, on the other hand, is clearly running from her past, and part of the fun was understanding what that past entailed. Of course I had my suspicions, but whether or not they were founded you will have to find out by reading the book yourselves.
Though I believe I know who G truly is given the clues we have in the book’s description and the book itself, I do wish we learned more about G before he fell into that river. We’re often told his actions earned him his scars, but we don’t truly discover what those actions were. However, I enjoyed the ending and a part of me is hoping in a potential sequel.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
September 23, 2023
This is a lighthearted, fun and adventurous romance! I would say it is a retelling but it is also kind of Beauty and The Beast adjacent and does not have a lot of the classic Beauty and the Beast vibes. It is its own thing and I loved it. I am so excited that this had illustrations throughout the book that were super cute! Ive been wondering why more books don’t do this, ebook or otherwise.
The romance was cute and fell into the adventure romance genre for me. There are lots of fae and monsters to overcome.
I liked the taboo vibes at the beginning and was mildly disappointed that it was not taboo after all. Thats all I can say without spoiling. Only giving 4 stars only because the ending felt a little like a let down. You end up wanting to see that scene in his memory finish. Left many things unresolved, but good writing nonetheless.
The romance was cute and fell into the adventure romance genre for me. There are lots of fae and monsters to overcome.
I liked the taboo vibes at the beginning and was mildly disappointed that it was not taboo after all. Thats all I can say without spoiling. Only giving 4 stars only because the ending felt a little like a let down. You end up wanting to see that scene in his memory finish. Left many things unresolved, but good writing nonetheless.
May 29, 2023
This was such an interesting take on a character we know well. I'm a sucker for villain stories with spice, and this one definitely delivered. Be prepared to go on a crazy ride because it didn't end how I thought it would, and that pleasantly surprised me!
Overall, I enjoyed the writing and storyline of this book.
Overall, I enjoyed the writing and storyline of this book.
May 23, 2023
Cute & fun twist on a villains story.
I absolutely love the idea behind this book. What would happen if a villain lost his memories and then fell in love? It was adorable.
Reading about G needing to get his memories back all the whole falling for Charlie was so cute.
Loved the fantasy/Fae aspect of the story as well. And that ending was to die for 🥹
I absolutely love the idea behind this book. What would happen if a villain lost his memories and then fell in love? It was adorable.
Reading about G needing to get his memories back all the whole falling for Charlie was so cute.
Loved the fantasy/Fae aspect of the story as well. And that ending was to die for 🥹
May 22, 2023
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, I found the pace great and there wasn't any fluff/world building that didn't need to be there.
The banter between the main characters was excellent. I do still have questions at the end however I'm definitely not upset over how it concludes.
I think this is an excellent quick read (it only lasted me a day) and definitely recommend it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, I found the pace great and there wasn't any fluff/world building that didn't need to be there.
The banter between the main characters was excellent. I do still have questions at the end however I'm definitely not upset over how it concludes.
I think this is an excellent quick read (it only lasted me a day) and definitely recommend it.
April 25, 2024
This book was a little slow for me at first but the moment i got into it i ate this up and left no crumbs. Who knew Gaston could be possessive? This book is one of my faves and i want to buy a physical copy of the book just so i can annotate and put it on my shelf so i can look at it all the time. (i read it on my kindle through kindle unlimited) this book is easily 4.75 stars and i loved every bit of it❤️❤️❤️❤️
June 20, 2023
Actual 4.5 stars - Perfect for readers looking for a standalone with morally grey protagonist.
I enjoyed this twist of Gaston's story! G was just found injured by the river, he has no idea what happened.. who he is, or what he has lost. He meets this lovely woman that helped him heal after his accident. It was great to see the other side of what could be the story of Beauty and the Beast ( one of my favorites!)
I loved the story so much! G and Charlie are great together. G being the broody man that he is, is pulled to the mystery carried by Charlie. She is omitting her past life and is running away from it all but through this she bonds with G. I would've loved to learn more about the past of both of them. However, I loved the unraveling of the story. I wish there was more to this series! It was super entertaining and has so much room for more stories.
Huge thanks to the author for sending me a copy! All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this twist of Gaston's story! G was just found injured by the river, he has no idea what happened.. who he is, or what he has lost. He meets this lovely woman that helped him heal after his accident. It was great to see the other side of what could be the story of Beauty and the Beast ( one of my favorites!)
I loved the story so much! G and Charlie are great together. G being the broody man that he is, is pulled to the mystery carried by Charlie. She is omitting her past life and is running away from it all but through this she bonds with G. I would've loved to learn more about the past of both of them. However, I loved the unraveling of the story. I wish there was more to this series! It was super entertaining and has so much room for more stories.
Huge thanks to the author for sending me a copy! All opinions are my own.
August 8, 2023
I have always loved Gaston from Beauty and The Beast and couldn’t resist reading this book. Absolutely loved this book but couldn’t give it a 5-star rating because a major question was left unanswered.
Charlie is a few thousand years old, as she’s a fae, and she’s pregnant with G’s baby, yet G is human and only 20 something years old. Do they find a way to have him live longer? Or is he just going to get old and eventually die while she still looks 20 something?
aside from that, the story was so good! Lots of spice, comedy, and character growth. The author did an amazing job with the details as they painted a picture of the whole world for me. I truly felt like I had been there myself by the end of the book. Also the character art every so often was beautiful.
I also loved Belle and the Prince’s little cameo in the epilogue 🥹
Charlie is a few thousand years old, as she’s a fae, and she’s pregnant with G’s baby, yet G is human and only 20 something years old. Do they find a way to have him live longer? Or is he just going to get old and eventually die while she still looks 20 something?
aside from that, the story was so good! Lots of spice, comedy, and character growth. The author did an amazing job with the details as they painted a picture of the whole world for me. I truly felt like I had been there myself by the end of the book. Also the character art every so often was beautiful.
I also loved Belle and the Prince’s little cameo in the epilogue 🥹
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2023
The book of G ARC review
(After re-reading this book, this review has been updated!)
It’s been a minute since I’ve been able to pick up one of these books by author lily Archer 😭
I had the lucky chance to get ahold of this book fairly early and began reading it as soon as I got it!
I really enjoyed the mystery that came with the book and how G was on a quest to find who he truly was. There was life lessons on why you should not judge a book by its cover. From hating what he looks like to being content in the end really felt like a good ending for our main character! I adored Charlie and her strong and giving heart and how she was quick to help others.
I do wish there was more world building (just a smidge) as in her other books that I’ve read, there seems to be more detail and it’s almost like you can vividly see it. I didn’t feel that with this book in certain parts.
I like how the two main characters come to trust one another.
However, the spicy scenes felt like they were lacking and were very lack luster. There wasn’t any special moments leading up to them that gave the scene any type of special meaning. It was almost like copy paste for most of the spicy scenes as they were all pretty much the same.
SPOILERS BELOW!
The ending was sweet however it was never really explained how it’s rare for fae people and humans to have children. Having only this being my 2nd book that’s based off fae (didn’t know if this was universal logic?) so it would have been cool to have a small section going into why it’s so rare and left wondering.
also a bit disappointed we never get to hear about G’s pass life and how he came to be (though I think that’s the point) and what he is now but I think the book is a overall good quick read.
(After re-reading this book, this review has been updated!)
It’s been a minute since I’ve been able to pick up one of these books by author lily Archer 😭
I had the lucky chance to get ahold of this book fairly early and began reading it as soon as I got it!
I really enjoyed the mystery that came with the book and how G was on a quest to find who he truly was. There was life lessons on why you should not judge a book by its cover. From hating what he looks like to being content in the end really felt like a good ending for our main character! I adored Charlie and her strong and giving heart and how she was quick to help others.
I do wish there was more world building (just a smidge) as in her other books that I’ve read, there seems to be more detail and it’s almost like you can vividly see it. I didn’t feel that with this book in certain parts.
I like how the two main characters come to trust one another.
However, the spicy scenes felt like they were lacking and were very lack luster. There wasn’t any special moments leading up to them that gave the scene any type of special meaning. It was almost like copy paste for most of the spicy scenes as they were all pretty much the same.
SPOILERS BELOW!
The ending was sweet however it was never really explained how it’s rare for fae people and humans to have children. Having only this being my 2nd book that’s based off fae (didn’t know if this was universal logic?) so it would have been cool to have a small section going into why it’s so rare and left wondering.
also a bit disappointed we never get to hear about G’s pass life and how he came to be (though I think that’s the point) and what he is now but I think the book is a overall good quick read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2024
Honestly, the first half of this was a solid start. The writing felt natural and funny, I was invested in a quest, and there were even a few twists and turns I didn’t see coming. I’m not sure where the wheels fell off exactly, but the pacing just didn’t work for me. By the end I really didn’t care about the main characters and really just wanted to be done reading this.
FYI - Goodreads has this under the dark romance genre and I just want to stress that it absolutely is not. Which was fine by me, but could definitely impact other readers!
Read if you like:
- Gaston retelling
- A quest
- Open door romance
- Banter
3 ⭐️ 4 🌶️
“What’s it like to have the self-confidence of a man at least twice as intelligent and good looking as you? Seems like it would be jarring.”
- Lily Archer
FYI - Goodreads has this under the dark romance genre and I just want to stress that it absolutely is not. Which was fine by me, but could definitely impact other readers!
Read if you like:
- Gaston retelling
- A quest
- Open door romance
- Banter
3 ⭐️ 4 🌶️
“What’s it like to have the self-confidence of a man at least twice as intelligent and good looking as you? Seems like it would be jarring.”
- Lily Archer
July 7, 2023
I couldn’t finish this. I was really pumped to dive into this but then it was not even the same kind of dialogue as the story Gaston came from. It was nothing but sex after sex after sex. That’s it. The story was lost in the filth.
July 4, 2023
I was SO pumped about this book and then it just really wasn’t super exciting at all
August 11, 2023
… I don’t know what I expected.
December 29, 2023
The idea is interesting, Gaston forgets he’s evil and has to go on a journey to remember who he is, but the writing is too modern for a fantasy. It honestly felt like a first draft. DNF 3/4 through.
June 8, 2023
The book was fun! It was light and spicy with an exciting adventure.
I liked the character G, he was arrogant in a fun way and it rarely got serious.
Charlie was funny, playing off G's arrogance well and mysterious, keeping the banter going.
I liked the beauty and the beast references but G is 1 million times better than Gaston.
I wish he'd become long lived like her because if you think logistically she'll outlive him by quite a long time plus it would've been nice for the guy to becime immortal for the girl for a change. But eh small detail.
Loved Gs devotion. I did feel like his need to be fixed went a little too far. For someone who doesnt want their love to come in harms way he just kept pushing on despite the danger.
Didn't feel any magic but i attribute that to me being in a lowkey reading slump and the fact i started this on a heels of a dnf that really pissed me off. So i hope to reread this sometime and feel the magic that i think it has the potential to give me.
As a random side note the author added character art, which was such a fun addition... HOWEVER the creature the hag of the bloody stump? Shes supposed to be covered im brown hair. Shes described as hair several times in her creature form. Yet the picture she has no hair? Just naked? Like why add a picture when i literally goes against the words directly after it. No sense!!!
Would try this author again! I enjoyed myself!
Safety:
1st person H POV
3+🔥
◇Ow drama- no but a window comes onto the H but he thwarts her and later sets her up with a different guy. A lady nurse takes care of him and he mentions she has a big butt and she helps him in the tub. This didnt bother me cause he had just compared his 🍆 to another mans noticing the other man had a large one so i didnt think much of it.
◇Om drama- h is technically engaged to a fae royal but shes not interested. He kisses her hand and feeds her. She ran away and doesnt wanna marry him.
◇no cheating/sharing
◇i dont think either were virgins but its not explicitly said.
◇no protection
◇h 200, H late 20s early 30s
◇3 day seperation
◇HEA unknown amount of time in the future, h is or wants to become pregnant.
I liked the character G, he was arrogant in a fun way and it rarely got serious.
Charlie was funny, playing off G's arrogance well and mysterious, keeping the banter going.
I liked the beauty and the beast references but G is 1 million times better than Gaston.
I wish he'd become long lived like her because if you think logistically she'll outlive him by quite a long time plus it would've been nice for the guy to becime immortal for the girl for a change. But eh small detail.
Loved Gs devotion. I did feel like his need to be fixed went a little too far. For someone who doesnt want their love to come in harms way he just kept pushing on despite the danger.
Didn't feel any magic but i attribute that to me being in a lowkey reading slump and the fact i started this on a heels of a dnf that really pissed me off. So i hope to reread this sometime and feel the magic that i think it has the potential to give me.
As a random side note the author added character art, which was such a fun addition... HOWEVER the creature the hag of the bloody stump? Shes supposed to be covered im brown hair. Shes described as hair several times in her creature form. Yet the picture she has no hair? Just naked? Like why add a picture when i literally goes against the words directly after it. No sense!!!
Would try this author again! I enjoyed myself!
Safety:
1st person H POV
3+🔥
◇Ow drama- no but a window comes onto the H but he thwarts her and later sets her up with a different guy. A lady nurse takes care of him and he mentions she has a big butt and she helps him in the tub. This didnt bother me cause he had just compared his 🍆 to another mans noticing the other man had a large one so i didnt think much of it.
◇Om drama- h is technically engaged to a fae royal but shes not interested. He kisses her hand and feeds her. She ran away and doesnt wanna marry him.
◇no cheating/sharing
◇i dont think either were virgins but its not explicitly said.
◇no protection
◇h 200, H late 20s early 30s
◇3 day seperation
◇HEA unknown amount of time in the future, h is or wants to become pregnant.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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