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Barely Even Friends
A grumpy, rich recluse meets his match in this steamy Beauty and the Beast retelling—with a Succession twist.
Bellamy Price has just been offered the job of a lifetime: lead contractor on the restoration of the mysterious and sprawling Killington Estate. If she meets the owner’s ridiculous timeline, she’ll finally make a name for herself in this male-dominated industry. But when she rolls up her sleeves, slips on her suspenders, and shows up at the crumbling mansion, Bellamy finds the estate very much occupied.
After a traumatic car accident that left his parents dead and himself injured, Oliver Killington, heir to the Killington empire, took up residence as the grumpy caretaker of his grandfather’s mansion. None too pleased by the presence of the hammer-wielding woman who’s moved into his house, Oliver tries to block her at every turn.
But when Bellamy discovers Oliver’s facing his own ultimatum from his grandfather, the two form a cautious truce, which leads to flying sparks that are definitely not from faulty wiring. As Bellamy restores the gleam to the Killington Estate, she’ll have to decide if the walls she’s built around herself are worth knocking down to make space for someone else.
This clever, steamy debut novel will have readers rooting for this Beauty and her Beast until the very last page.
Bellamy Price has just been offered the job of a lifetime: lead contractor on the restoration of the mysterious and sprawling Killington Estate. If she meets the owner’s ridiculous timeline, she’ll finally make a name for herself in this male-dominated industry. But when she rolls up her sleeves, slips on her suspenders, and shows up at the crumbling mansion, Bellamy finds the estate very much occupied.
After a traumatic car accident that left his parents dead and himself injured, Oliver Killington, heir to the Killington empire, took up residence as the grumpy caretaker of his grandfather’s mansion. None too pleased by the presence of the hammer-wielding woman who’s moved into his house, Oliver tries to block her at every turn.
But when Bellamy discovers Oliver’s facing his own ultimatum from his grandfather, the two form a cautious truce, which leads to flying sparks that are definitely not from faulty wiring. As Bellamy restores the gleam to the Killington Estate, she’ll have to decide if the walls she’s built around herself are worth knocking down to make space for someone else.
This clever, steamy debut novel will have readers rooting for this Beauty and her Beast until the very last page.
336 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2024
75 people are currently reading
8814 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 448 reviews
January 4, 2024
*The publisher has provided me with an advance readers copy in exchange for an honest review.*
It may be time for me to finally throw in the towel and admit that I don't like contemporary romance, at least contemporary romance in its current form. Because the thing is, a lot of contemporary romances - certainly the sub-sub-genre that "Barely Even Friends" slots into - are repackaged fanfiction, not in the "written as fic and then scrubbed for identifying details" sense, but in the "writing a book specifically as fic, with that fic tie-in used as the main selling point" sense. It's too bitter a pill for me to swallow.
And look, I read fanfiction. I write fanfiction. I enjoy fanfiction. But the defining characteristic of fanfiction is that it is comfortingly familiar; the pleasure springs from the fact that the audience already knows and cares about these characters, and are essentially getting their fix of an existing dynamic. There's a creativity to it, but it is a very different type of creativity than what's required for original fiction. In fanfiction - specifically AU fanfiction, where the characters are placed in a different setting to play out the familiar story beats with a few tweaks - the audience feels like they're in on the joke when, for example, Avengers Tower is turned into Avengers Coffee Shop & Bakery. In a book packaged and sold as original, that in-joke feeling isn't there. I don't chuckle knowingly at the revelation that Oliver was known as "Beast" when he played football, because I don't expect the author of an original work to rely on someone else's creativity to bolster their characters. I feel cheated. These books don't fit the technical, legal definition of plagiarism (fortunately for their authors, otherwise they'd be getting some strongly-worded letters from Disney's legal department) but they are fundamentally lazy, and that's equally disappointing.
(I can hear you saying, "but it was pitched as a Beauty and the Beast retelling, what did you expect?" And that's another slippery little trick these publishers are playing: saying "Beauty and the Beast retelling" without specifically mentioning that they mean DISNEY'S Beauty and the Beast can imply any number of things. It's an old fairy tale, after all; lots of people have taken a run at it over the years. Robin McKinley's done it. Emma Donoghue's done it. Loretta Chase has done it. Hell, Sarah J. Maas has done it - and I'm not making any statements about the quality of ACOTAR, but at least she didn't rely on Disney iconography to make it!)
But okay - let's lay aside all the stuff about how this book functions as a retelling (ripoff) of the Disney movie. How does it work as a book? Honestly: not well. I know there's a certain amount of buy-in involved in the romance genre, where the reader accepts the heightened reality of it all and doesn't question people acting in ways that would raise eyebrows in the real world. But there is a limit, and this book exceeds it. Repeatedly. That's another clue about the fanfiction origins, honestly: the tropes of our leads getting shoved into a room together by matchmaking employees, or the heroine knowing, frankly, an unnerving amount about her best friend's sex life with his boyfriend (who exists to cheer on her relationship in a retrograde example of the gay best friend cliché). The implicit assumption is that the reader picked up this book for a regurgitation of existing plot beats and nothing more: no creativity, no originality, nothing. Here's the scene where we find out the hero is good with kids. Here's the scene where the leads get mistaken for boyfriend and girlfriend. A good romance novelist will build something new and interesting on this scaffolding, creating unique, compelling characters who the audience wants to spend time with. But there's none of that here. Oliver and Bellamy are ciphers; the extent of their personalities is that Bellamy wears suspenders and is fat (seriously, the suspenders get mentioned every other page) and Oliver is sad and grumpy. Everything about this book screams paint by numbers, a cynical grab on the publisher's part for an easy audience who will eat up the literary equivalent of a McDonald's Happy Meal. And not a good Happy Meal, either. The kind that's been left sitting in the backseat of your car for several hours, so the fries have gone cold and the burger is soggy.
I don't want to be mean to the author here, because the problems with "Barely Even Friends" go a lot deeper than an individual writer's failings. This book is emblematic of an ongoing trend where authors get picked up by publishers, not because they have a story to tell, but because they can be used as a cog in the assembly line of pre-packaged, disposable content. It's entirely possible that the author of this book has a great story in her, but in picking up this title, her publishers failed her. They shoved her out in front of an audience without any care for the quality of her work or how quickly she would get left behind once this current wave of fan-to-pro fiction dies, and honestly, it's irresponsible on their part. And it makes me feel bad for both the author, and the audience who publishers think so little of that they keep serving up slop in the assumption that it's all their readers deserve. Readers deserve better. Authors deserve better. We all deserve better.
It may be time for me to finally throw in the towel and admit that I don't like contemporary romance, at least contemporary romance in its current form. Because the thing is, a lot of contemporary romances - certainly the sub-sub-genre that "Barely Even Friends" slots into - are repackaged fanfiction, not in the "written as fic and then scrubbed for identifying details" sense, but in the "writing a book specifically as fic, with that fic tie-in used as the main selling point" sense. It's too bitter a pill for me to swallow.
And look, I read fanfiction. I write fanfiction. I enjoy fanfiction. But the defining characteristic of fanfiction is that it is comfortingly familiar; the pleasure springs from the fact that the audience already knows and cares about these characters, and are essentially getting their fix of an existing dynamic. There's a creativity to it, but it is a very different type of creativity than what's required for original fiction. In fanfiction - specifically AU fanfiction, where the characters are placed in a different setting to play out the familiar story beats with a few tweaks - the audience feels like they're in on the joke when, for example, Avengers Tower is turned into Avengers Coffee Shop & Bakery. In a book packaged and sold as original, that in-joke feeling isn't there. I don't chuckle knowingly at the revelation that Oliver was known as "Beast" when he played football, because I don't expect the author of an original work to rely on someone else's creativity to bolster their characters. I feel cheated. These books don't fit the technical, legal definition of plagiarism (fortunately for their authors, otherwise they'd be getting some strongly-worded letters from Disney's legal department) but they are fundamentally lazy, and that's equally disappointing.
(I can hear you saying, "but it was pitched as a Beauty and the Beast retelling, what did you expect?" And that's another slippery little trick these publishers are playing: saying "Beauty and the Beast retelling" without specifically mentioning that they mean DISNEY'S Beauty and the Beast can imply any number of things. It's an old fairy tale, after all; lots of people have taken a run at it over the years. Robin McKinley's done it. Emma Donoghue's done it. Loretta Chase has done it. Hell, Sarah J. Maas has done it - and I'm not making any statements about the quality of ACOTAR, but at least she didn't rely on Disney iconography to make it!)
But okay - let's lay aside all the stuff about how this book functions as a retelling (ripoff) of the Disney movie. How does it work as a book? Honestly: not well. I know there's a certain amount of buy-in involved in the romance genre, where the reader accepts the heightened reality of it all and doesn't question people acting in ways that would raise eyebrows in the real world. But there is a limit, and this book exceeds it. Repeatedly. That's another clue about the fanfiction origins, honestly: the tropes of our leads getting shoved into a room together by matchmaking employees, or the heroine knowing, frankly, an unnerving amount about her best friend's sex life with his boyfriend (who exists to cheer on her relationship in a retrograde example of the gay best friend cliché). The implicit assumption is that the reader picked up this book for a regurgitation of existing plot beats and nothing more: no creativity, no originality, nothing. Here's the scene where we find out the hero is good with kids. Here's the scene where the leads get mistaken for boyfriend and girlfriend. A good romance novelist will build something new and interesting on this scaffolding, creating unique, compelling characters who the audience wants to spend time with. But there's none of that here. Oliver and Bellamy are ciphers; the extent of their personalities is that Bellamy wears suspenders and is fat (seriously, the suspenders get mentioned every other page) and Oliver is sad and grumpy. Everything about this book screams paint by numbers, a cynical grab on the publisher's part for an easy audience who will eat up the literary equivalent of a McDonald's Happy Meal. And not a good Happy Meal, either. The kind that's been left sitting in the backseat of your car for several hours, so the fries have gone cold and the burger is soggy.
I don't want to be mean to the author here, because the problems with "Barely Even Friends" go a lot deeper than an individual writer's failings. This book is emblematic of an ongoing trend where authors get picked up by publishers, not because they have a story to tell, but because they can be used as a cog in the assembly line of pre-packaged, disposable content. It's entirely possible that the author of this book has a great story in her, but in picking up this title, her publishers failed her. They shoved her out in front of an audience without any care for the quality of her work or how quickly she would get left behind once this current wave of fan-to-pro fiction dies, and honestly, it's irresponsible on their part. And it makes me feel bad for both the author, and the audience who publishers think so little of that they keep serving up slop in the assumption that it's all their readers deserve. Readers deserve better. Authors deserve better. We all deserve better.
June 9, 2024
Barely Even Friends by Mae Bennett
Contemporary romance. Retelling, Beauty and the Beast.
Bellamy Price is the lead contractor in a historical house remodel project. It’s her first time as lead though she’s worked in her father’s business since she was a child. She and her crew of experts will be restoring a mansion on the Killington Estate in New York but she finds the heir to the empire in residence. Oliver Killington is unwilling to relocate and doesn’t even want her anywhere near the west wing. It’s the family rooms of the estate and Oliver has been sequestered there since his parents died in a traumatic car accident almost ten years ago.
Faced with an impossible deadline to update the mansion for crumbling walls to party ready, has Bellamy and Oliver working together restoring his home.
Oliver is guilt-ridden, thinking he’s responsible for getting his parents killed and basically abandoning his sisters to their dictator of a grandfather.
Bellamy is confident in her restoration work, but not as much from a curvy woman relationship perspective.
Together they work on the mansion, and after a bit of fumbling, a relationship. They are comfortable in the sexual togetherness, but the emotional has yet to be decided.
Secondary characters make this novel rich with personality and humor.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Contemporary romance. Retelling, Beauty and the Beast.
Bellamy Price is the lead contractor in a historical house remodel project. It’s her first time as lead though she’s worked in her father’s business since she was a child. She and her crew of experts will be restoring a mansion on the Killington Estate in New York but she finds the heir to the empire in residence. Oliver Killington is unwilling to relocate and doesn’t even want her anywhere near the west wing. It’s the family rooms of the estate and Oliver has been sequestered there since his parents died in a traumatic car accident almost ten years ago.
Faced with an impossible deadline to update the mansion for crumbling walls to party ready, has Bellamy and Oliver working together restoring his home.
Oliver is guilt-ridden, thinking he’s responsible for getting his parents killed and basically abandoning his sisters to their dictator of a grandfather.
Bellamy is confident in her restoration work, but not as much from a curvy woman relationship perspective.
Together they work on the mansion, and after a bit of fumbling, a relationship. They are comfortable in the sexual togetherness, but the emotional has yet to be decided.
Secondary characters make this novel rich with personality and humor.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
August 9, 2024
i feel like i am the target audience for this book as it was totally giving beauty and the beast x smart house (1999), which are two of the greatest media pieces of all time. however, if i could describe this book in just one word, it would be: disjointed.
i have a lot of little comments about random things that bugged me throughout this book, which i've learned usually means i wish it had more editing. the main theme of what i wish had been touched up is just how choppy the writing and pacing is. from scenes jumping around to a timeline that isn't very consistent, and sometimes the characters speaking to each other like they're in two different conversations, this book had me questioning whether i was just dumb or the book wasn't making sense.
i did love how closely it followed beauty and the beast in the beginning, but after the first 50 pages, that plot kind of died down and the enemies/rivals to lovers trope was already starting to resolve. the characters getting vulnerable with each other so soon was unexpected and took away from the tension. then the last half was like a wild west of unresolved plot points and family drama i didn't care about because it was being resolved so typically and cheesily. the third act breakup was totally predictable and run of the mill.
we did not get left hanging on the smut though!! this book would've been much harder to power through without all the steam, so i appreciated that and the only one bed trope that unfolded during this. also the reversed expectation of the guy being the one to want to take it slow was a surprising change of pace and i enjoyed their dynamic in that regard. even though a lot of times the banter is this was unrealistic and cheesy, and i didn't like that oliver called her a pet name, i could put that aside for the times that their snark and rivalry actually worked.
for a book i picked up on a whim for the plus size readathon i was able to sail through it pretty fast, but there isn't really any focus on her weight other than some mentions in the first half, and the rest of this is so shakily developed that i don't know how strongly i can recommend it.
i have a lot of little comments about random things that bugged me throughout this book, which i've learned usually means i wish it had more editing. the main theme of what i wish had been touched up is just how choppy the writing and pacing is. from scenes jumping around to a timeline that isn't very consistent, and sometimes the characters speaking to each other like they're in two different conversations, this book had me questioning whether i was just dumb or the book wasn't making sense.
i did love how closely it followed beauty and the beast in the beginning, but after the first 50 pages, that plot kind of died down and the enemies/rivals to lovers trope was already starting to resolve. the characters getting vulnerable with each other so soon was unexpected and took away from the tension. then the last half was like a wild west of unresolved plot points and family drama i didn't care about because it was being resolved so typically and cheesily. the third act breakup was totally predictable and run of the mill.
we did not get left hanging on the smut though!! this book would've been much harder to power through without all the steam, so i appreciated that and the only one bed trope that unfolded during this. also the reversed expectation of the guy being the one to want to take it slow was a surprising change of pace and i enjoyed their dynamic in that regard. even though a lot of times the banter is this was unrealistic and cheesy, and i didn't like that oliver called her a pet name, i could put that aside for the times that their snark and rivalry actually worked.
for a book i picked up on a whim for the plus size readathon i was able to sail through it pretty fast, but there isn't really any focus on her weight other than some mentions in the first half, and the rest of this is so shakily developed that i don't know how strongly i can recommend it.
June 5, 2024
Blimey, "Barely Even Friends" has been a right good find! This steamy, drama-packed debut novel hooks you from the opening pages.
The author has nailed recreating that classic Beauty and the Beast vibe, but given it a fresh, modern twist. The lead characters Bellamy and Oliver are so engaging, with real depth and complexity that makes you feel like you know 'em.
The tension is off the charts when ambitious contractor Bellamy gets thrown into the world of the mega-rich Killingtons, taking on a reno job at their ancient family mansion. Oliver, the brooding but fit heir, isn't having any of her being there at first, setting up a classic opposites clash dynamic that soon leads to sparks flying another way.
But it goes way beyond just a will-they-won't-they romance. As the juicy plot thickens, some right twisted family secrets and jaw-dropping twists worthy of Succession get uncovered. The vivid writing proper transports you into the crumbling old mansion.
What really makes this a belter of a book are the blazing intimate scenes woven amongst that elegant prose. The author turns up the heat without being crude or vulgar about it. It's a total page-turner from start to finish. Fans of passionate romance tales packed with loads of dramatic plot definitely need to devour this literary gem. An absolute treat!
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.
The author has nailed recreating that classic Beauty and the Beast vibe, but given it a fresh, modern twist. The lead characters Bellamy and Oliver are so engaging, with real depth and complexity that makes you feel like you know 'em.
The tension is off the charts when ambitious contractor Bellamy gets thrown into the world of the mega-rich Killingtons, taking on a reno job at their ancient family mansion. Oliver, the brooding but fit heir, isn't having any of her being there at first, setting up a classic opposites clash dynamic that soon leads to sparks flying another way.
But it goes way beyond just a will-they-won't-they romance. As the juicy plot thickens, some right twisted family secrets and jaw-dropping twists worthy of Succession get uncovered. The vivid writing proper transports you into the crumbling old mansion.
What really makes this a belter of a book are the blazing intimate scenes woven amongst that elegant prose. The author turns up the heat without being crude or vulgar about it. It's a total page-turner from start to finish. Fans of passionate romance tales packed with loads of dramatic plot definitely need to devour this literary gem. An absolute treat!
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.
April 25, 2024
I am in awe! I’ve been following Mae through every step of this journey and finally reading her first book has been a pleasure, especially since it’s been brilliant. I love every aspect of this novel.
My main issue with retellings is that most times, the book in question has nothing to do with the work it’s supposed to be based on. In Barely Even Friends, you can feel Beauty and the Beast in every page, cover included. It was such a wonderful experience, the fairytale sensation never left my mind while reading, but it was perfectly adapted to be a contemporary romance without fantasy elements. This is how I want all retellings to be! Essence but originality 💜
The romance was so good. Bellamy and Oliver have big opposite personalities, though in Oliver’s case, it was merely a big armor he wore after all the trauma he went through in the past. Once he started trusting and loving Bellamy, he got rid of the grumpiness and became the biggest softie for her. It was so perfect. The secondary characters made the book extra fun and lovely, I’d love to stay in this mansion forever!
This book deserves all the love. If you need a enchanting story, look no further. 💜
Rating: 5/5
Steam level: Open door, 4-5 scenes, high level of detail
ARC provided by Alcove Press and NetGalley. Opinions are my own!
My main issue with retellings is that most times, the book in question has nothing to do with the work it’s supposed to be based on. In Barely Even Friends, you can feel Beauty and the Beast in every page, cover included. It was such a wonderful experience, the fairytale sensation never left my mind while reading, but it was perfectly adapted to be a contemporary romance without fantasy elements. This is how I want all retellings to be! Essence but originality 💜
The romance was so good. Bellamy and Oliver have big opposite personalities, though in Oliver’s case, it was merely a big armor he wore after all the trauma he went through in the past. Once he started trusting and loving Bellamy, he got rid of the grumpiness and became the biggest softie for her. It was so perfect. The secondary characters made the book extra fun and lovely, I’d love to stay in this mansion forever!
This book deserves all the love. If you need a enchanting story, look no further. 💜
Rating: 5/5
Steam level: Open door, 4-5 scenes, high level of detail
ARC provided by Alcove Press and NetGalley. Opinions are my own!
June 19, 2024
Hello friends!
Barely Even Friends features
♥️Frenemies to lovers
♥️Romance
♥️Plus Size Rep
♥️Grumpy/sunshine
♥️Steamy
♥️Modern Beauty and the Beast Retelling
♥️Sparks fly and it's not the faulty wiring
If you do read (thank you!) please keep in mind that it does contain: death of parents (past, recounted briefly on page), grief, misogyny, parental figure abandonment (past), and fatphobia
Barely Even Friends features
♥️Frenemies to lovers
♥️Romance
♥️Plus Size Rep
♥️Grumpy/sunshine
♥️Steamy
♥️Modern Beauty and the Beast Retelling
♥️Sparks fly and it's not the faulty wiring
If you do read (thank you!) please keep in mind that it does contain: death of parents (past, recounted briefly on page), grief, misogyny, parental figure abandonment (past), and fatphobia
January 7, 2024
This is what I mean when I say I want to read a Beaty and the Beast retelling!
March 4, 2024
I really wanted to like this, but at 55% through the book I am not connecting with the characters or their story at all. There’s also too much dry humping.
This is a rom-com/contemporary romance retelling of beauty and the beast where a grumpy rich homeowner is forced to work with a sunshiney project manager to update his estate.
I could see some readers liking this, it just wasn’t for me. I also don’t love the plus size trope - I don’t think the size of the character should matter. The inner monologue was a little cringey and the smut wasn’t for me either. DNF @ 55%.
Thank you NetGalley for the arc!
This is a rom-com/contemporary romance retelling of beauty and the beast where a grumpy rich homeowner is forced to work with a sunshiney project manager to update his estate.
I could see some readers liking this, it just wasn’t for me. I also don’t love the plus size trope - I don’t think the size of the character should matter. The inner monologue was a little cringey and the smut wasn’t for me either. DNF @ 55%.
Thank you NetGalley for the arc!
January 12, 2025
This was an okay book for me. I liked the tender moments between Oliver and Bellamy more than the steamy sex scenes. The overall fairy tale retelling was a bit lost on me, but there were essences of it. The creative use of the AI system was really intriguing. I'm not sure if I'd like one in my house, though. Some of the story felt rushed, whereas other parts dragged out a bit. The ending was a bit frustrating with how things ended, but the final few pages made up for it. I liked Oliver's character the most. He was a great "Beast."
June 16, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
This is a fun modern-day “Beauty and the Beast” retelling. As always, I love a good slow-burn romance and this was no exception to this. Once the spice started heating up….it was SO good.
I think one of my favorite parts of this whole story is Bl8z3, the AI-generated voice recognition software that was installed in Oliver’s home.
There was a lot of humor, a lot of banter, and a lot of spice (definitely a slow-burn, however).
Favorite Quotes/Highlights:
“Despite not owning a single physical book, I was a sucker for a library - and this estate had the most glorious home for tomes I’d ever seen. And this was before I’d gotten my hands on it.”
“‘But that’s not what’s driving me to distraction. I’m angry that you wear these stupid suspenders. I’m angry that you’re in every room, invading this house. And I’m furious at how much I think about kissing you.’”
This is a fun modern-day “Beauty and the Beast” retelling. As always, I love a good slow-burn romance and this was no exception to this. Once the spice started heating up….it was SO good.
I think one of my favorite parts of this whole story is Bl8z3, the AI-generated voice recognition software that was installed in Oliver’s home.
There was a lot of humor, a lot of banter, and a lot of spice (definitely a slow-burn, however).
Favorite Quotes/Highlights:
“Despite not owning a single physical book, I was a sucker for a library - and this estate had the most glorious home for tomes I’d ever seen. And this was before I’d gotten my hands on it.”
“‘But that’s not what’s driving me to distraction. I’m angry that you wear these stupid suspenders. I’m angry that you’re in every room, invading this house. And I’m furious at how much I think about kissing you.’”
December 4, 2024
If I have to hear about this woman’s suspenders one more time.
July 10, 2024
This is for anyone who grew up watching Beauty and the Beast obsessively, loved Beast more before the transformation, and are now reading the smuttiest smut with a soft spot for a love interest who growls when he speaks.
Y'all! I'm obsessed. I was so eager to meet the castle staff as new characters. Excited for Bellamy's "dress" reveal. The "curse" is perfection for driving Oliver to hermity hermit living. There was the pefect amount of "ahh I see what you did there" while still wondering how these nerds were getting to the HEA.
Mae Bennet broke and mended my heart page after page just as Bellamy Price has to gut a fixer-upper before resorting it. I'm such a puddle of feels. Bellamy and Oliver are my new comfort characters. I can't wait to reread them.
A heads up for all y'all reading the review off IG.
If sweetheart names aren't your thing, you either gotta smile amd nod or sit it out. Oliver starts calling Bellamy "Petal." But y'all! You gotta give it a chance. Look at the inspiration! Can't call her Belle it's too obvious. This is so them. It's special and a lil akward just like the name he doesn't mind her calling him. You gotta read that momemt on your own 😳.
You're also gonna have a third-act breakup. Power through it. More so, remember that Beast sorta die-ing briefly happens. So cry a little and then keep reading. These nerds have to grow and make some mistakes before getting it right.
And!!! Its hot. The spice level is way higher than I was expecting. If this was AO3 I'd be blushing from the tags.
Y'all! I'm obsessed. I was so eager to meet the castle staff as new characters. Excited for Bellamy's "dress" reveal. The "curse" is perfection for driving Oliver to hermity hermit living. There was the pefect amount of "ahh I see what you did there" while still wondering how these nerds were getting to the HEA.
Mae Bennet broke and mended my heart page after page just as Bellamy Price has to gut a fixer-upper before resorting it. I'm such a puddle of feels. Bellamy and Oliver are my new comfort characters. I can't wait to reread them.
A heads up for all y'all reading the review off IG.
If sweetheart names aren't your thing, you either gotta smile amd nod or sit it out. Oliver starts calling Bellamy "Petal." But y'all! You gotta give it a chance. Look at the inspiration! Can't call her Belle it's too obvious. This is so them. It's special and a lil akward just like the name he doesn't mind her calling him. You gotta read that momemt on your own 😳.
You're also gonna have a third-act breakup. Power through it. More so, remember that Beast sorta die-ing briefly happens. So cry a little and then keep reading. These nerds have to grow and make some mistakes before getting it right.
And!!! Its hot. The spice level is way higher than I was expecting. If this was AO3 I'd be blushing from the tags.
June 12, 2024
“I thought my life was nothing but misery until I met you.”
'barely even friends' is a medium-paced, grumpy x sunshine rom(com) with the perfect amount of spice. the book keeps you engaged with it's tension alongside sharp and smart dialogue.
all the dynamics within the book were discovered to the fullest whether it was the main love story, side characters, complicated family relations or the quirky ai.
the name of the book was the first thing that caught my attention since it is the phrase "barely even friends" which is a part of the lyrics from the song "beauty and the beast," undoubtedly my favourite classic disney princess movie.
something i'd love to see further from the author? the love story of oliver's sister and the tim/jim.
some tropes included in the book:
✓ beauty and beast retelling
✓ plus size rep
✓ grumpy x sunshine
✓ swiftie references
✓ insecure mmc (we love to see it)
✓ idiots in love
✓ mutual pining
✓ witty banter
this book excels on all fronts, and i've only scratched the surface of its exceptional tropes. the quality of writing is astounding, especially considering it's a debut novel; the structure is impeccably crafted. it's high time everyone includes this gem in their 2024 to-be-read list.
thanks to mae bennet, netgalley and alcove press for the arc.
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'barely even friends' is a medium-paced, grumpy x sunshine rom(com) with the perfect amount of spice. the book keeps you engaged with it's tension alongside sharp and smart dialogue.
all the dynamics within the book were discovered to the fullest whether it was the main love story, side characters, complicated family relations or the quirky ai.
the name of the book was the first thing that caught my attention since it is the phrase "barely even friends" which is a part of the lyrics from the song "beauty and the beast," undoubtedly my favourite classic disney princess movie.
something i'd love to see further from the author? the love story of oliver's sister and the tim/jim.
some tropes included in the book:
✓ beauty and beast retelling
✓ plus size rep
✓ grumpy x sunshine
✓ swiftie references
✓ insecure mmc (we love to see it)
✓ idiots in love
✓ mutual pining
✓ witty banter
this book excels on all fronts, and i've only scratched the surface of its exceptional tropes. the quality of writing is astounding, especially considering it's a debut novel; the structure is impeccably crafted. it's high time everyone includes this gem in their 2024 to-be-read list.
thanks to mae bennet, netgalley and alcove press for the arc.
blog
June 6, 2024
Bellamy Price is taking the reins on a renovation job for Killington Estate and she needs to succeed to land her dream job. Wearing her suspenders and eager to begin, she was surprised to find the estate occupied. Let the fun begin!
I adore Beauty and the Beast, so I couldn’t help but grab Barely Even Friends. Bennett did a lovely job of creating an estate and characters who brought the tale to us with a modern twist. I loved the staff and the re-creation of the fire place scene on the first evening, complete with a dark, grumpy and very sexy beast.
Oliver Killington, heir to the Killington empire, has been in seclusion ever since a fatal car crash that took his parents and left him injured. His grandfather is in charge of the renovations, and we learn of some twists regarding the estate. I was hooked and enjoyed getting to know Oliver, Bell, and the secondary characters.
The romance was lovely with the staff pushing the two to engage in conversation and enjoy meals together. It had a slow burn feel that made it feel genuine in this force proximity romance.
I loved the renovations, library and developments. The conflict was ok, but was resolved quickly, leaving me smiling in the end. Barely Even Friends is the perfect beach romance to add to your bag this summer. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
I adore Beauty and the Beast, so I couldn’t help but grab Barely Even Friends. Bennett did a lovely job of creating an estate and characters who brought the tale to us with a modern twist. I loved the staff and the re-creation of the fire place scene on the first evening, complete with a dark, grumpy and very sexy beast.
Oliver Killington, heir to the Killington empire, has been in seclusion ever since a fatal car crash that took his parents and left him injured. His grandfather is in charge of the renovations, and we learn of some twists regarding the estate. I was hooked and enjoyed getting to know Oliver, Bell, and the secondary characters.
The romance was lovely with the staff pushing the two to engage in conversation and enjoy meals together. It had a slow burn feel that made it feel genuine in this force proximity romance.
I loved the renovations, library and developments. The conflict was ok, but was resolved quickly, leaving me smiling in the end. Barely Even Friends is the perfect beach romance to add to your bag this summer. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Read
June 1, 2024Tapped out of this one after 50 pages. It was too cutesy for me and the links to the Disney version of Beauty and the Beast stretched my credulity beyond breaking point. Perhaps there's an explanation for why there would be a sophisticated AI (by the name of Bl8z3) wired into every room of a crumbling old house otherwise desperately in need of repair, but I didn't stick around to find out. Presumably Bl8ze is the Lumiere character. I love a Beauty and the Beast retelling usually - it's one of my favourite fairy tales but the references were too obvious for me and I was baffled by the AI character.
Also, my brain cannot read "Bl8z3" as "Blaze".
Also, my brain cannot read "Bl8z3" as "Blaze".
May 7, 2024
If you're a girly who's ever dreamed of living the life that Belle did, you're gonna want this book in your life.
Thank you Alcove Press for the gifted copy for us bookish nerds to annotate! Mae Bennett's "Barely Even Friends" publishes June 4th!
Mae Bennett NAILED this modern day "Beauty and the Beast" re-telling. I was not ready for how creative this story was. I just thought this romanced ended up being so fwiggin amazing.
Epic library? Couldn't miss it. Talking furniture? No problem. AI! But how is there a "beast?" Don't fret Bennett's creativity will make you swoon. I cannot get over how brilliant it was to make AI a character to mimic the original story. I have to admit B18z3 was the best! My favorite character. Being a "Beauty and the Beast" stan, I appreciated everything that she put into this.
Give me a mmc who gives adorable nicknames and I am putty. I never thought a simple word like "petal" would make me weak in the knees but the delivery *eeeee* It just made my heart so happy every time Oliver dropped this sweet name into their conversations.
Speaking of romance... we've got a habanero pepper on our hands. Oh baby, the library scene will live rent free in my head. Thank you, Mae, for making me have fantasies about making out in a library now. Oliver and Bellamy were more than just the physical, the small moments where they could read each other's body language and automatically understood their feelings. Talk about weak in the knees? This man *spoiler* made her book shelves. How can you not fall in love after that.
Did I mention that this is her debut? Slay.
🔨 Forced Proximity
🔧 Enemies to Lovers
📏 Plus Size Rep
💜 Grumpy x Sunshine
🔨 If HGTV is ALWAYS on your television
🔧 Habanero Spiced
📏 Taylor Swift References
Thank you Alcove Press for the gifted copy for us bookish nerds to annotate! Mae Bennett's "Barely Even Friends" publishes June 4th!
Mae Bennett NAILED this modern day "Beauty and the Beast" re-telling. I was not ready for how creative this story was. I just thought this romanced ended up being so fwiggin amazing.
Epic library? Couldn't miss it. Talking furniture? No problem. AI! But how is there a "beast?" Don't fret Bennett's creativity will make you swoon. I cannot get over how brilliant it was to make AI a character to mimic the original story. I have to admit B18z3 was the best! My favorite character. Being a "Beauty and the Beast" stan, I appreciated everything that she put into this.
Give me a mmc who gives adorable nicknames and I am putty. I never thought a simple word like "petal" would make me weak in the knees but the delivery *eeeee* It just made my heart so happy every time Oliver dropped this sweet name into their conversations.
Speaking of romance... we've got a habanero pepper on our hands. Oh baby, the library scene will live rent free in my head. Thank you, Mae, for making me have fantasies about making out in a library now. Oliver and Bellamy were more than just the physical, the small moments where they could read each other's body language and automatically understood their feelings. Talk about weak in the knees? This man *spoiler* made her book shelves. How can you not fall in love after that.
Did I mention that this is her debut? Slay.
🔨 Forced Proximity
🔧 Enemies to Lovers
📏 Plus Size Rep
💜 Grumpy x Sunshine
🔨 If HGTV is ALWAYS on your television
🔧 Habanero Spiced
📏 Taylor Swift References
Read
March 16, 2024I would like to thank NetGalley, and Alcove Press for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review!
Sadly this was a DNF for me! I just find the dialogue boring and vague in my opinion.. I made it about 30% in and I’m still feeling no tension between the 2 main characters.. I think I just needed to feel more and I didn’t?
Sadly this was a DNF for me! I just find the dialogue boring and vague in my opinion.. I made it about 30% in and I’m still feeling no tension between the 2 main characters.. I think I just needed to feel more and I didn’t?
October 22, 2024
This steamy grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, only one bed, Beauty and the Beast contemporary reno romance debut was soo worth the wait for the audiobook excellently narrated by Victoria Connelly!
Oliver Killington is a former football player turned recluse who has been hiding away from the world out of guilt from his parent's deaths, while Bellamy Price is a fat female contractor with something to prove on this first independent project without her father. The two get off to a very rocky start but slowly a friendship develops into something much deeper.
I loved the mental health rep, the banter between the two MCs, the steam and chemistry, the plus size rep, the disability rep and the crazy rich family drama as well as the queer found family side characters. Heartfelt, emotional and spicy and just plain delicious from start to finish. I can't wait to read whatever Mae Bennett writes next!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and finished copy in exchange for my honest review!
Oliver Killington is a former football player turned recluse who has been hiding away from the world out of guilt from his parent's deaths, while Bellamy Price is a fat female contractor with something to prove on this first independent project without her father. The two get off to a very rocky start but slowly a friendship develops into something much deeper.
I loved the mental health rep, the banter between the two MCs, the steam and chemistry, the plus size rep, the disability rep and the crazy rich family drama as well as the queer found family side characters. Heartfelt, emotional and spicy and just plain delicious from start to finish. I can't wait to read whatever Mae Bennett writes next!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and finished copy in exchange for my honest review!
June 15, 2024
Barely Even Friends is a Beauty and the Beast retelling made into a contemporary romance!
Bellamy Price is taking the lead in her father’s business restoring a mansion for the Killington Estate. She comes across the heir, Oliver, while working in the mansion and they quickly get off on the wrong foot. He’s forbidden her to go into the west wing but when she ultimately makes it there, she finds out why he wanted it hidden. The two main characters were very relatable at times and show depth through their emotions. I did find the story to be a bit choppy at times, there was no transition from enemies to lovers, it just seemed to happen with no build up. The AI system was so unnecessary to the story (for me) but I did like the other side characters. It was a cute read!
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Mae Bennett, and Alcove Press for providing this free ARC. This is my honest review! This published on June 4th!
Bellamy Price is taking the lead in her father’s business restoring a mansion for the Killington Estate. She comes across the heir, Oliver, while working in the mansion and they quickly get off on the wrong foot. He’s forbidden her to go into the west wing but when she ultimately makes it there, she finds out why he wanted it hidden. The two main characters were very relatable at times and show depth through their emotions. I did find the story to be a bit choppy at times, there was no transition from enemies to lovers, it just seemed to happen with no build up. The AI system was so unnecessary to the story (for me) but I did like the other side characters. It was a cute read!
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Mae Bennett, and Alcove Press for providing this free ARC. This is my honest review! This published on June 4th!
Read
June 4, 2024Unfortunately, a DNF for me - I'm simply not connecting with the story or the characters. I've tried to get into it multiple times with no success. As someone who has watched Beauty and the Beast more times than I can count, that's definitely disappointing for me. This is a true retelling, with strong references to the beloved story and some modern twists. Not sure I was a big fan of the modern twists, honestly, but they would've been fine if I'd been more emotionally invested in the characters. And I simply wasn't, so I set it aside. I am looking forward to checking out more from this debut author as her writing grows, especially if I can't mentally compare it to a story I know well.
June 16, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
i really really wanted to love this. i mean it’s grumpy x sunshine & that’s my favorite trope !! but this was just okay. i really don’t know what it was. it just fell flat for me. i didn’t mind both of the characters but i just think i wasn’t connecting with them maybe ? & maybe it was because the romance was a bit fast ? i don’t know. there were some cute moments but other than that it was just ehh
i really really wanted to love this. i mean it’s grumpy x sunshine & that’s my favorite trope !! but this was just okay. i really don’t know what it was. it just fell flat for me. i didn’t mind both of the characters but i just think i wasn’t connecting with them maybe ? & maybe it was because the romance was a bit fast ? i don’t know. there were some cute moments but other than that it was just ehh
March 27, 2024
I really wanted to love this.
Unfortunately, this was just okay.
The romance happened very quickly: One day they hated each other, two days later they were in love.
Furthermore, I would have liked to have connected more with the characters, which I didn't.
I liked the representation and the fact that these characters had their weaknesses and desires, however, I didn't love the story.
2.5 stars
Unfortunately, this was just okay.
The romance happened very quickly: One day they hated each other, two days later they were in love.
Furthermore, I would have liked to have connected more with the characters, which I didn't.
I liked the representation and the fact that these characters had their weaknesses and desires, however, I didn't love the story.
2.5 stars
Read
December 25, 2023I grew up watching beauty and the beast- so my inner child was thrilled to read this retelling. Thank you @MaeBennet, @Netgalley and @AlcovePress for the ARC. I was thrilled to have it and here is my honest review.
read if you like
general fiction (adult)
contemporary romance
beauty and beast retelling
frenemies to lovers
grumpy X sunshine
socially awkward male X awkwardly social female
plus size rep
review
The magic and hope of the original story were perfectly captured in this tale. When Bellamy enters the dilapidated manor house as part of a remodeling project, she is surprised to find it inhabited. The first meeting between social recluse Oliver Killington and firecracker Bellamy Price is what you would call - hate at first sight. One who has spent years hiding behind walls, and one who wants to break down the walls (of mansion ofc iykyk) - both trying their best to get rid of the other, but an ultimatum from Oliver's grandfather calls for a temporary truce.
I love the fact that this book deals with so many modern themes while still referencing the classics. All the characters in this book were broken in their own way and hid their mental trauma in order to live but, when the right person comes by the walls might come down- brick by brick. The magical element of the book was the love and healing.
A beast - no, just a misunderstood and blamed man with trauma.
A beauty - no, just an insecure, curvy woman who wants to prove herself. (She's beautiful in her own way, just not the way shitty society wants her to be).
captivity - no, just an unwilling partnership to save the damsel in distress - the castle.
the chemistry between Oliver and Bellamy was fantastic and the way they overcame all the challenges was great to read. Needless to say, I loved the book and am rooting for Mae and all her next bookish endeavors.
read if you like
general fiction (adult)
contemporary romance
beauty and beast retelling
frenemies to lovers
grumpy X sunshine
socially awkward male X awkwardly social female
plus size rep
review
The magic and hope of the original story were perfectly captured in this tale. When Bellamy enters the dilapidated manor house as part of a remodeling project, she is surprised to find it inhabited. The first meeting between social recluse Oliver Killington and firecracker Bellamy Price is what you would call - hate at first sight. One who has spent years hiding behind walls, and one who wants to break down the walls (of mansion ofc iykyk) - both trying their best to get rid of the other, but an ultimatum from Oliver's grandfather calls for a temporary truce.
I love the fact that this book deals with so many modern themes while still referencing the classics. All the characters in this book were broken in their own way and hid their mental trauma in order to live but, when the right person comes by the walls might come down- brick by brick. The magical element of the book was the love and healing.
A beast - no, just a misunderstood and blamed man with trauma.
A beauty - no, just an insecure, curvy woman who wants to prove herself. (She's beautiful in her own way, just not the way shitty society wants her to be).
captivity - no, just an unwilling partnership to save the damsel in distress - the castle.
the chemistry between Oliver and Bellamy was fantastic and the way they overcame all the challenges was great to read. Needless to say, I loved the book and am rooting for Mae and all her next bookish endeavors.
December 19, 2023
Grumpy heroes are my catnip and Oliver was oh so grouchy. When Bellamy shows up at his crumbling mansion, he absolutely does not want her there, but what she can't figure out is why. It is clear that Oliver is drawn to her but he will not let himself have her. He says he is not a good man, but all of his acts prove otherwise. He thinks he doesn't deserve someone as amazing as she is, but sometimes we need to look inside and forgive ourselves for the mistakes we made in the past and realize we can't live in purgatory for the rest of our lives. Everyone deserves happiness and the ones that beat themselves up for their mistakes and own up to things that they have done wrong, I just want to hug and hold tight.
Oliver was so gone for Bellamy it gave me all the butterflies in my belly. I look for those when I read any book and this story gave them to me in waves. For a Beauty and the Beast retelling, it really hit the mark.
Thank you to Mae Bennett, Alcove Press and Netgalley for an early copy.
Oliver was so gone for Bellamy it gave me all the butterflies in my belly. I look for those when I read any book and this story gave them to me in waves. For a Beauty and the Beast retelling, it really hit the mark.
Thank you to Mae Bennett, Alcove Press and Netgalley for an early copy.
March 15, 2024
I recently got my hands on an ARC of “Barely Even Friends” by Mae Bennett from Netgalley, and I’m here to share my thoughts with you all.
First off, I’m giving this book a cozy 3.5 stars. The story is a modern spin on “Beauty and the Beast” - think less fairy tale and more drama-filled series like “Succession,” with our main characters Bellamy and Oliver remodeling an old estate and their lives along the way.
Mae Bennett has a way of making characters feel like old friends. You’ll find yourself cheering for them, laughing with them, and maybe even shedding a tear or two. The romance? It’s got enough heat to keep you flipping the pages!
Now, did it blow my socks off? Not quite. But was it disappointing? Far from it! I did have high expectations from this book tho.
So, if you’re looking for a book that’s a good friend on a lazy Sunday afternoon, “Barely Even Friends” is the one. It’s got heart, humor, and just enough drama to keep things interesting. Can’t wait to see what Mae Bennett writes next!🎀
First off, I’m giving this book a cozy 3.5 stars. The story is a modern spin on “Beauty and the Beast” - think less fairy tale and more drama-filled series like “Succession,” with our main characters Bellamy and Oliver remodeling an old estate and their lives along the way.
Mae Bennett has a way of making characters feel like old friends. You’ll find yourself cheering for them, laughing with them, and maybe even shedding a tear or two. The romance? It’s got enough heat to keep you flipping the pages!
Now, did it blow my socks off? Not quite. But was it disappointing? Far from it! I did have high expectations from this book tho.
So, if you’re looking for a book that’s a good friend on a lazy Sunday afternoon, “Barely Even Friends” is the one. It’s got heart, humor, and just enough drama to keep things interesting. Can’t wait to see what Mae Bennett writes next!🎀
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August 6, 2024DNF. I think I need to stop reading Beauty and the Beast retellings because they never live up to what I think they’re going to be 😭😭😭
May 27, 2024
4🌟
This book was so heartwarming and cozy and had me flying through it.
When I started this book I had gotten myself into a small slump and I struggled to get into this but once I sat down and really started reading this I couldn’t put it down. I basically read this in one sitting.
This is a Beauty and the Beast retelling and I’m not usually a fan of the retellings but I actually really liked this one. It didn’t feel too forced to get the original story in and it really did become its own.
I loved the characters. I really enjoyed the tropes in this one as we got a bit of forced proximity, grumpy x sunshine, plus size representation for both characters and a sprinkle of Taylor Swift. What’s not to enjoy.
I loved Oliver, nothing beats that grumpy man who gets his life turned upside down by the ray of sunshine FMC. I loved how after a while he was so open with his emotions and feelings towards Bell. I did want to punch him at the end when he just let her leave 👊🏻 However the declaration at the end made me forgive him.
I did really like the plot of this and how she was sent to his house to restore it. I liked the slow burn of their romance as it made the get together so much better. I loved the plus size representation, however there were moments when I felt it was too forced into the storyline. I am a plus sized girl myself and I found it too much at times.
Other than that, I really did love this one. What a debut novel by Mae Bennett and I look forward to more of her work. I highly recommend this story for those of you romance lovers and for those who like their romance with a dash of spice then you’ll want to read this one. 🌶️
Thank you to @netgalley @twiceuponabook and @alcovepress for this ARC. I really loved it and think you guys will too and you don’t have long to wait as this comes out 4th June!
This book was so heartwarming and cozy and had me flying through it.
When I started this book I had gotten myself into a small slump and I struggled to get into this but once I sat down and really started reading this I couldn’t put it down. I basically read this in one sitting.
This is a Beauty and the Beast retelling and I’m not usually a fan of the retellings but I actually really liked this one. It didn’t feel too forced to get the original story in and it really did become its own.
I loved the characters. I really enjoyed the tropes in this one as we got a bit of forced proximity, grumpy x sunshine, plus size representation for both characters and a sprinkle of Taylor Swift. What’s not to enjoy.
I loved Oliver, nothing beats that grumpy man who gets his life turned upside down by the ray of sunshine FMC. I loved how after a while he was so open with his emotions and feelings towards Bell. I did want to punch him at the end when he just let her leave 👊🏻 However the declaration at the end made me forgive him.
I did really like the plot of this and how she was sent to his house to restore it. I liked the slow burn of their romance as it made the get together so much better. I loved the plus size representation, however there were moments when I felt it was too forced into the storyline. I am a plus sized girl myself and I found it too much at times.
Other than that, I really did love this one. What a debut novel by Mae Bennett and I look forward to more of her work. I highly recommend this story for those of you romance lovers and for those who like their romance with a dash of spice then you’ll want to read this one. 🌶️
Thank you to @netgalley @twiceuponabook and @alcovepress for this ARC. I really loved it and think you guys will too and you don’t have long to wait as this comes out 4th June!
October 7, 2024
My Beauty & the Beast obsessed soul loved this story. The complete rendition of similarities from characters that I could pinpoint to their likeness, to symbolism that rang so true it made me teary eyed. For a debut novel I thought the writing style and storyline were so well thought out and executed perfectly. I found myself with the same giddy anticipation as Belle’s Sunshine affect on the Beasts grump. Bellamy and Oliver were picture perfect counterparts obviously. But no cast is complete with the perfect accompaniments. Bennett gives us the main casting of Ambrose as Cogsworth (a little moody, takes his job very seriously) Bl8z3 as Lumiere (feisty with a flare of substance, despite only being AI). Then Rue as Mrs.Potts (naturally loving and filling everyone’s needs) and Nick as Chip (young and precocious). You might be wondering where that leaves Finn & Sebastian. Hear me out, Armoire (flamboyant, will always help you look your best) and Sultan, the footstool pup (fiercely loyal, rambunctious and eager to please). I haven’t even forgotten Cousin Carter, who is definitely Lefou (dim witted, always sucking up and desperate for attention). As you can see, the symbolism really connected the two stories well. I was thrilled to read this story, and am excited to see what else Mae Bennett has in store.
May 31, 2024
I wanted to love this one so much, but it just wasn’t really for me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
🌶️🌶️🌶️
💭 overall thoughts:
I really went back and forth on my rating for this one. Something intrigued me from the start, otherwise I would have DNFed.
Unfortunately, I found myself not really wanting to pick this back up.
All the bones were there, but the execution just didn’t work for me.
Since I read this as an arc, I’m wondering if there were possibly edits done and a different version is what will be released.
tropes + topics:
💛 beauty & the beast retelling
😤 enemies(ish) to lovers
🌦️ grumpy sunshine
🏠 temporary housemates (house restoration project)
🔗 forced proximity
💓 single 1st person pov
Thank you to NetGalley & Alcove Press.
All opinions are my own
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍 Email 🤍
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
🌶️🌶️🌶️
💭 overall thoughts:
I really went back and forth on my rating for this one. Something intrigued me from the start, otherwise I would have DNFed.
Unfortunately, I found myself not really wanting to pick this back up.
All the bones were there, but the execution just didn’t work for me.
Since I read this as an arc, I’m wondering if there were possibly edits done and a different version is what will be released.
tropes + topics:
💛 beauty & the beast retelling
😤 enemies(ish) to lovers
🌦️ grumpy sunshine
🏠 temporary housemates (house restoration project)
🔗 forced proximity
💓 single 1st person pov
Thank you to NetGalley & Alcove Press.
All opinions are my own
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍 Email 🤍
November 30, 2024
Mae Bennett delivers a compelling debut with Barely Even Friends, a modern spin on the "Beauty and the Beast" trope set against the evocative backdrop of a crumbling mansion. The story weaves themes of ambition, grief, and vulnerability, creating a slow-burn romance that feels fiery and tender.
Bellamy Price is a standout protagonist—determined, capable, and fiercely independent as she takes on the monumental task of restoring the Killington Estate. Her resolve to succeed in a male-dominated field adds depth and relatability to her character. Oliver Killington, the brooding heir-turned-caretaker, is a compelling match with his gruff exterior and guarded heart. Their clashing personalities evolve into a reluctant partnership, and their chemistry is undeniable, punctuated by witty banter and moments of raw emotional connection.
The Killington Estate becomes a character, its decay mirroring Oliver's emotional walls and providing a vivid, atmospheric setting. Bennett's writing shines in these descriptions, bringing the mansion and its secrets to life. The stakes feel tangible as Bellamy races against time to complete her project while Oliver wrestles with his familial pressures.
The novel balances humour, tension, and steam, making it a satisfying read. While some plot points feel a touch predictable, the charm of the characters and the emotional payoff more than compensate. Bennett's ability to explore complex emotions—grief, ambition, and the fear of vulnerability—adds depth that elevates the story.
Barely Even Friends is a delightful debut that combines heartfelt romance with a touch of renovation magic. Fans of clever, steamy stories with strong-willed heroines and grumpy but lovable heroes will find much to enjoy here. Bennett proves she's an author to watch.
Bellamy Price is a standout protagonist—determined, capable, and fiercely independent as she takes on the monumental task of restoring the Killington Estate. Her resolve to succeed in a male-dominated field adds depth and relatability to her character. Oliver Killington, the brooding heir-turned-caretaker, is a compelling match with his gruff exterior and guarded heart. Their clashing personalities evolve into a reluctant partnership, and their chemistry is undeniable, punctuated by witty banter and moments of raw emotional connection.
The Killington Estate becomes a character, its decay mirroring Oliver's emotional walls and providing a vivid, atmospheric setting. Bennett's writing shines in these descriptions, bringing the mansion and its secrets to life. The stakes feel tangible as Bellamy races against time to complete her project while Oliver wrestles with his familial pressures.
The novel balances humour, tension, and steam, making it a satisfying read. While some plot points feel a touch predictable, the charm of the characters and the emotional payoff more than compensate. Bennett's ability to explore complex emotions—grief, ambition, and the fear of vulnerability—adds depth that elevates the story.
Barely Even Friends is a delightful debut that combines heartfelt romance with a touch of renovation magic. Fans of clever, steamy stories with strong-willed heroines and grumpy but lovable heroes will find much to enjoy here. Bennett proves she's an author to watch.
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