Wither

by Ashlyn Drewek

Working for literary sensation Gerulf Prince should have been a dream job for aspiring author Zane Beaumont. Six months, all-expenses-paid, and one-on-one time with his favorite writer? It sounded too good to be true—because it was. It turned out there was a reason no one had seen the mysterious writer in two years and why his lawyer was willing to pay so much for a job people should have been clamoring to do for free. Young and optimistic and apparently the embodiment of everything Gerulf hates, Zane nevertheless tries to make the best of the situation for as long as he can. But with each day that passes, it’s harder and harder for Zane to ignore his feelings for his irascible employer and remember that at the end of six months, the fairytale is over.
Gerulf Prince doesn’t need an assistant and he certainly doesn’t want someone like Zane Beaumont hanging around his house all day. Still reeling from an accident that left him lame and disfigured, Gerulf has struggled to pick up the pieces of his life, including his writing career. With the deadline for his latest project fast approaching and the threat of a lawsuit hanging over his head, he has no choice but to grudgingly accept Zane’s help. It doesn’t mean he has to like his infectious laugh or look forward to their daily conversations. And under no circumstances does Gerulf want to entertain any more of the bright-eyed librarian’s ideas about his manuscript. As the sixth month draws to a close, Gerulf is faced with a decision he never saw coming—break his contract and face a legal firestorm or submit his novel and lose his newfound muse forever. This book contains themes intended for a mature audience and reader discretion is advised. A full list can be found on my website under Tropes & Triggers.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Forced Proximity, Novella, Retellings, Contemporary, Enemies To Lovers

138 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 14, 2024

About the author

International best-selling and award-winning author Ashlyn Drewek has always been fascinated by "weird" things like Edgar Allan Poe, Halloween, and witchcraft. Not necessarily in that order. But she's also a hopeless romantic who lives for stories about true love conquering all. Since variety is indeed the spice of life, she writes a mix of MM tropes and subgenres to satisfy her rapidly changing whims.

For information on upcoming releases, go to ⇢ https://www.ashlyndrewek.com/upcoming

Have a question? I might have an answer! ⇢ https://www.ashlyndrewek.com/faq

Looking for links? Go here ⇢ www.ashlyndrewek.com/main

Reviews

[Amina · Rating 4 out of 5]

✰ 3.75 stars ✰

“Stunning and derisive all at once. Like the roses he seemed so fond of— beautiful, but full of thorns.”

Novellas are always tough for me, because I can never quite be convinced that it's enough time for much to happen, but Wither was a lovely exception to that notion. Ashlyn Drewek's modern-day take on the tale as old as time was romantic and emotionally hard-hitting. Zane Beaumont, a librarian that is a bundle of sunshine and heart, is hired as a personal assistant to Gerulf Prince, a writer who has recently been a fatal car accident that afflicted him with injuries that are more than just skin-deep. 🥀 🥀

Kind and considerate, sweet and passionate, Zane does not shy away in expressing his admiration for his favorite author and the desirous itch to get his hands over all the books at his disposal - a man who speaks my language. Gerulf is broken and damaged and scarred - he's lost the will to care -the care to write again - a man beaten down so badly in his personal life and career. But, under Gerulf's prickly exterior, beat the heart of a man who wanted to move away the bristles he had placed, and it took one ball of brightness and care to unfurl the barrier he had lain around his broken heart. ❤️‍🩹 ❤️‍🩹

“Predictably, Gerulf tensed against me. “What are you doing?”

“You seem like you could use a hug,” I answered truthfully.

“I’m not—I don’t—I don’t hug, Zane. People don’t—”

“Just accept the hug, Gerulf.”

Their adorable and biting banter brought a smile to my face - so very reminiscent to the little arguments from the Disney tale, but with a fun and light take to them - sharp, funny and with a lot of heart. 🤌🏼 🤌🏼 Every time Gerulf bellowed 'Get out' to his staff, I chuckled inwardly at how loyal they were and not at all dissuaded by his aggressive persona. 😅

And the soft way in which Zane won his affections - the gentle kindness that he reserved for him, that shy and hesitant way in which they reached out for each other - the assistance and loyalty and support he offered not only in his reading material, but at the moment he needed him most - their love blossomed into something that neither of them were prepared for. It was beautifully and so very naturally done that my heart did a little pitter patter and I did not mind it in the slightest. 💕💕

“I see you, Gerulf. I don’t know who you were before and I don’t care. This is the version of you I fell in love with.”

The spin that the author took on the curse of the fairy was unique and commendable; honestly, I did not expect it. But, it was interestingly conveyed and I liked how it was effective to this little twist in her Beauty and the Beast tale. Domestic abuse and physical violence does not only have to be attributed to women - men can be victims, too. And how she incorporated those sensitive issues into her retelling was at one of the most striking scenes - that moment, uff, chills. 😢 And while it could have certainly been explored a lot more in detail - this is a novella. And as the author mentioned in her author's note - it is a love story. And focusing on the love that comes out from this terrible ordeal - the beauty saving the heart of someone who was never a beast in the first place - was truly all that mattered. 🌹 🌹

[Renae Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this magical Beauty and the Beast retelling. It is a perfect grumpy sunshine romance that was short and sweet. Gerulf and Zane have such a magical bond that is both endearing and sweet. They are so perfect for one another, I enjoyed getting to see them fall for one another and watch their relationship organically develop and move towards something completely sincere and profound.

*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***

[Julia (bookish.jka) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I see you, Gerulf. I don’t know who you were before and I don’t care. This is the version of you I fell in love with.”

Wither by Ashlyn Drewek is everything you could ever want from a MM romance novella, re-imagining of Beauty and the Beast - but written in Ashlyn Drewek’s inimitable style. Fabulous research, beautifully written, flawed yet lovable characters, and a flowing storyline. Magic!

Wither originally appeared in the Because of You: A Represent Publishing Anthology but has now been extended - with added smut! 😈

5 divine novella stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Gloria (in a slump? idk) · Rating 5 out of 5]

You say Beauty and the Beast MM fairy-tale retelling and I'm there 🥰 full RTC!

[Audi♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"his lips trailed off to the left side of my face, kissing my scars gently and with zero hesitation."

He kisses his scars 🥺🤭 goo! this was short n sweet. Love how the whole house was ready to take bitch face Faye down.

[Bobby's Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gay/bisexual BEAUTY AND THE BEAST spicy retelling at its FINEST! I loved this quick novella that truly had the Disney version vibes of it within the characters of it! WITHER follows Zane Beaumont (“Belle”) loving his librarian job until he applies to work with literary sensation Gerulf Prince (“Beast”) to help him co-author his latest new book! The book deadline is within six month, and if Gerulf doesn’t have it by then, his publishing house will sue him. At first, grumpy Gerulf wants absolutely nothing to do with Zane and his help. But along the way as they each get to know one another, a friendship bonds like no other until the final petal falls into something more. A beautiful and heartfelt modern retelling that is easily a perfect read for the fall or winter!

[꧁•Zakiyya•꧂ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 🌟's

Such a wonderful story and yes, a tale as old as time but still as exciting as always no matter what version you read it in.

I really enjoyed this story – I was surprised at how much depth these characters had for a novella.

I definitely wanted more of them and I wish we could have gotten a full length story for Zane and Gerulf.

It would have been awesome to see the grumpy Gerulf stumble over the dating process…🙈
 
What I loved the most about this book was the message it delivers – that men CAN be victims of domestic abuse too.

My word, Gerulf’s ex was a total nightmare …🤬

If you’re looking for a short read, be sure to check this one out – it’s really good.

[Ro {semi-hiatus} · Rating 4 out of 5]

i am probably basic af for this, but i love fairytale retellings in any form but especially when they're MM. this is a novella retelling of Beauty and the Beast and it was just lovely. novellas are tricky bcs so much needs to happen in a short amount of time to really capitalize on chemistry and deliver something mostly believable. a lot of them are insta-something or just straight up erotica with no substance, but this was almost perfect and i liked it a lot. (aside from their names but i'm going to pretend i do not see them.)

Zane is a librarian being hounded with romantic propositions by a very aggressive woman who has absolutely zero qualms about the fact that he's, you know, gay. i love a delulu villain but she literally makes no other appearance outside of setting the stage for Zane to switch jobs just to avoid her. said job is working as an assistant for a published (but anonymous per the listing) author. even without his father being in a coma needing around-the-clock medical care, the job is everything Zane could ask for— room and board, significant salary, and experience working under an accomplished author. except...

Gerulf (yes that's really his name and i have no idea why the fuck that was even a choice that was made but i called him Geralt in my head and i will not be apologizing) is the mysterious author; a genius, to have Zane describe him. however, a car accident left Gerulf scarred from head to toe on his left side and short a fiancée, which turned him into a recluse. now he's isolated in his castle, with a book contract looming over him with no progress in sight. the very same fiancée who abandoned him after his accident is also his agent, so honestly? i stan a stubborn king and was all in favor of him neglecting his writing so he could be all gloom and doom up in his room. but his contract demands results or else the threat of a lawsuit would thrust his insecurities right into the public eye. enter: Zane.

despite his obvious need of help, Gerulf is a pissy missy about Zane showing up and having his hand forced into keeping him. but Zane, sweet lanky Zane with the unblemished skin that Gerulf swears he despises, gives the grumpy fucker a run for his money. what starts as condescending and rude exchanges, turns to biting comments and then sarcastic humor; all of which help serve as inspiration for Gerulf. when Zane's father dies, the two reach an unspoken understanding and Gerulf starts to soften towards him, becoming more receptive until they're working side by side to complete the damned book. Gerulf even bases the main character on Zane, which doesn't go unnoticed and sets Zane's professional admiration for Gerulf into a full-blown crush.

as Zane's six month contract nears its end, Gerulf realizes he doesn't want to be without him and needs him for more than just his writing assistance. but before he can risk being vulnerable by admitting to it, he's accosted by the real beast and delusional villain of the story— his ex fiancée. ashamed that he spent years being abused and degraded by a woman because of his belief that no one would see him as the victim, Gerulf all but allows her to threaten and assault him in his own home. it becomes clear that she was the reason he was in the car accident that injured him so severely. as if in a race to own realty in Hell's Hottest Circle, she also cleared out mans bank account and broke off their engagement in a voicemail. when she shows up to throw a lawsuit in his face and loses her rabid ass mind when he doesn't rise to her antics, Zane interferes and puts himself in the way to protect Gerulf.

insert bowchickawowwow here. after taking care of Gerulf's injuries and both having a brief moment of fearing rejection from the other, they consummate their feelings before confessing them outright. it's the only spice we get but it was done well, even if it isn't nasty filthy animal sex. Zane is happy, Gerulf is thrilled, the house staff is ecstatic.

the end culminates in Fey, the bitch ex fiancée, getting nothing from Gerulf and Gerulf adding Zane as the co-author on his book. it's all well sweet.

3.5 stars because while i enjoyed it, and may even read it again, there were too many things i wasn't a fan of and wish had been expanded on or mentioned again. and the NAMES. the fucking names. jesus. Gerulf, gag.

[AngelFire · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 40%

I have to stop reading this author's work. Whatever special force inspired/drove/allowed her to create the dark masterpiece that was the Leander Welles series (and unlike many readers, I'm talking about all 4 books when I say that) hasn't been present in any of her other work that I tried since. In everything else I've read (or skimmed reviews for), the story was either not deserving of the dark romance label or it was the type of dark that shifts it out of romance territory and into gay fiction. The only positive to this story is that the author finally didn't use false advertising and didn't slap a 'dark romance' label on it.

This story started out boring and it remained coma-inducing up to the point where I DNF'd. Zane could have been replaced by a piece of cardboard and nothing would have changed. Gerulf was supposed to be a grumpy grump with a tragic past but the author doesn't know how to write such characters well because his ranting and raving was OTT and written really badly. It actually reminded me of the Beast from the animated show: stomping around and huffing and puffing and roaring. But here's the thing...Gerulf isn't actually a beastly creature. The point of the original fairytale is that the prince had been turned into a literal beast who didn't just look like one but his mannerisms were that of a beast. Having fully human Gerulf go off on rants where he demands people GTFO or leave him alone felt OTT and made him seem like a child.

I was also disappointed that there were no fantasy elements in this. There was a scene early in the story where an old woman appears in the library, says something to Zane and then mysteriously vanishes. I also got excited when Gerulf went out into the rose garden and there was discussion about how special the roses are. But according to other reviews, there aren't any magical elements in the story which is bizarre if you're writing a Beauty And The Beast re-telling.

The other problem was that the story was a nothing sandwich. We had Zane blending in with the wallpaper and Gerulf doing his 12-year-old-having-a-tantrum routine while taking a break from bashing his ex-fiancée. There was zero chemistry between them and the scenes of them working on Gerulf's book were a snooze-fest. I could recognize tons of subtle and mostly not subtle references to the original fairytale, but those references aren't plot. The story moved at a glacial pace and by the halfway mark, it felt like the author still had no idea where the story was going and why it even existed.

The other thing I hated is the hardcore 'all women are evil harpies' idea that the author pushed. I get it - the topic of men being abused by women is one that's rarely discussed and often not taken seriously. I applaud the author for tackling such complex issues (she also explored the topic of male sexual assault in the Roan Sinclair duology) but just like in Sinclair, I found her approach heavy handed and ham fisted. Instead of these topics being interesting subplots that enhanced the overall narrative, the author put so much focus on these things that they overshadow the rest of the narrative while not being substantial enough to be main plotlines themselves. In this case, Zane has an obsessive stalker to deal with and Gerulf's ex-fiancée is an evil harpy who has ruined his life and continues making him miserable. Since both of the MCs harbor a dislike of women as a result, they do things like decide to make the villain in Gerulf's novel a women and they choose a female character who is perfect for the role because in (in their words), she's 'vile'. I get that the author wanted to shine the light on how abusive and horrible women can be towards men and how society is geared towards justifying that abuse when it comes from women but the author's approach just resulted in the MCs looking like misogynists.

In stark contrast, the way she explored themes like long term childhood abuse in the Leander Welles series was fantastic because her approach was different. There are solid plotlines in each book that have a loose connection to the abuse subplot but having the author not focusing so heavily on the abuse angle meant that the few references to it were very impactful. I still remember the absolute OMG-moment and gut punch that I felt when we finally learned why Leander rarely ate anything while in the psychiatric hospital. The subtle yet devastating way the author slowly revealed the extent of the abuse Leander suffered from his grandmother and how that abuse still impacts him decades later was brilliantly done. Leander's final revenge against his grandmother is something I'll never forget and it deserves to be on the list of most epic things that have ever happened. That's what kills me about this author because that's the bar she set to start with and she's never come close to reaching it again. I have no idea why she's not able to keep producing the work she started out creating but it's a massive loss to the MM romance community because the type of dark romance she created with the Leander Welles series is something I still haven't found replicated by anyone else.

I've said it before but this will definitely be my last try with this author. She seems happy with the new direction she's moving in and I'm happy for her but her current approach to storytelling doesn't work for me.

[Nadia · Rating 5 out of 5]

▪️About this novella:
-Boss & Employee
-Grumpy/Sunshine
-Beauty and the Beast-inspired
-Strict top/bottom
-HEA
▪️Thoughts:
I sure do love my grumpy characters and Gerulf? Yeah he was as grumpy as they come. After an accident leaving him scared not just physically but also mentally he withdrew from everyone. He was a very difficult person to please, working with him had many difficult times where patience was a must.
Zane is a librarian who gets a job as PA for none author than Gerulf a famous author and nothing would have prepared him for the job. As he is working he is also going through personal matters and it amazes me how he is gentle, kind, and happy. Nothing deterred him from giving his all in brightening someone's day. His life story in this novella made me feel so much!
As Gerulf saw more of Zane he couldn't help but feel something for him. His radiant smile and overall energy made him want to be close to him more and more.
This novella even though short speaks about many important topics and Ashlyn Drewek blew my mind with how she wrote them. I really enjoyed this inspired Beauty and the Beast novella. Seeing Gerulf open up slowly to new possibilities and Zane being the sunshine he is reassuring his love and care for Gerulf is forever was beautiful.
If you have read from this author before you know her books do tend to be in the darker side so this novella does have TWs such as sexual harassment; domestic abuse and violence; near-death accidents and disfigurement; and parental death.
Overall I highly recommend this novella! Gosh did I wish it was longer these characters were perfect.🥰
▪️Quotes:
💬 Gerulf was a lifeline in a sea of uncertainty, a lighthouse to give me direction, when all I wanted to do was close my eyes and let the water swallow me whole.
💬 He was just one of those genuinely good people in the world; he needed to be protected at all costs and cherished daily by someone who knew how extraordinary he was. Someone like me.
💬 In the wake of his confession, pieces of my heart unfurled themselves, pieces I thought had shriveled up and died years ago. Turned out they were simply dormant, waiting for the warmth of a long overdue spring.

I received this book as an ARC, all of this is my honest opinion.

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

my favorite beauty and the beast retelling ever and gerulf can choke me next to the roses any day

----------------------

reread: August 3 2023

still 5 stars. still my fave b&b retelling. gerulf could still choke me out

** received the updated edition with more added **

[Kati *☆･ﾟ]

***no rating
dnf @50%

[Marilla ☘︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this m/m retelling of Beauty and the Beast🌹


🥀Tension
🥀Angst
🥀Chemistry
🥀Drama
🥀Book-nerding
🥀Beasting

It had it all. So good!!

However, I do wish this novella had been a little longer, or even a full-length book. Since I feel like some plot-points and issues could've been explored a bit deeper. 🖌

4.25✨

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessed with this book! Wither was such a perfect twist on the beauty and beast story with a reclusive writer and his stubborn assistant. Definitely a one of a kind MM story that you have to read!

[S.M. LANYON · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one truly lovely retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast tale with a modern twist.♥️
Loved the contemporary premise and the new spin of this story, while at the same time the tale as old as time bled through the pages with familiar warmth and enchantment. ♥️
Zane is a beautiful soul, quietly dealing with challenging life situations. He holds his pain tucked deep inside, trying to be strong for the sake of his father, and i suppose to fulfil whatever expectations society may have of him. It is hard to see him struggle, all i wanted to do was slap his obnoxious stalker Oksana and reassure him she would never lay a finger on him again.🥺♥️
This boy was strong, though.♥️ Don't mistake his refusal to dive head first into confrontation for meekness! Hell no! My baby has all the right sauce when it comes to the important battles in his life. Those with Gerulf 😁 because let's face it, that colossal stubborn pain in the ass requires all his energy and patience.♥️
And thank freaking God he fought for Gerulf every step of the way, because their road to love, albeit at times obstructed by thorns, delivered them to a well earned smexy HEA.♥️
Gerulf was the beast I didn't think possible loving. Until his pain and hurt started to peal away, undet the tender care of Zane. His truth was revealed - the reason for his professional demise and his severe injuries and oh, it will make your blood boil. 🤬
The injustice he had suffered had made him bitter and mistrusting. Deeply seeded paranoia crippling every move he made, stunning him into stupor - creatively and emotionally. ♥️
Zane comes into his life unexpectedly, yet quickly becomes the lifeline Gerulf had been needing for years. Both men find in each hope, love and the most cherished companionship. ♥️
Have no fear - classic Ashlyn Drewek steamy culmination of passion, desire, and surrender rewards us when these two throw caution to the wind. ♥️
I absolutely loved it♥️

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous little fairytale retelling!

Novellas can be a little tricky to rate because they're usually on the shorter end; things happen quickly and I sometimes wish the story could have been more drawn out. While I do think Drewek has more than enough writing talent to make this a full novel, I think she achieved what she set out to achieve. It's not a book that needs more; you just want more.

No matter the length, I had a lovely time reading Gerulf & Zane's story. It's classic grump/sunshine and gives you all the warm 'n fuzzies your heart may desire. It was so sweet to see Gerulf soften to Zane's inexplicable charm.

Beyond the plot, I really appreciated how Drewek used the story to highlight the very real issue of men being overlooked & discredited as victims of domestic violence. Yes, statistically, men are more likely to be the "abuser" in a case of domestic violence - but, unfortunately, this has created a social stigmatization that diminishes the experience of men who are victims of domestic violence. As she states in the afterword, domestic violence doesn't discriminate; I so appreciate when authors utilize their platform to spread awareness and encourage compassion. Therefore, I am happily taking that into account when it comes to my rating.

[Moon ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

As any of you who follow my reviews already know that I love Ashlyn Drewek's work and eagerly anticipate every new work of hers, it comes as no surprise that I loved this. Add Beauty and the beast retelling to the mix and this was pretty much one of my top books of this month! Beauty and the Beast retellings are my favourite kind and adding Zane and Gerulf brought their very own and polar opposite flavours into this novella, with Gerulf being a pricky baby who uses sarcasm and anger to keep everyone at length and Zane being a patient little bunny with just the right amount of sarcasm to wobble Gerulf's unchallenged King-of-Prickliness throne. Not only that just the way Ashlyn Drewek very subtly but very pointed directed our attention to something so heartbreaking and very real- the alarming issue of abuse inflicted on males by women just won my heart. This ones for the favourite shelf.

[Zainab · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was SO good! I'm never the one to forego a chance to read a beauty and the beast retelling and this was definitely NOT a miss. What did you put in it and where can i find a longer version?

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.


As always, if Ashlyn writes it, I’ll read it.
I love this retelling of Beauty and the beast!
She took a topic that isn’t often wrote about or openly discussed and used it for this retelling of a classic story. She did an amazing job weaving the two together. My only complaint I’d it wasn’t longer! I’m a greedy reader!

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me preface by saying I’ve read quite a few beauty and the beast retellings. Not as many as other people probably, but it IS my favorite fairytale. That being said… this was unique. The amount of HEART in this short little book was astounding. Seriously, I cried. I kinda wish this was a full book, cause Ashlyn would have KILLED it. But all in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this!

[Mal · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s true what they say, good things come in small packages… this novella really packed a punch. I had to pause for a bit after I read it to be able to gather all my thoughts around this wonderful contemporary retelling of The beauty and the beast fairytale. The author really gives us a lot to love in this story and it’s tight and seamless and perfectly paced in its telling of the tale.

The author takes a contrarian approach to the traditional gender biases, playing with them to underlined and break expectations. It was refreshing in the way it was handled, specially with the story within a story feeding off parallels.

Zane is an extremely loveable character full of warmth, resilience, patience and loyalty who finds himself employed by Gerulf who has been severely physically and psychologically impacted by a car crash is coping the only way he knows how - self isolation and reactivity. They have a very contentious beginning as the author then peels back layers to both characters and their pasts and it’s lovely to see how they slowly open up and find strength in each other to fix things for themselves. There are so many nods to the original story in both characters and settings (and hinted mystical things) which I enjoyed immensely.

Expect:
* Fairytale retelling
* Opposites attract
* Grumpy/Sunshine
* Found family
* Hurt comfort
* Slow burn
* Animosity to love
* disability rep

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Swoon: ♥️♥️♥️
Steam: 🔥🔥
Angst: ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

CW: sexual harassment; domestic abuse and violence; near-death accidents and disfigurement; and parental death

[reverie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️ I’m tired of saying “suffers from being a novella” but that very much applies. Still a wonderful story and a fantastic way to spend an hour or two.

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

“I need you to fire me,” I whispered. A small crease formed between his dark eyebrows. “Why?” “So I can kiss you without feeling guilty.”

What you'll get:
Beauty and the Beast Retelling
Grumpy/sunshine
Boss x employee
Bisexual and gay rep
Disability rep (burns, vision, scarring) resulted from a fire
CW/TW: Domestic abuse

Setting: Illinois

I just never really liked Gerulf. I'm sorry!

[Crystal Kersey · Rating 1 out of 5]

My review was removed so here we go again. Profiting off of a community that you actively vote against is DISGUSTING.

[Lily · Rating 1 out of 5]

↳ Review removed and rating lowered. So disappointed.

[Brittanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Ashlyn Drewek and Passion Author Services for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Though this is marketed as a Beauty and the Beast modern retelling, the story itself only slightly resembles that story. We have a quiet librarian, Zane, that is offered an opportunity of a lifetime to be the personal assistant of a famous but reclusive author, Gerulf, including room and board at Gerulf's isolated mansion. Gerulf has a small but loyal staff and Zane is mostly free to come and go as he pleases, but must put up with Gerulf's horrible attitude and work ethic in order to fulfil his contract and get the money he sorely needs to help his father who is dying in hospital.
Gerulf is so reclusive and angry because of a car accident that completely disfigured half of his body and face. He needs Zane to help with most things he used to be able to do completely on his own including being inspired to write the latest book he's contractually obligated to release.

Overall, I enjoyed the story but felt that some elements could have been completely left out. The woman that was literally sexually assaulting and stalking Zane during the first chapter was a odd entry into the story when she didn't have much influence on the story, and was never seen again once Zane was in Gerulf's house. I'm assuming this is the "Gaston" character but she never shows up again unlike Gaston so doesn't have quite the same impact and, honestly, was less charming and more smarmy than Gaston ever was. Also, the random old woman immediately after who gives Zane some advice but then mystically disappears was a weird choice. Maybe this is a character inspired more by the original fairy tale that I have not read - so I would definitely miss any more subtle references. I'm only familiar with the Disney movie which is probably not much like the original.

There is a lot packed into this shorter novel and if you're already a fan of Drewek you'll be sure to enjoy this, though don't expect as dark a story as she usually writes. There's no dark magic or supernatural elements here, despite there being both in Beauty and the Beast.

[☾⋆⁺ Nurse After Dark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t need a mirror to be reminded of how grotesque I was. I could feel it, deep in my bones where they’d broken and healed and in the tight, unforgiving scar tissue all over my body.

Never let it be said I don't run towards m/m retellings these days! This Beauty and the Beast-inspired novella evoked all sorts of emotions - and most important to mention, be sure to read the Authors Notes at the very end for some real talk about domestic abuse.

I stared at the wall in front of me.
The wallpaper was a patterned navy, so dark it looked black with the lighting. It wasn’t what was there so much as what wasn’t.

Gerulf opened the story as a great, tumultuous character - and while I do feel like he lost some of that a bit too early (likely due to the shorter length of the story), I did enjoy watching his walls come down with Zane.

The curse of Faye had been lifted at last and the whole house heaved a sigh of relief, turning their attention to a brighter future.

With some great, subtle retelling symbolism, this gave some good BATB vibes without being too much of an imitation. I particularly enjoy when the master of the house has a slew of servents/staff that are more like family then employees !

[Tina Alicea · Rating 5 out of 5]

🥀🖤 Book Review 🖤🥀

Wither
By Ashlyn Drewek
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I need you to fire me,” I whispered. A small crease formed between his dark eyebrows. “Why?”“So I can kiss you without feeling guilty.”“Zane.” He cleared his throat softly and my heart seized, refusing to start again until he spoke. “You’re fired.” *swoon

I can officially say I'll read anything Ashlyn Drewek writes!! Whether it's a novella or a full out novel, slow burn or smexy times in the first chapter...she just always delivers!!

Although I don't claim too many tropes as favorites, grumpy/sunshine is definitely one of my tops and I have to say Ashlyn is great at writing it! Gerulf is majorly one of the grumpiest but he has more than enough reasons to be that way and luckily for him Zane has enough patience to make it through their initial "“Shut the f*** up and get out of my house.”" meeting to their wonderful hea!!

Even though this is a novella these two mc's are fleshed out so well and there's depth to the storyline. I'm not the biggest on retellings but this Beauty and the Beast inspired story is perfect. I absolutely loved it and highly recommend. Just make sure you check all the content warnings as there are many subjects that could be triggering.

[ari · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I loved his brashness, his scathing sarcasm, his brilliant mind. I loved his pride, his independence, and the way he was when it was just the two of us, when he could actually let his guard down. I loved the way he listened to me, the way he saw me, and how he immortalized my best traits on paper for the world to read. He made me feel like I mattered as a whole person, instead of being reduced to a single aspect like a brain or a pretty face.”

my heart cant take this rn.

“Not all fairytales start with “Once upon a time,” but they all end with the same thing—they lived happily ever after. And so would we.”

this book was a literal MASTERPIECE if i’ve ever read one. why are all the good books novellas? i would do anything, and i mean anything to get a full length book about these two cause i desperately need more of them 😭

[Fany Herondale · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lectura corta y rápida. Me hubiera gustado que la relación romántica se desarrolla más y que hubieran tenido más momentos juntos al final no me creí que en verdad se hubieran enamorado y no me logré encariñara con los protagonistas.