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The Beauty of the Beast
Dean
All my life, I dreamed about making the long trip from Australia to Canada to study forestry amid the old-growth stands of the Pacific Northwest. Now here I am, living the dream. Of course, nothing's perfect. The only housing I can find is renting a room from a grumpy, reclusive guy who doesn’t seem to want me around. I should keep out of his way and focus on my studies, but there’s something about him that keeps drawing me in. I feel less homesick when I’m with him, and maybe I can make a difference for more than just the trees.
Adam
Life as I knew it ended with my horrific accident ten years ago. There's no point to my existence now, but I can't seem to stop living, so I hide my battered carcass in my mountain home. There, I can wander from room to room and no one stares, no one laughs, no one even remembers I exist. Until I make the mistake of offering a stranded Aussie a room to rent. It should've been a simple favor—two men with our own spaces, ignoring each other. Instead, he's always close by, and he won't let me wallow, and what's worse, I think I'm starting to like that. But there's no way someone like me can have a future with someone like him. Right?
The Beauty of the Beast is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, set in the wilds of British Columbia, where an Aussie forester a long way from home falls for the untouchable man he shouldn’t want. The novel has moderate angst, a feisty foreigner, and what happens when someone trusts again.
All my life, I dreamed about making the long trip from Australia to Canada to study forestry amid the old-growth stands of the Pacific Northwest. Now here I am, living the dream. Of course, nothing's perfect. The only housing I can find is renting a room from a grumpy, reclusive guy who doesn’t seem to want me around. I should keep out of his way and focus on my studies, but there’s something about him that keeps drawing me in. I feel less homesick when I’m with him, and maybe I can make a difference for more than just the trees.
Adam
Life as I knew it ended with my horrific accident ten years ago. There's no point to my existence now, but I can't seem to stop living, so I hide my battered carcass in my mountain home. There, I can wander from room to room and no one stares, no one laughs, no one even remembers I exist. Until I make the mistake of offering a stranded Aussie a room to rent. It should've been a simple favor—two men with our own spaces, ignoring each other. Instead, he's always close by, and he won't let me wallow, and what's worse, I think I'm starting to like that. But there's no way someone like me can have a future with someone like him. Right?
The Beauty of the Beast is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, set in the wilds of British Columbia, where an Aussie forester a long way from home falls for the untouchable man he shouldn’t want. The novel has moderate angst, a feisty foreigner, and what happens when someone trusts again.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2024
5 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Gabbi Grey
75 books263 followersGabbi lives in beautiful British Columbia where her fur baby chin-poo keeps her safe from the nasty neighborhood squirrels. Working for the government by day, she spends her early mornings writing contemporary, gay, sweet, and dark erotic BDSM romances. While she firmly believes in happy endings, she also believes in making her characters suffer before finding their true love. She also writes m/f romances as Gabbi Black.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
May 2, 2024
Hot bearded, lumberjack Aussie and
A recluse, ex model, burn victim.
sign.me.up.
In the first half of the book, I was feral. Hell, at 30%, they touched fingers, and I screamed. After they had sex, It fell flat for me.
The whole side of Adam face/body is covered in burns from a terrible accident that killed his brother 10 years prior.
Get this, His parents died in a yacht fire soon after his accident..
He's been through it, but don't expect a back story on his life. There isn't one. He's also has the beginning stages of kidney failure from not taking care of himself.
After the accident/hospital stays, Adam used the money from his modeling days to buy a castle.
This is where Dean comes in. He's needs a place to stay while on his 6m work visa.
Adam has space and needs money until his inheritance kicks in. 🤝
I loved the beginning. Adam tried to stay away from Dean and even made scedules so they wouldn't run into each other, but they both liked eachothers company too much to stay away. Just eating dinner and watching movies together. Taking chip for a walk 🤭
It was really sweet how much Dean supported Adam meeting new people and seeing his therapist. Even going with him bc he was nervous.
It bugged me that Dean was a virgin, tho. I'm not hating on 28yo virgins AT.ALL.
It wasn't treated special. Romantic. Anything. Felt like a bootycall.
I felt so bad for Dean after losing his virginity. He wanted so badly to have intimacy. Snuggles. A kiss. Anything. It's an emotional experience.
But he respected Adam's boundaries-No kissing, no touching. Adam offers no form of aftercare.
He gets up after they're done and says gross (cuz cum) gets in the shower and tells Dean to meet him down stairs..
He was hurt.
I was hurt.
What was the point?
It put him on my shit list after that.
He held on to that for 28 fucking years.
Dean hitchhiking to the hospital from a work trip to get to Adam. Melted my heart. It's probably my favorite part of the book.
FINALLY, I was feeling love between them.. but it was underwhelming for how long I waited . 93% is their first kiss.
I was really hoping for a deliciously detailed moment of touching, exploring, and kissing Adams body/burns.. Expressing their love for each other..
You know, Ooey gooey shit.
It was set up to be so beautiful.
Something tingly.
Something amazing.
Nope.
It was short and brushed over.
Then, Bam
Epilogue, 5m later.
We're just spit out right before Deans visa is up.
Wtf happened during those months. I know yall didn't talk about your feelings.
Even 5m later, they aren't communicating or being lovey dovey romantic.
Engagement was awkward.
Unresolved issues
Felt rushed.
No cheating.
No OM.
A recluse, ex model, burn victim.
sign.me.up.
In the first half of the book, I was feral. Hell, at 30%, they touched fingers, and I screamed. After they had sex, It fell flat for me.
The whole side of Adam face/body is covered in burns from a terrible accident that killed his brother 10 years prior.
Get this, His parents died in a yacht fire soon after his accident..
He's been through it, but don't expect a back story on his life. There isn't one. He's also has the beginning stages of kidney failure from not taking care of himself.
After the accident/hospital stays, Adam used the money from his modeling days to buy a castle.
This is where Dean comes in. He's needs a place to stay while on his 6m work visa.
Adam has space and needs money until his inheritance kicks in. 🤝
I loved the beginning. Adam tried to stay away from Dean and even made scedules so they wouldn't run into each other, but they both liked eachothers company too much to stay away. Just eating dinner and watching movies together. Taking chip for a walk 🤭
It was really sweet how much Dean supported Adam meeting new people and seeing his therapist. Even going with him bc he was nervous.
It bugged me that Dean was a virgin, tho. I'm not hating on 28yo virgins AT.ALL.
It wasn't treated special. Romantic. Anything. Felt like a bootycall.
I felt so bad for Dean after losing his virginity. He wanted so badly to have intimacy. Snuggles. A kiss. Anything. It's an emotional experience.
But he respected Adam's boundaries-No kissing, no touching. Adam offers no form of aftercare.
He gets up after they're done and says gross (cuz cum) gets in the shower and tells Dean to meet him down stairs..
He was hurt.
I was hurt.
What was the point?
It put him on my shit list after that.
He held on to that for 28 fucking years.
Dean hitchhiking to the hospital from a work trip to get to Adam. Melted my heart. It's probably my favorite part of the book.
FINALLY, I was feeling love between them.. but it was underwhelming for how long I waited . 93% is their first kiss.
I was really hoping for a deliciously detailed moment of touching, exploring, and kissing Adams body/burns.. Expressing their love for each other..
You know, Ooey gooey shit.
It was set up to be so beautiful.
Something tingly.
Something amazing.
Nope.
It was short and brushed over.
Then, Bam
Epilogue, 5m later.
We're just spit out right before Deans visa is up.
Wtf happened during those months. I know yall didn't talk about your feelings.
Even 5m later, they aren't communicating or being lovey dovey romantic.
Engagement was awkward.
Unresolved issues
Felt rushed.
No cheating.
No OM.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2024
Let me just start by saying.. I messed up.
I accidentally read through the reviews already written for this book, and a negative review stuck with me as I started reading. So yea, I spent most of this book waiting for it to get bad, and guess what..
It didn’t happen.
This is the first book I’ve read by Gabbi Grey, and I really liked it. The book takes place in Mission City, British Columbia, and I was pleased to find out that I can make a return to read about the other couples Gabbi has authored, also located in Mission City. I love interconnected books!
Dean is a young man from Australia with a positive attitude, a caring soul and he’s a 28 year old virgin. I’m not usually a fan of the virgin FMC/MC trope, but it didn’t bother me in this book. He’s supposedly an introvert but he’s making friends right and left as he arrives in Mission City, where he has to work for 6 months. Which is pretty lucky, since the first people he befriends are able to help him find a place to stay.
That’s how he meets Adam, who’s living excluded from everyone else in his castle. Adam hasn’t had much contact with other people in the last 10 years and his social skills are a bit on the rusty side, and he’s a total grump. Yet he can’t help but gravitate towards Dean, who makes Adam reconsider the way he’s living his life and the way he’s taking care of himself.
The Beauty of the Beast is a beautiful story about two lovely souls finding each other, and helping each other through past trauma. The way Dean was there for Adam, and how Adam grew through the book, it was truly heartwarming.
Meeting Chip, the dog, and Maurice, the cat, also made me smile several times during the book ♥
What to expect:
❥ Dual POV ❥ MM Romance ❥ Found Family
❥ Beauty and the Beast Retelling ❥ Grumpy x Sunshine
❥ Virgin MC ❥ Survivors Guilt ❥ Mental Health Rep ❥ HEA
I was so lucky to receive this ARC to review with my honest opinion.
Read the full review on my blog here.
I accidentally read through the reviews already written for this book, and a negative review stuck with me as I started reading. So yea, I spent most of this book waiting for it to get bad, and guess what..
It didn’t happen.
This is the first book I’ve read by Gabbi Grey, and I really liked it. The book takes place in Mission City, British Columbia, and I was pleased to find out that I can make a return to read about the other couples Gabbi has authored, also located in Mission City. I love interconnected books!
Dean is a young man from Australia with a positive attitude, a caring soul and he’s a 28 year old virgin. I’m not usually a fan of the virgin FMC/MC trope, but it didn’t bother me in this book. He’s supposedly an introvert but he’s making friends right and left as he arrives in Mission City, where he has to work for 6 months. Which is pretty lucky, since the first people he befriends are able to help him find a place to stay.
That’s how he meets Adam, who’s living excluded from everyone else in his castle. Adam hasn’t had much contact with other people in the last 10 years and his social skills are a bit on the rusty side, and he’s a total grump. Yet he can’t help but gravitate towards Dean, who makes Adam reconsider the way he’s living his life and the way he’s taking care of himself.
The Beauty of the Beast is a beautiful story about two lovely souls finding each other, and helping each other through past trauma. The way Dean was there for Adam, and how Adam grew through the book, it was truly heartwarming.
Meeting Chip, the dog, and Maurice, the cat, also made me smile several times during the book ♥
What to expect:
❥ Dual POV ❥ MM Romance ❥ Found Family
❥ Beauty and the Beast Retelling ❥ Grumpy x Sunshine
❥ Virgin MC ❥ Survivors Guilt ❥ Mental Health Rep ❥ HEA
I was so lucky to receive this ARC to review with my honest opinion.
Read the full review on my blog here.
May 14, 2024
The Beauty of the Beast by Gabbi Grey seemed to be right up my alley: loose beauty/beast retelling, a recluse who opens up to one person, grumpy/sunshine, animals, and definitely a hurt/comfort vibe. There was just something missing.
Adam was a fashion model who had been in a horrible car accident ten years ago. He lost everything: his career and his brother. It made him bitter, angry, and a recluse. He barely left his home and refused to have therapy.
Dean is from Australia and has come to Canada to study forestry. He is there for 6 months and lost his place to stay. Adam needs money so he lets Dean stay in his large home though he would rather do anything else. The two tiptoe around each trying to stay out of each other’s way (at least at the beginning).
I think what was missing for me was the romance. These two went from 0 to 60 in a blink of the eye. And honestly Adam was not very kind to Dean. I wanted more. The epilogue was better but even then it was a little lacking.
I’m intrigued by some of the other characters (Simeon in particular). I will definitely read his story.
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review
Adam was a fashion model who had been in a horrible car accident ten years ago. He lost everything: his career and his brother. It made him bitter, angry, and a recluse. He barely left his home and refused to have therapy.
Dean is from Australia and has come to Canada to study forestry. He is there for 6 months and lost his place to stay. Adam needs money so he lets Dean stay in his large home though he would rather do anything else. The two tiptoe around each trying to stay out of each other’s way (at least at the beginning).
I think what was missing for me was the romance. These two went from 0 to 60 in a blink of the eye. And honestly Adam was not very kind to Dean. I wanted more. The epilogue was better but even then it was a little lacking.
I’m intrigued by some of the other characters (Simeon in particular). I will definitely read his story.
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review
May 13, 2024
The Beauty of the Beast is a modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It stars Dean, an Australian forester, and Adam, an ex-model. This is told in first person from both Dean and Adam’s povs.
I’m guessing the cover model is Adam because he hides the left side of his face which was disfigured in a fiery accident. His left hand and side were also damaged, but they aren’t on the cover, so it’s not a match. What also doesn’t match is that Adam is about thirty-seven, and the cover model doesn’t look that old, he looks about twenty-seven. Even though I like the cover design, I’d say the cover doesn’t match Adam.
The blurb is somewhat accurate. It’s written as if there’s more conflict between the two men as Adam tries to keep Dean away from him or to avoid him, but that isn’t the case. They’re both attracted to each other as soon as they meet and fall in love within a few weeks. As to the writing, it didn’t draw me in. The characters and events only touched the surface by telling readers, ‘I felt this, thought this, saw this,’ rather than describing everything on a deeper level. Events happened quickly, with any problems creating only a minor issue and then easily solved. I’m guessing this is a stand-alone, but it feels like a continuation because there are far too many people introduced. It feels like there are couples from previous books, but this story isn’t titled as part of a series.
As to Dean and Adam. They were okay. They felt superficial to me. Characters without much depth. Dean was the happy-go-lucky, friendly Australian, who also happened to be a virgin. I have no idea why he had to be a virgin, because that issue wasn’t a big deal in the story, and when Adam didn’t cuddle after their first time, Dean was like, ‘okay, no big deal.’ I found it all around odd. Adam is supposed to be this standoffish guy who doesn’t interact with anyone, yet almost as soon as Dean arrives, he’s spilling his past and trauma to Dean. There’s no real tension between the two men. It’s all too easy and simple. I’m also not sure why the author had Adam mention that he was also bulimic at times, like that wouldn’t have any consequences for his teeth or digestion? It was mentioned once I think and that was it. There was no point to it. Why Adam ended up in the hospital seemed only added for manufactured conflict because it didn’t hold emotional depth.
The Beauty of the Beast was just okay. Any problems were easily solved, and there were no conflicts or emotional depth. The characters and scenes were superficial. If you want to read a book that doesn’t require your full attention or you need a rest after a more energetic read, this could be for you. I give this, 3 Stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’m guessing the cover model is Adam because he hides the left side of his face which was disfigured in a fiery accident. His left hand and side were also damaged, but they aren’t on the cover, so it’s not a match. What also doesn’t match is that Adam is about thirty-seven, and the cover model doesn’t look that old, he looks about twenty-seven. Even though I like the cover design, I’d say the cover doesn’t match Adam.
The blurb is somewhat accurate. It’s written as if there’s more conflict between the two men as Adam tries to keep Dean away from him or to avoid him, but that isn’t the case. They’re both attracted to each other as soon as they meet and fall in love within a few weeks. As to the writing, it didn’t draw me in. The characters and events only touched the surface by telling readers, ‘I felt this, thought this, saw this,’ rather than describing everything on a deeper level. Events happened quickly, with any problems creating only a minor issue and then easily solved. I’m guessing this is a stand-alone, but it feels like a continuation because there are far too many people introduced. It feels like there are couples from previous books, but this story isn’t titled as part of a series.
As to Dean and Adam. They were okay. They felt superficial to me. Characters without much depth. Dean was the happy-go-lucky, friendly Australian, who also happened to be a virgin. I have no idea why he had to be a virgin, because that issue wasn’t a big deal in the story, and when Adam didn’t cuddle after their first time, Dean was like, ‘okay, no big deal.’ I found it all around odd. Adam is supposed to be this standoffish guy who doesn’t interact with anyone, yet almost as soon as Dean arrives, he’s spilling his past and trauma to Dean. There’s no real tension between the two men. It’s all too easy and simple. I’m also not sure why the author had Adam mention that he was also bulimic at times, like that wouldn’t have any consequences for his teeth or digestion? It was mentioned once I think and that was it. There was no point to it. Why Adam ended up in the hospital seemed only added for manufactured conflict because it didn’t hold emotional depth.
The Beauty of the Beast was just okay. Any problems were easily solved, and there were no conflicts or emotional depth. The characters and scenes were superficial. If you want to read a book that doesn’t require your full attention or you need a rest after a more energetic read, this could be for you. I give this, 3 Stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 17, 2024
3+⭐
This is closely related to the Mission City series and maybe more 'influenced by' The Beauty and the Beast than an actual retelling. Adam is grouchy and scarred with a vain past, living in a "castle", and there are some allusions to roses and libraries but the plot doesn't follow the original really. This is a rather regular contemporary MM romance.
The connections to other series are obvious, there are so many gay men in this book. Sometimes I kind of get annoyed with the everyone-is-gay but I don't know, somehow it passed annoying here, and I just embraced it. There's like two dialogue lines in the whole book from presumably straight men. It's ridiculous, but I kind of love it to be honest. I don't miss those straight men at all 😅. And the women in the novel mostly consist of a family of odd sisters.
The writing is pretty competent. There's a sense of place and I like these characters (though I don't love them). But I still need more of a hook to really fall for your basic contemporary thing, and it was missing. The ending could have been better too, the story kind of stopped suddenly and went to epilogue. Some issues should have still been explored and not just glossed over.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is closely related to the Mission City series and maybe more 'influenced by' The Beauty and the Beast than an actual retelling. Adam is grouchy and scarred with a vain past, living in a "castle", and there are some allusions to roses and libraries but the plot doesn't follow the original really. This is a rather regular contemporary MM romance.
The connections to other series are obvious, there are so many gay men in this book. Sometimes I kind of get annoyed with the everyone-is-gay but I don't know, somehow it passed annoying here, and I just embraced it. There's like two dialogue lines in the whole book from presumably straight men. It's ridiculous, but I kind of love it to be honest. I don't miss those straight men at all 😅. And the women in the novel mostly consist of a family of odd sisters.
The writing is pretty competent. There's a sense of place and I like these characters (though I don't love them). But I still need more of a hook to really fall for your basic contemporary thing, and it was missing. The ending could have been better too, the story kind of stopped suddenly and went to epilogue. Some issues should have still been explored and not just glossed over.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 16, 2024
Dean is in Canada for a work visa but finds himself needing a new place to stay for the 6 months he's there. With the help of some strangers he met at the diner, he ends up staying with Adam.
Adam is a scarred recluse who reluctantly agrees to let Dean stay with him to help with money.
I really thought I was going to enjoy this book but it really lacked for me and I felt no connection to any of the characters. Another thing that was missing was a connection between the two of them and some type of romance. I feel like they went from nothing to something so quick but... How?? How did they get to that? Wheres the connection? Passion? Chemistry? Romance? I felt none of that
Adam is a scarred recluse who reluctantly agrees to let Dean stay with him to help with money.
I really thought I was going to enjoy this book but it really lacked for me and I felt no connection to any of the characters. Another thing that was missing was a connection between the two of them and some type of romance. I feel like they went from nothing to something so quick but... How?? How did they get to that? Wheres the connection? Passion? Chemistry? Romance? I felt none of that
May 5, 2024
Dean and Adam were wonderful characters in their own way but as a couple it felt a little forced. there was no chemistry I felt between them and since Dean was virgin, I was hoping his first time would be a little more romantic but it felt very one night standish. I wish Adam had given Dean the intimacy he desperately needed.
May 7, 2024
This is a well written version of Beauty and the Beast. The author brings strong characters in Dean and Adam and weaves an entertaining story as the two slowly come together. She moves the story fluidly with her descriptive scenes and delivers an enjoyable read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
May 16, 2024
A lovely story where two lonely men slowly build a solid relationship together. There was a very loose beauty/beast link with no "magic" as such. The first intimate scene where Adam was very cold and pulled back was understandable but very painful. Dean was adorable. I am looking forward to the next book and this has also made me more interested in the previous books.
May 16, 2024
3,75stars
Ok, this book is a little tougher to review than I thought at the beginning.
Let me say right at the start that this is MY opinion and that other readers may feel totally different. Perhaps I'm a bit pre-loaded in that respect.
And even if this review may sound not 100% positive I have to stress that I still overall enjoyed the story and I was definitely engaged and entertained.
It started great for me and I enjoyed meeting some already known characters again. I just read the Mission City series for the second time so meeting Maddox and Ravi with their twins was a wonderful bonus. I so loved that!
I was soon enthralled with the story and didn't want to put it down. I even more or less fell instantly in love with Dean. He was just a great character, well fleshed out with a kind heart.
Adam? I felt for him with all the bad things he'd to go through in the past. And at the beginning I was really rooting for him to have someone in Dean who'd like him for him.
But he was mostly cold, aloof and wanting no contact.
A lot of his behaviour I found believable with his accident and the scars he got from it. I believe in some parts he felt like an outsider, a monster.
So it wasn't that unexpected he acted the way he did at the beginning. Really, I understood. So I loved seeing him slowly thawing.
It felt great watching these two connect tentatively and Adam finding some sort of friend in Dean - even if reluctantly at the beginning. And I was really rooting for those two.
Right up until the point where they have sex. The 'relationship' went from slow burn to super fast and the emotional connection fell flat – for me.
It was Dean's first time and it wasn't really treated as something special. And I think if you go to 28 as a virgin it should be made special.
But there were no tender moments, no kissing – mind you, I could still understand the no kissing with Adam's scars and such but not even a bit of cuddling or touching the other one? Just wham bam thanks and standing up and going away... No, sorry, here he lost me a bit.
Adam was again abrupt and cold, sometimes even hurtful. And even if I still could on some level understand why he acted that way, I started to resent his behaviour. And I wished for so much more for Dean!
I think I was missing more romance with all those tender touches, cuddling and just enjoying being together, doing things together. Yes, sometimes Adam was jealous but it was shown and that was the end of it. So even here a more emotional connection wasn't made.
It felt as if Dean tried his hardest to help Adam and open up his world.
He was supportive and an absolutely sweetheart. Helping Adam when he needed it even if it was just going with him to the therapy place and waiting outside just so he knew someone was there, was on his side.
But Adam didn't seem to value that and Dean was rewarded with emotional coldness and a booty call most of the time.
I may have still felt sorry for Adam but for Dean my heart nearly broke in thousand pieces.
Still, Dean held on and managed to thaw Adam more and more as the story continued but I'd say when I really felt there was more between them than just sex it was at the end and in the epilogue. And that was a bit too little too late for me.
I am still glad I've read the story and I am definitely interested in Simeon and Ryan and will surely read that too.
Conclusion: An engaging story with at least one sweetheart MC and one really grumpy one. Some already known supportive secondary characters from the Mission City series – LOVE LOVE LOVE!
Great writing style like always.
Cute and adorable and so helpful pets.
And the fact that I really wanted to shake Adam more than once shows that I still was very much invested in the story.
I say, give it a try, it is worth the read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout but this is my honest opinion, freely given.
Ok, this book is a little tougher to review than I thought at the beginning.
Let me say right at the start that this is MY opinion and that other readers may feel totally different. Perhaps I'm a bit pre-loaded in that respect.
And even if this review may sound not 100% positive I have to stress that I still overall enjoyed the story and I was definitely engaged and entertained.
It started great for me and I enjoyed meeting some already known characters again. I just read the Mission City series for the second time so meeting Maddox and Ravi with their twins was a wonderful bonus. I so loved that!
I was soon enthralled with the story and didn't want to put it down. I even more or less fell instantly in love with Dean. He was just a great character, well fleshed out with a kind heart.
Adam? I felt for him with all the bad things he'd to go through in the past. And at the beginning I was really rooting for him to have someone in Dean who'd like him for him.
But he was mostly cold, aloof and wanting no contact.
A lot of his behaviour I found believable with his accident and the scars he got from it. I believe in some parts he felt like an outsider, a monster.
So it wasn't that unexpected he acted the way he did at the beginning. Really, I understood. So I loved seeing him slowly thawing.
It felt great watching these two connect tentatively and Adam finding some sort of friend in Dean - even if reluctantly at the beginning. And I was really rooting for those two.
Right up until the point where they have sex. The 'relationship' went from slow burn to super fast and the emotional connection fell flat – for me.
It was Dean's first time and it wasn't really treated as something special. And I think if you go to 28 as a virgin it should be made special.
But there were no tender moments, no kissing – mind you, I could still understand the no kissing with Adam's scars and such but not even a bit of cuddling or touching the other one? Just wham bam thanks and standing up and going away... No, sorry, here he lost me a bit.
Adam was again abrupt and cold, sometimes even hurtful. And even if I still could on some level understand why he acted that way, I started to resent his behaviour. And I wished for so much more for Dean!
I think I was missing more romance with all those tender touches, cuddling and just enjoying being together, doing things together. Yes, sometimes Adam was jealous but it was shown and that was the end of it. So even here a more emotional connection wasn't made.
It felt as if Dean tried his hardest to help Adam and open up his world.
He was supportive and an absolutely sweetheart. Helping Adam when he needed it even if it was just going with him to the therapy place and waiting outside just so he knew someone was there, was on his side.
But Adam didn't seem to value that and Dean was rewarded with emotional coldness and a booty call most of the time.
I may have still felt sorry for Adam but for Dean my heart nearly broke in thousand pieces.
Still, Dean held on and managed to thaw Adam more and more as the story continued but I'd say when I really felt there was more between them than just sex it was at the end and in the epilogue. And that was a bit too little too late for me.
I am still glad I've read the story and I am definitely interested in Simeon and Ryan and will surely read that too.
Conclusion: An engaging story with at least one sweetheart MC and one really grumpy one. Some already known supportive secondary characters from the Mission City series – LOVE LOVE LOVE!
Great writing style like always.
Cute and adorable and so helpful pets.
And the fact that I really wanted to shake Adam more than once shows that I still was very much invested in the story.
I say, give it a try, it is worth the read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout but this is my honest opinion, freely given.
May 18, 2024
[I received an ARC for an honest review.]
Rating: 3.75 stars (7.5/10)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes: grumpy x sunshine, burn victim, hermit, Aussie in Canada, forestry, hurt/comfort, size difference, age gap, Beauty and the Beast re-imagining
Review:
This story really intrigued me, what with the MM Beauty and the Beast reimagined aspect, but also because we got an Aussie MC, which I was really looking forward to. I don't know if Gabbi Grey is Aussie or not, but there were a few moments where it showed she really knew her stuff as I could see some obscure reference to Aussie culture, and I really enjoyed that. From the start, I was curious about Adam, and his story and how he ended up where he is today. We learn a bit from his POV before Dean does, but for the most part we kind of learn as Dean does. Adam's life took a huge 180 after two back to back tragedies in his family, and he lost his career and was faced with his own mortality and the meaningless of so much of what he valued. Now, 10 years later, and in a tight spot financially, he agrees to allow Dean to stay with him for 6 weeks after Dean finds out the day he arrives in Canada that his accommodation for the 6 month stay has fallen through. Dean is so thankful to have a place, at least temporarily, and he meets Adam and gets shown to his rather bizarre house where he hides away.
I found the dynamic between them both really interesting, and I enjoyed the way that their relationship began developing. Dean is a virgin because he has spent the last 10 years of his adult life so busy getting to where he is, and he is not wanting anything casual and hasn't found someone who could be in his life the way he wants, but things happen very quickly between the two of them, and I enjoyed seeing not only the ways that Dean was able to experience so much with Adam, but also how Adam began dropping a lot of his walls around Dean, and allowed his to see more and more of his scarred side.
I was getting a bit concerned when we got to around 80% and I felt that things weren't really ready to wrap up, and I did find that the story just kind of ended when Adam was finally able to drop the last of his walls around Dean, but it didn't really feel like a place to end the story. We did get an epilogue that jumped ahead to wrap up the final plot point, and I found it weird that the story didn't end there but the plot was still being wrapped up in the epilogue. I feel like we could've spent a bit more time with them in the body of the story, and maybe had an epilogue like 1 or 5 or 10 years in the future, seeing how far Adam has come and what has happened with his life, but oh well. Apart from the kind of random place the story ended, I did really enjoy this story. I wonder if the other characters in this story have their own stories too. This is part of a multi-author series, so it is entirely possible.
Rating: 3.75 stars (7.5/10)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes: grumpy x sunshine, burn victim, hermit, Aussie in Canada, forestry, hurt/comfort, size difference, age gap, Beauty and the Beast re-imagining
Review:
This story really intrigued me, what with the MM Beauty and the Beast reimagined aspect, but also because we got an Aussie MC, which I was really looking forward to. I don't know if Gabbi Grey is Aussie or not, but there were a few moments where it showed she really knew her stuff as I could see some obscure reference to Aussie culture, and I really enjoyed that. From the start, I was curious about Adam, and his story and how he ended up where he is today. We learn a bit from his POV before Dean does, but for the most part we kind of learn as Dean does. Adam's life took a huge 180 after two back to back tragedies in his family, and he lost his career and was faced with his own mortality and the meaningless of so much of what he valued. Now, 10 years later, and in a tight spot financially, he agrees to allow Dean to stay with him for 6 weeks after Dean finds out the day he arrives in Canada that his accommodation for the 6 month stay has fallen through. Dean is so thankful to have a place, at least temporarily, and he meets Adam and gets shown to his rather bizarre house where he hides away.
I found the dynamic between them both really interesting, and I enjoyed the way that their relationship began developing. Dean is a virgin because he has spent the last 10 years of his adult life so busy getting to where he is, and he is not wanting anything casual and hasn't found someone who could be in his life the way he wants, but things happen very quickly between the two of them, and I enjoyed seeing not only the ways that Dean was able to experience so much with Adam, but also how Adam began dropping a lot of his walls around Dean, and allowed his to see more and more of his scarred side.
I was getting a bit concerned when we got to around 80% and I felt that things weren't really ready to wrap up, and I did find that the story just kind of ended when Adam was finally able to drop the last of his walls around Dean, but it didn't really feel like a place to end the story. We did get an epilogue that jumped ahead to wrap up the final plot point, and I found it weird that the story didn't end there but the plot was still being wrapped up in the epilogue. I feel like we could've spent a bit more time with them in the body of the story, and maybe had an epilogue like 1 or 5 or 10 years in the future, seeing how far Adam has come and what has happened with his life, but oh well. Apart from the kind of random place the story ended, I did really enjoy this story. I wonder if the other characters in this story have their own stories too. This is part of a multi-author series, so it is entirely possible.
May 15, 2024
This was my first book by Gabbi Grey, and I am happy to have discovered this author!
I thought the writing style was great. Grey offered the perfect amount of detail without getting bogged down and I felt like the plot moved at a good pace. I was never bored.
This is a loose retelling of the Beauty and the Beast fairytale. There were several identifiable aspects such as the "beast" being named Adam and being affected by the differences in their appearance (burn scars in this case), Chip (a dog) being a delightful little goofball and Maurice (a cat) being more cautious but ultimately sweet, a library, and a "castle" of sorts. That was about it that I recognized. Granted, I am no expert on the fairytale; I'm sure there is more that I didn't pick up on.
Dean is a temporary transplant from Australia to Canada for a job (he isn't a huge booklover, so that didn't match up with the fairytale). He is a great character, very friendly and patient. Through a mishap of living arrangements, he ends up staying with Adam, a former model turned recluse after a horrible accident.
Adam struggles with thoughts of suicide and doesn't take care of himself as a result of depression and past trauma. Readers who have experienced something similar and might find these things triggering, be cautious and read the TWs.
I found Dean to be great, along with all the side characters who come from past or future books by Grey. There are several other books set in this same town, so if you are intrigued by any of the already coupled-up characters, chances are there is a book for them. Simeon was also an intriguing character and I know there is a book planned for him.
Adam was also a well-written character. I found his behavior believable considering what he went through. His jealousy at certain points, especially following the dinner party, felt unresolved and I would have liked to see Dean pick up on that and get him to talk about it, but that didn't happen. I wasn't sure what the point was of those strong emotions when they ultimately didn't go anywhere. The romance does seem to go 0-100 all of a sudden. It starts as a slow-burn, then hits the gas. That surprised me, but I really did like Adam and Dean together, so it didn't bother me much.
Overall, it's a sweet story and fun to read an MM retelling of a fairytale. I'll be happy to read more from Grey in the future.
I thought the writing style was great. Grey offered the perfect amount of detail without getting bogged down and I felt like the plot moved at a good pace. I was never bored.
This is a loose retelling of the Beauty and the Beast fairytale. There were several identifiable aspects such as the "beast" being named Adam and being affected by the differences in their appearance (burn scars in this case), Chip (a dog) being a delightful little goofball and Maurice (a cat) being more cautious but ultimately sweet, a library, and a "castle" of sorts. That was about it that I recognized. Granted, I am no expert on the fairytale; I'm sure there is more that I didn't pick up on.
Dean is a temporary transplant from Australia to Canada for a job (he isn't a huge booklover, so that didn't match up with the fairytale). He is a great character, very friendly and patient. Through a mishap of living arrangements, he ends up staying with Adam, a former model turned recluse after a horrible accident.
Adam struggles with thoughts of suicide and doesn't take care of himself as a result of depression and past trauma. Readers who have experienced something similar and might find these things triggering, be cautious and read the TWs.
I found Dean to be great, along with all the side characters who come from past or future books by Grey. There are several other books set in this same town, so if you are intrigued by any of the already coupled-up characters, chances are there is a book for them. Simeon was also an intriguing character and I know there is a book planned for him.
Adam was also a well-written character. I found his behavior believable considering what he went through. His jealousy at certain points, especially following the dinner party, felt unresolved and I would have liked to see Dean pick up on that and get him to talk about it, but that didn't happen. I wasn't sure what the point was of those strong emotions when they ultimately didn't go anywhere. The romance does seem to go 0-100 all of a sudden. It starts as a slow-burn, then hits the gas. That surprised me, but I really did like Adam and Dean together, so it didn't bother me much.
Overall, it's a sweet story and fun to read an MM retelling of a fairytale. I'll be happy to read more from Grey in the future.
May 5, 2024
I received a free copy. This review is being submitted voluntarily.
This was a great update to the Beauty and the Beast story, without the magic element. Dean is an Aussie travelling to Mission City, British Columbia. He is an experienced forestry expert who is headed to Canada on a six-month assignment to study forestry there. On arrival, he meets a married gay couple who invite him to eat with them at the local burger joint. While he’s with them, he receives a call from his landlady advising him that she must cancel their contract because her daughter has left her husband with her two kids, and they need to use the suite he was scheduled to have. One of the husbands has a last-ditch idea to have Dean room with Adam, a man who went through a traumatic accident ten years before and has been a recluse ever since. Turns out that Adam lives in an actual castle and only agreed figuring that the place was big enough to avoid Dean during the six weeks to which he agrees. The two see more and more of each other and eventually fall in love. Due in part to poor communication between Dean and Adam and a few other factors, the go through a number of problems on the way to a happy ending.
As I said above, I really loved this book. It’s the second updated “Beauty and the Beast” story I’ve read, but it’s the first one with the magic removed. The main characters were totally wonderful. Dean is objectively aware of Adam’s disfigurement but pays it no real attention. He does respect the boundaries set by Adam, who as I said has not left the castle in ten years, except for the one time his dog was lost. Oh, there’s also a cat in the castle, that we don’t see until near the end. Adam, in a manner that I should think would be typical of people who have essentially given up on life, doesn’t really take care of himself and ends up in hospital with kidney failure. This is an example, at least to my mind, of the way the characters appear real. The secondary characters are mostly though not all gay and are really sweet. They all make contributions to plot development. The storyline is quite straightforward and contains little angst.
I can happily recommend this book to all who enjoy gay romance.
This was a great update to the Beauty and the Beast story, without the magic element. Dean is an Aussie travelling to Mission City, British Columbia. He is an experienced forestry expert who is headed to Canada on a six-month assignment to study forestry there. On arrival, he meets a married gay couple who invite him to eat with them at the local burger joint. While he’s with them, he receives a call from his landlady advising him that she must cancel their contract because her daughter has left her husband with her two kids, and they need to use the suite he was scheduled to have. One of the husbands has a last-ditch idea to have Dean room with Adam, a man who went through a traumatic accident ten years before and has been a recluse ever since. Turns out that Adam lives in an actual castle and only agreed figuring that the place was big enough to avoid Dean during the six weeks to which he agrees. The two see more and more of each other and eventually fall in love. Due in part to poor communication between Dean and Adam and a few other factors, the go through a number of problems on the way to a happy ending.
As I said above, I really loved this book. It’s the second updated “Beauty and the Beast” story I’ve read, but it’s the first one with the magic removed. The main characters were totally wonderful. Dean is objectively aware of Adam’s disfigurement but pays it no real attention. He does respect the boundaries set by Adam, who as I said has not left the castle in ten years, except for the one time his dog was lost. Oh, there’s also a cat in the castle, that we don’t see until near the end. Adam, in a manner that I should think would be typical of people who have essentially given up on life, doesn’t really take care of himself and ends up in hospital with kidney failure. This is an example, at least to my mind, of the way the characters appear real. The secondary characters are mostly though not all gay and are really sweet. They all make contributions to plot development. The storyline is quite straightforward and contains little angst.
I can happily recommend this book to all who enjoy gay romance.
May 13, 2024
First, a disclaimer: I totally love the fairy tale Beauty and the Beast and have never encountered a version I didn’t like, so going into this story I was already prepared to like it. As it turned out, I more than liked it, I found it highly enjoyable and a delightful take on the original, so kudos to Gabbi Grey for this creative spin on an old tale.
Dean immediately jumped to my list of favorite Aussie characters—a truly likeable guy who has so much enthusiasm for not only his job in forestry but for all of life. Adam was a sad character in that he’s suffered for years from not only grief over a fiery car crash that maimed him and killed his brother, but also for losing his parents shortly after that in a yacht fire at sea. A bit too much of a coincidence in my opinion, but it’s a minor story point so easy to let go of. Adam is a former high-paid fashion model, so when he was disfigured by burns on his face and body, he lost his career as well. No wonder he stays holed up in his home, a castle-like structure with enough privacy to feed Adam’s need to isolate.
Dean needs a place to stay for a few months while on a work study trip since his housing contract fell through. When he mentions his need to two guys he meets at a local cafe, Maddox and Ravi (Ginger Snapping All the Way), they realize Adam has plenty of space. One phone call and they convince Adam to rent a room to Dean for a short time.
Of course, from the moment Dean enters his life, Adam’s isolation evolves to participation in activities with him, and then socialization with the neighbors, and finally to relationship-building and, you guessed it, ultimately a happily ever after. It wouldn’t be a fairy tale without that happy ending.
“The joy is in the journey” is one of my favorite slogans, and it truly applies here. The journey taken by Dean and Adam is heartwarming, but not without life’s ups and downs, and though it takes a little while, it’s a pleasure to watch “the beast” realize he’s worthy of love and friendship. The author manages to include enough of the original story (not only a castle, but roses!) that I can definitely and happily recommend this to those looking for a lovely heartwarming romance.
Dean immediately jumped to my list of favorite Aussie characters—a truly likeable guy who has so much enthusiasm for not only his job in forestry but for all of life. Adam was a sad character in that he’s suffered for years from not only grief over a fiery car crash that maimed him and killed his brother, but also for losing his parents shortly after that in a yacht fire at sea. A bit too much of a coincidence in my opinion, but it’s a minor story point so easy to let go of. Adam is a former high-paid fashion model, so when he was disfigured by burns on his face and body, he lost his career as well. No wonder he stays holed up in his home, a castle-like structure with enough privacy to feed Adam’s need to isolate.
Dean needs a place to stay for a few months while on a work study trip since his housing contract fell through. When he mentions his need to two guys he meets at a local cafe, Maddox and Ravi (Ginger Snapping All the Way), they realize Adam has plenty of space. One phone call and they convince Adam to rent a room to Dean for a short time.
Of course, from the moment Dean enters his life, Adam’s isolation evolves to participation in activities with him, and then socialization with the neighbors, and finally to relationship-building and, you guessed it, ultimately a happily ever after. It wouldn’t be a fairy tale without that happy ending.
“The joy is in the journey” is one of my favorite slogans, and it truly applies here. The journey taken by Dean and Adam is heartwarming, but not without life’s ups and downs, and though it takes a little while, it’s a pleasure to watch “the beast” realize he’s worthy of love and friendship. The author manages to include enough of the original story (not only a castle, but roses!) that I can definitely and happily recommend this to those looking for a lovely heartwarming romance.
May 14, 2024
I really enjoyed this retelling of Beauty and The Beast. It's heartbreaking history for Adam's character and how he became the recluse he is but Dean is the perfect person to bring him back out into the world. The Aussie doesn't care about or notice Adam's scars, only that they cause him pain, mentally and physically.
When stuck for somewhere to stay, Dean lucks out with his new friends finding him a place that looks like a castle. He's warned that Adam will hide away from him but anything is better than spending all his money on hotels. At first surprised by Adam's appearance, Dean knows there is more to the man than that, and determines to give him his space but also make the effort to get to know the clearly lonely man. Adam's past hurts have caused many battles to get to where he is today, many of them fighting his inner voice and the pain of not wanting to live. His dog, Chip, helps a lot in companionship, ensuring he has something to get up for and now Dean brings this whole light into his house. It's entertaining as he tries to fight his attraction but also understandable with how he views himself.
There are many battles to be had through the story, many with Adam's inner monologue but Dean has an answer for nearly all of them. It becomes a lot more interesting when he manages to convince Adam of his attraction and his lack of experience with others. A blank canvas with no expectations but soon hearts become involved much more than they should with Dean on a limited time visa, six months and then it's back Down Under.
Along with getting to know these two, we have a bit of time with Ravi and Maddox, showing how their family is growing and how they care for those around them, including Adam. Chip brings entertainment and strength in those times Adam is in need.
**There is content warnings here for thoughts of suicide, past physical and mental trauma, death of a loved one recounted on page.**
A very well written story with an enjoyable relationship development between two very different men in personality and experience. A slow burn story with mid angst and exploring first times.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
When stuck for somewhere to stay, Dean lucks out with his new friends finding him a place that looks like a castle. He's warned that Adam will hide away from him but anything is better than spending all his money on hotels. At first surprised by Adam's appearance, Dean knows there is more to the man than that, and determines to give him his space but also make the effort to get to know the clearly lonely man. Adam's past hurts have caused many battles to get to where he is today, many of them fighting his inner voice and the pain of not wanting to live. His dog, Chip, helps a lot in companionship, ensuring he has something to get up for and now Dean brings this whole light into his house. It's entertaining as he tries to fight his attraction but also understandable with how he views himself.
There are many battles to be had through the story, many with Adam's inner monologue but Dean has an answer for nearly all of them. It becomes a lot more interesting when he manages to convince Adam of his attraction and his lack of experience with others. A blank canvas with no expectations but soon hearts become involved much more than they should with Dean on a limited time visa, six months and then it's back Down Under.
Along with getting to know these two, we have a bit of time with Ravi and Maddox, showing how their family is growing and how they care for those around them, including Adam. Chip brings entertainment and strength in those times Adam is in need.
**There is content warnings here for thoughts of suicide, past physical and mental trauma, death of a loved one recounted on page.**
A very well written story with an enjoyable relationship development between two very different men in personality and experience. A slow burn story with mid angst and exploring first times.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
May 19, 2024
Dean is an Aussie in British Columbia, Canada on a work visa. He’s a forester and will be working in the forests as well as giving some lectures at two different universities. When he arrives in Mission City, British Columbia he goes to a local diner. The place is full, and he meets Ravi, his husband Maddox and their two kids who invite him to join them. Dean was lucky to run into them and join them for dinner because while they’re all waiting for their dinners Dean gets call, from his new landlady. Apparently, her daughter is having drama, and the landlady is putting her into the basement apartment she had leased to Dean. Nice. Now poor Dean is in desperate need of a place to stay for six months.
Maddox makes a call to someone in their neighborhood to see if he has a room to rent to Dean. That someone is Adam, a reclusive man that Maddox met by chance. He agrees to rent Dean a room and sort of welcomes him in. I say sort of because around ten years before this, Adam was in a car accident with his brother, his brother didn’t survive it and he has massive burn scars on his face, arm and body. He really hates being seen in public and is embarrassed to have Dean see him. Adam lives in a home that looks like a castle on a large tract of land. He has a young dog named Chip, and she charms everyone!
I read fiction, preferably fantasy, and then romance, mostly because if I want reality then I will turn on the news. I’m mentioning this since Adam has a kidney stone problem in the book and since I also have one of those it brought me back to my hospitalization time. Since that has nothing to do with Ms. Grey I continued with the story. So except for that whole kidney stone thing, I really liked this one. Maddox and Ravi’s story is in Ginger Snapping All the Way (Mission City #1) which I have to go and read since I missed it. I have read other works from Ms. Grey and loved them which is why I chose this story to read. I have one thing to say here about Maurice the cat. If I had a cat named Maurice, I would spend all my time discussing the pompatus of love with him. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book.
Maddox makes a call to someone in their neighborhood to see if he has a room to rent to Dean. That someone is Adam, a reclusive man that Maddox met by chance. He agrees to rent Dean a room and sort of welcomes him in. I say sort of because around ten years before this, Adam was in a car accident with his brother, his brother didn’t survive it and he has massive burn scars on his face, arm and body. He really hates being seen in public and is embarrassed to have Dean see him. Adam lives in a home that looks like a castle on a large tract of land. He has a young dog named Chip, and she charms everyone!
I read fiction, preferably fantasy, and then romance, mostly because if I want reality then I will turn on the news. I’m mentioning this since Adam has a kidney stone problem in the book and since I also have one of those it brought me back to my hospitalization time. Since that has nothing to do with Ms. Grey I continued with the story. So except for that whole kidney stone thing, I really liked this one. Maddox and Ravi’s story is in Ginger Snapping All the Way (Mission City #1) which I have to go and read since I missed it. I have read other works from Ms. Grey and loved them which is why I chose this story to read. I have one thing to say here about Maurice the cat. If I had a cat named Maurice, I would spend all my time discussing the pompatus of love with him. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book.
May 22, 2024
This book is part of the Ever After series and to get the most out of it, the series should be read in order. This is the story of Dean Hargrave and Adam Granger. It is set in beautiful Mission City British Columbia. Dean has migrated from Australia to work for the District of Mission in Forestry Management. He has a visa for 6 months to work. Dean will also be lecturing and teaching at two universities while he is here. While waiting for a table to eat at the local Fifties dinner, he meets Ravi & Maddox. They were featured in an earlier book. The three start talking and hear when the housing that Dean had arranged months in advanced, is cancelled at the last minute. Housing is hard to find in Mission and his jet lagged brain is not prepared to deal with it. Luckily Maddox might have a solution. He calls a neighbor to see if he is willing to help Dean out. Adam is a recluse that had noticeable burns to his face and body. Burned in the accident that took his brothers life, Adam isn't up for socializing with others or going out in public. Added that his parents burned to death in a boating accident shortly after, Adam is all alone. He doesn't believe he deserves to be happy. Painfully, Adam believes that his parents wished that he had died in the crash and his brother had survived. A very painful blow to deal with while he is fighting to recover. Since he doesn't really think that he should have survived himself, Adam hasn't been taking care of himself. He doesn't take his meds, eat the diet they prescribe or seek counselling for his trauma. So he sticks to routines and being alone. Needing a bridge in his financing until the next investment payout he agrees to rent out a room to Dean for six weeks. Expecting it to be awkward and miserable to have a roommate both a pleasantly surprised when a friendship develops. This is their story. I liked how the relationship slowly grew between the two of them. I completely fell in love with Dean. There were a few times that I wasn't happy with Adam's actions. But overall I really enjoyed the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 13, 2024
First book that I have read by this author. I wasn't disappointed. This is a different way of reading Beauty & The Beast.
Dean leaves his home country of Australia for a job in Canada. He is going to be forestry work while also doing lectures at a couple college campus's. He has such a positive attitude and is an introvert however he meets so many people. The first people he becomes friends with ends up helping him find a place to stay seeing how the place he did rent fell through. He goes to his new place and he meets Adam, his new landlord. He is intrigued by Adam and wants to know more about him.
Adam has had a traumatic life and hasn't been able to overcome everything that has happened. He stays to himself and never leaves. He has his dog Chip and cat Maurice that keep him company. He lives in castle and needs some financial help until he is able to get access to his monthly allowance. When he receives a call to possibly rent a room, he decides to do it. Needless to say, this is something huge for Adam to do.
To me, this book is about two people who's soul recognizes each other and just need to connect. They both are there for each other and help each other through traumatic stuff that happened to them. Adam has a lot to overcome and needs to listen to what he is being told and Dean wants nothing more than for Adam to get better and listen. He helps Adam as much as he can and when Adam lets him. Dean gets to watch Adam overcome his battles while Adam gets to teach Dean things. The way they both are there for each other and the way Dean doesn't leave Adam's side is so heartfelt and you can feel the emotions.
This is a such an amazing read. You will be able to connect with the characters and share in the victories along with possibly getting teary eyed.
#I received an ARC from GRR (Gay Romance Reviews) and this is my honest review.
Dean leaves his home country of Australia for a job in Canada. He is going to be forestry work while also doing lectures at a couple college campus's. He has such a positive attitude and is an introvert however he meets so many people. The first people he becomes friends with ends up helping him find a place to stay seeing how the place he did rent fell through. He goes to his new place and he meets Adam, his new landlord. He is intrigued by Adam and wants to know more about him.
Adam has had a traumatic life and hasn't been able to overcome everything that has happened. He stays to himself and never leaves. He has his dog Chip and cat Maurice that keep him company. He lives in castle and needs some financial help until he is able to get access to his monthly allowance. When he receives a call to possibly rent a room, he decides to do it. Needless to say, this is something huge for Adam to do.
To me, this book is about two people who's soul recognizes each other and just need to connect. They both are there for each other and help each other through traumatic stuff that happened to them. Adam has a lot to overcome and needs to listen to what he is being told and Dean wants nothing more than for Adam to get better and listen. He helps Adam as much as he can and when Adam lets him. Dean gets to watch Adam overcome his battles while Adam gets to teach Dean things. The way they both are there for each other and the way Dean doesn't leave Adam's side is so heartfelt and you can feel the emotions.
This is a such an amazing read. You will be able to connect with the characters and share in the victories along with possibly getting teary eyed.
#I received an ARC from GRR (Gay Romance Reviews) and this is my honest review.
June 9, 2025
Not sure why this isn’t listed as part of the Love in Mission City series since this takes place there and there are appearances or references to many of the characters in the books of that series. Which brings me to one of the first oddities I came across. In the very beginning, Dean meets Ravi and Maddox (from Ginger Snapping all the way). During their conversation, Ravi says his family is from the Philippines, but in Ginger Snapping all the Way, he is of Indian descent (as his name would imply). Then by the end of the chapter, he suddenly becomes Filipino Indian.
Overall, this was a sweet hurt/comfort romance, which is one of my favorite tropes, and I really liked Dean and Adam (in spite of his best efforts to make us not like him). Adam has suffered more trauma in his young life than most people would bounce back from and Dean understood from the beginning what he was dealing with. Kudos to him for sticking it out. Turning Adam around was so worth the effort.
The writing, I felt, could have been better and the editing tighter. Some occasional name swapping made it a bit difficult to remember who’s POV chapter is was and who was actually speaking. During Adam’s session with Justin, the interchanging use of Dr. Marco vs. Dr. Raymond left me rather confused. There was clearly something I missed earlier on regarding the good doctor’s name.
One of the more puzzling things for me was the seeming inconsistency with the timeline. Mostly because that even after several chapters and the passagen of weeks there, Dean (and Adam) still kept on referring to his leaving in about six months. I think it was passing the half-way point that time moved a notch to Dean having five months to go.
I’ll end with one niggling item; the use of the word “than” when it should have been “then”.
Overall, this was a sweet hurt/comfort romance, which is one of my favorite tropes, and I really liked Dean and Adam (in spite of his best efforts to make us not like him). Adam has suffered more trauma in his young life than most people would bounce back from and Dean understood from the beginning what he was dealing with. Kudos to him for sticking it out. Turning Adam around was so worth the effort.
The writing, I felt, could have been better and the editing tighter. Some occasional name swapping made it a bit difficult to remember who’s POV chapter is was and who was actually speaking. During Adam’s session with Justin, the interchanging use of Dr. Marco vs. Dr. Raymond left me rather confused. There was clearly something I missed earlier on regarding the good doctor’s name.
One of the more puzzling things for me was the seeming inconsistency with the timeline. Mostly because that even after several chapters and the passagen of weeks there, Dean (and Adam) still kept on referring to his leaving in about six months. I think it was passing the half-way point that time moved a notch to Dean having five months to go.
I’ll end with one niggling item; the use of the word “than” when it should have been “then”.
May 17, 2024
3.5 🌟
Dean and Adam
— grumpy/sunshine
— found family
— age gap
— virgin MC
— mental health
Dean is 28 and a bit introverted, and he’s been focused on school for the past decade. Now he’s on a work visa moving from Australia to British Columbia for six months. Once there he needs to find a place to live, since the place he had been planning to move into fell through. After some good luck and friendly help from a couple he meets at a restaurant, Dean finds a place to live in a secluded castle way up in the woods. The only problem is that the owner of the house, Adam, is extremely reclusive after suffering an accident nearly ten years ago.
Dean and Adam form a comfortable, even if at times a bit awkward, routine as roommates. Both feel an attraction to the other, but Adam is so closed off it makes it difficult for anything to happen.
I hated how Adam retreated after their first time together 🥺 I understand that Adam was guarded and had lots of walls up, but Dean needed those sweet tender moments of intimacy. I needed to see them too! It made it difficult to fully appreciate their relationship. While both clearly cared about the other, it almost felt more like comfortable friendship than a deeper connection.
The ending felt a bit rushed to me. We spent so much time seeing the resistance of the relationship and intimacy, it would have been nice to get to finally see some of those moments at the end.
Overall, I did enjoy this my only wish is that we could have seen more of their romantic feelings. I wanted to see them finally have the sweet and tender moments.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Dean and Adam
— grumpy/sunshine
— found family
— age gap
— virgin MC
— mental health
Dean is 28 and a bit introverted, and he’s been focused on school for the past decade. Now he’s on a work visa moving from Australia to British Columbia for six months. Once there he needs to find a place to live, since the place he had been planning to move into fell through. After some good luck and friendly help from a couple he meets at a restaurant, Dean finds a place to live in a secluded castle way up in the woods. The only problem is that the owner of the house, Adam, is extremely reclusive after suffering an accident nearly ten years ago.
Dean and Adam form a comfortable, even if at times a bit awkward, routine as roommates. Both feel an attraction to the other, but Adam is so closed off it makes it difficult for anything to happen.
I hated how Adam retreated after their first time together 🥺 I understand that Adam was guarded and had lots of walls up, but Dean needed those sweet tender moments of intimacy. I needed to see them too! It made it difficult to fully appreciate their relationship. While both clearly cared about the other, it almost felt more like comfortable friendship than a deeper connection.
The ending felt a bit rushed to me. We spent so much time seeing the resistance of the relationship and intimacy, it would have been nice to get to finally see some of those moments at the end.
Overall, I did enjoy this my only wish is that we could have seen more of their romantic feelings. I wanted to see them finally have the sweet and tender moments.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
May 21, 2024
Part of the Ever After series each can be read as a standalone a retailing of beauty and the beast 😊 this was my first book by this author, but I can assure it won’t be the last. Dean is so sweet, loveable from Australia anyone who meets him loves him even though he is an introvert, yet his sprit draws others to him arriving in Mission City for his job thinking finding a place to stay may be his issued and he would be wrong because his new friends help him find a place to stay during his time there. Adam makes you want to give him a huge hug all that he has been though he is a recluse model that no longer models because an accident that took his brother leaving him cover in burns, a little after getting out of the burn unit his parents die during a boating accident, he is a total grump to say his faith in anything would be an understatement, and renting out a room in his castle (yep a whole castle) for the money never imagining this one act to change his current path. Immediately upon meeting one another the magnetic pull between them is there even though they try to ignore it but it only grow stronger especially when Dean starts to get after him for not taking care of himself and going as far as to take care of him since he won’t do it but is it enough for Adam to realize he has a lot to live for, will he understand that there is so much he has to offer despite his looks, will Dean help him see that he has worth, will they be honest with each other about their feelings, and has our beast found his beauty?
May 10, 2024
Adam, the super model that has only been known for his looks. He loses the good looks in a crash. Now he’s only known for being the grumpy recluse that stays in his home, which just happens to be a castle. He doesn’t want people to see what he looks like now. Dean arriving in Mission City to work with forestry from Australia for 6 months. He loses the place he was going to rent and ends up renting from Adam.
As time goes on they start coming together as friends. Dean helping Adam lower the walls he has put up over the past ten years. Adam going from grumpy, to sunshine, and back to grumpy. Slowly Adam starts venturing out with Deans help. As things start changing they give into the sexual attraction that seemed to go from slow to fast. Their relationship has some twist and turns /ups and downs but finally ends with a HEA.
I fell in love with Chip, Adam’s dog because well how can you not. At first I didn’t think there really was a cat named Maurice because you never saw him. Then towards the end he starts showing himself. I wonder if he started coming around because Adam was changing more towards the sunshine side of things.
I found this book to be about grief, trauma, facing your demons, accepting help, friendship, and love. I look forward to reading about some of the other characters that were in this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Monica (Lady M)
As time goes on they start coming together as friends. Dean helping Adam lower the walls he has put up over the past ten years. Adam going from grumpy, to sunshine, and back to grumpy. Slowly Adam starts venturing out with Deans help. As things start changing they give into the sexual attraction that seemed to go from slow to fast. Their relationship has some twist and turns /ups and downs but finally ends with a HEA.
I fell in love with Chip, Adam’s dog because well how can you not. At first I didn’t think there really was a cat named Maurice because you never saw him. Then towards the end he starts showing himself. I wonder if he started coming around because Adam was changing more towards the sunshine side of things.
I found this book to be about grief, trauma, facing your demons, accepting help, friendship, and love. I look forward to reading about some of the other characters that were in this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Monica (Lady M)
May 5, 2024
The Beauty of the Beast is contemporary MM romance that is a retelling of the fairytale, Beauty and the Beast (obviously), by Gabbi Grey. As soon as I see that something is a fairytale retelling, especially Beauty and the Beast, I am sold.
The story follows Dean, an Australian who got his dream job in Canada. He is forestry officer/researcher, and has got the opportunity to work with the old growth forests of the Pacific Northwest and this opportunity might not be short term. When things start to go a bit pear shaped and Dean needs somewhere to stay, a friends suggest Adam - the local recluse who may or may not be in financial difficulty. Things are bumpy at first between Dean and Adam, Adam has his fair share of quirks and his houseguest was never expected. But with proximity opens new and exciting possibilities.
I found myself easily connecting to this story, especially Dean. I certainly see elements of my career trajectory in Dean, and being an Aussie, it rang true to real life. But I also loved Adam and his vulnerability. He has plenty of demons when it comes to his injuries, and he is a recluse, but it is so heartwarming to see him warm up to Dean and eventually decide to take the risk of opening himself to Dean.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story follows Dean, an Australian who got his dream job in Canada. He is forestry officer/researcher, and has got the opportunity to work with the old growth forests of the Pacific Northwest and this opportunity might not be short term. When things start to go a bit pear shaped and Dean needs somewhere to stay, a friends suggest Adam - the local recluse who may or may not be in financial difficulty. Things are bumpy at first between Dean and Adam, Adam has his fair share of quirks and his houseguest was never expected. But with proximity opens new and exciting possibilities.
I found myself easily connecting to this story, especially Dean. I certainly see elements of my career trajectory in Dean, and being an Aussie, it rang true to real life. But I also loved Adam and his vulnerability. He has plenty of demons when it comes to his injuries, and he is a recluse, but it is so heartwarming to see him warm up to Dean and eventually decide to take the risk of opening himself to Dean.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 6, 2024
Dean is in Mission City for 6 months as a tree expert, doing a report and giving some talks at the universities. His place to stay falls through, and a couple with their kids recommend Adam.
Adam lives in a castle alone after an accident causes him burns and leaves him without his brother. His parents pass later. He needs money for a short period so he agrees to have Dean stay in one of his rooms.
They end up running into each other and Dean isn’t bothered by Adam’s scars. In fact, their attraction leads to a hookup, but it’s more than that for them.
Adam begins to find a reason to take care of himself and to venture out of his home. Dean finds someone who wants to be with him who understands his loss and isolation.
They both connect with others on the community, and after a health scare, Dean is committed to staying to be there for Adam and Adam is committed to staying well.
Dean is offered a permanent position, and the two men discuss plans to be together, reaffirming their love.
Lovely story based on Beauty and the Beast, lots of friends with kids, pets, and interesting careers. Dean is sweet and giving, Adam wants to help others as he finally ventures out from behind his walls, literally and figuratively.
I received this ARC for free, and am providing my honest review with appreciation.
Adam lives in a castle alone after an accident causes him burns and leaves him without his brother. His parents pass later. He needs money for a short period so he agrees to have Dean stay in one of his rooms.
They end up running into each other and Dean isn’t bothered by Adam’s scars. In fact, their attraction leads to a hookup, but it’s more than that for them.
Adam begins to find a reason to take care of himself and to venture out of his home. Dean finds someone who wants to be with him who understands his loss and isolation.
They both connect with others on the community, and after a health scare, Dean is committed to staying to be there for Adam and Adam is committed to staying well.
Dean is offered a permanent position, and the two men discuss plans to be together, reaffirming their love.
Lovely story based on Beauty and the Beast, lots of friends with kids, pets, and interesting careers. Dean is sweet and giving, Adam wants to help others as he finally ventures out from behind his walls, literally and figuratively.
I received this ARC for free, and am providing my honest review with appreciation.
May 14, 2024
I had a love-hate relationship with this one
I was captured and kept hostage from the beginning scene at the diner
Dean - loved him!
Everything about him was snuggles and rainbows
He saw beyond the surface, saw what was not being said.
Adam...
I wanted to wrangle his backside to the therapist!
I was so angry and honestly disappointed in how he reacted to Dean
At the same time, I knew his responses, no matter how heartbreaking were trigger responses. Years of behavior can't be altered in mere months.
The spark between Dean and Adam was undeniable from their first encounter, quickly evolving into a journey of discovery.
Dean’s innocence and willingness to explore were endearing, while Adam’s self-consciousness due to his injuries introduced barriers to their intimacy, leaving him hesitant to fulfill Dean’s need for affection.
Dean is a virgin and inexperienced however eager to explore
Adam is body-shy from his injuries. This leads him to place a lot of restrictions on how they connect
It also leaves him shy of being the snuggle bug Dean needs
Remarkable ensemble of supporting characters, ranging from the caring neighbors and the demanding doctors to their lovable pets.
I would have liked a deeper dive into Adam’s past as well as a more detailed epilogue
But that is a me thing
Even with all my grumbling I will be reading this again
I was captured and kept hostage from the beginning scene at the diner
Dean - loved him!
Everything about him was snuggles and rainbows
He saw beyond the surface, saw what was not being said.
Adam...
I wanted to wrangle his backside to the therapist!
I was so angry and honestly disappointed in how he reacted to Dean
At the same time, I knew his responses, no matter how heartbreaking were trigger responses. Years of behavior can't be altered in mere months.
The spark between Dean and Adam was undeniable from their first encounter, quickly evolving into a journey of discovery.
Dean’s innocence and willingness to explore were endearing, while Adam’s self-consciousness due to his injuries introduced barriers to their intimacy, leaving him hesitant to fulfill Dean’s need for affection.
Dean is a virgin and inexperienced however eager to explore
Adam is body-shy from his injuries. This leads him to place a lot of restrictions on how they connect
It also leaves him shy of being the snuggle bug Dean needs
Remarkable ensemble of supporting characters, ranging from the caring neighbors and the demanding doctors to their lovable pets.
I would have liked a deeper dive into Adam’s past as well as a more detailed epilogue
But that is a me thing
Even with all my grumbling I will be reading this again
May 18, 2024
This was the first Gabbi Grey book I have picked up, but I do not think it will be the last!
Our modern contemporary retelling of Beauty and the Beast stars Dean, an Australian forestry man who comes to Mission City, British Columbia for a six month stint in the beautiful western Canadian forests. When his original lodgings fall through, he ends up taking a room from Adam, a reclusive man nursing his wounds--physical and mental--in solitude. In need of money, he agrees to take in Dean, figuring he won't need to see much of his guest with such a large house. However, his houseguest quickly worms his way into his life and inside his defenses against the world.
Adam and Dean were two very wonderful characters, and watching them work through their issues both together and alone made for a lovely story. I am here for a man who goes to therapy (even if he must be coerced into it) when he has issues.
While this book is angstier than I usually read, I think that the author did a good job depicting all the different kinds of grief. And of course, it isn't a good romance if you don't want to shake at least one character at some point, but it is done very well! As were the steamy scenes. And the secondary characters, which are going to make me go back and read the Mission City series now!
CW: death of parents, death of sibling, car accident, fire injury, medical content
Our modern contemporary retelling of Beauty and the Beast stars Dean, an Australian forestry man who comes to Mission City, British Columbia for a six month stint in the beautiful western Canadian forests. When his original lodgings fall through, he ends up taking a room from Adam, a reclusive man nursing his wounds--physical and mental--in solitude. In need of money, he agrees to take in Dean, figuring he won't need to see much of his guest with such a large house. However, his houseguest quickly worms his way into his life and inside his defenses against the world.
Adam and Dean were two very wonderful characters, and watching them work through their issues both together and alone made for a lovely story. I am here for a man who goes to therapy (even if he must be coerced into it) when he has issues.
While this book is angstier than I usually read, I think that the author did a good job depicting all the different kinds of grief. And of course, it isn't a good romance if you don't want to shake at least one character at some point, but it is done very well! As were the steamy scenes. And the secondary characters, which are going to make me go back and read the Mission City series now!
CW: death of parents, death of sibling, car accident, fire injury, medical content
May 18, 2024
The Beauty of the Beast is the second book I’ve read by this author.
I like the premise of this book since I’m a fan of fairy tales and enjoy a modern twist from time to time. It is clear who is the beauty and who is the beast.
Adam and Dean on the surface couldn’t be more different, but underneath they mesh together beautifully. I especially enjoyed the reading/library time. It made me want to swing on a rolling ladder and sing. They have a good chemistry, mentally and physically. Plus, they got to know each other a bit before engaging in a physical relationship. I like it when that happens. It gives me greater confidence in an eventual HEA.
The book started slow for me. Characters from previous books (not a part of this fairy tale series) took up a lot of page/dialogue time. I was lost in the first chapter and other points in the book because they were speaking and acting like I should know more about them than I did. My enjoyment of the rest of the book was affected. I found those characters in the author's backlist. I would not have picked this one up had I known this ahead of time. I like to read tons of books in the same world, but don’t like being dropped into the middle of a world unknowingly.
All that being said, I enjoyed meeting Adam and Dean and getting to know their version of Beauty and the Beast.
I like the premise of this book since I’m a fan of fairy tales and enjoy a modern twist from time to time. It is clear who is the beauty and who is the beast.
Adam and Dean on the surface couldn’t be more different, but underneath they mesh together beautifully. I especially enjoyed the reading/library time. It made me want to swing on a rolling ladder and sing. They have a good chemistry, mentally and physically. Plus, they got to know each other a bit before engaging in a physical relationship. I like it when that happens. It gives me greater confidence in an eventual HEA.
The book started slow for me. Characters from previous books (not a part of this fairy tale series) took up a lot of page/dialogue time. I was lost in the first chapter and other points in the book because they were speaking and acting like I should know more about them than I did. My enjoyment of the rest of the book was affected. I found those characters in the author's backlist. I would not have picked this one up had I known this ahead of time. I like to read tons of books in the same world, but don’t like being dropped into the middle of a world unknowingly.
All that being said, I enjoyed meeting Adam and Dean and getting to know their version of Beauty and the Beast.
May 19, 2024
Dean, 28, is on a trip from Australia to Canada.He's studying Forestry for close to a year. He's on a work visa. He will be lecturing at two universities as well as working in the forests. He got into the town where he's renting a basement room. He goes into the diner and it is full. A man tells him to come to his table and have a seat. He meets Maddox and Ravi. When he learns his room is no longer available due to the landlady's daughter and two kids moving in he gets a bit panicky. Then Maddox suggests someplace and calls the guy. Problem solved.
Adam, 37, agreed to take on a boarder. His new boarder gets to his place. He is gorgeous. They shake hands and he feels a jolt of electricity. Oh dang! It's been ten years and he still carries and will always carry the scars from the accident that took his twin brother. He is a loner. Having a boarder is going to play havoc on him.
Now they both have to come to terms with being in a house together. Adam doesn't do well with people. Dean is a chatty guy. Two opposites. Then just as Adam starts to sort of try to reintegrate into life and living, his health deteriorates. Will he be able to bounce back?
A love story for the ages!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Adam, 37, agreed to take on a boarder. His new boarder gets to his place. He is gorgeous. They shake hands and he feels a jolt of electricity. Oh dang! It's been ten years and he still carries and will always carry the scars from the accident that took his twin brother. He is a loner. Having a boarder is going to play havoc on him.
Now they both have to come to terms with being in a house together. Adam doesn't do well with people. Dean is a chatty guy. Two opposites. Then just as Adam starts to sort of try to reintegrate into life and living, his health deteriorates. Will he be able to bounce back?
A love story for the ages!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 21, 2024
4.5 stars
The blurb does a great job of setting up the book, so without spoilers, there’s not much more to say. The longer the two spend time together, the more Adam’s barriers fall, and an emotional, then physical connection is formed. Dean offers Adam the care and attention he needs to draw him back into the world, all while accepting him and his scars without any negative reaction or notice at all. Low angst, slowly developing love story of two men, each finding what they didn’t know they needed in each other, on their way to their HEA,
Good ties to other books in the Love in Mission City series, and I especially enjoyed the short interaction between Dean and Randall Davis Jefferson III (Davey/Third) and his husband Tex from Love In Mission City: Boyfriend Duet (Fly Guy Boyfriend). Davey/Third was a character from the series I really liked, and Dean is a good match. Also loved the pets in this book. An enjoyable read with engaging characters that held my interest and a satisfying conclusion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The blurb does a great job of setting up the book, so without spoilers, there’s not much more to say. The longer the two spend time together, the more Adam’s barriers fall, and an emotional, then physical connection is formed. Dean offers Adam the care and attention he needs to draw him back into the world, all while accepting him and his scars without any negative reaction or notice at all. Low angst, slowly developing love story of two men, each finding what they didn’t know they needed in each other, on their way to their HEA,
Good ties to other books in the Love in Mission City series, and I especially enjoyed the short interaction between Dean and Randall Davis Jefferson III (Davey/Third) and his husband Tex from Love In Mission City: Boyfriend Duet (Fly Guy Boyfriend). Davey/Third was a character from the series I really liked, and Dean is a good match. Also loved the pets in this book. An enjoyable read with engaging characters that held my interest and a satisfying conclusion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 7, 2024
4/5 This was an engaging modern Beauty and the Beast (loose) retelling, where transplanted Aussie Dean crashes into the life of scarred recluse Adam. But even in the beginning Adam shows hints of not actually wanting to be in the life that he’s made for himself, and Dean is a great catalyst for changing that. It’s fun to see them get to know one another, take care of Chip (the dog) and Maurice (the cat whom Dean doesn’t see for most of the book and thinks might not exist, lol), and start to interact with more Mission City residents. They’re both stubborn but caring, and it felt like a triumph as Adam opened up to Dean and they both learned how a relationship works. It would have been nice to have a bit more time in the “acknowledged relationship” stage, but the epilogue was there to show us they’re working everything out bit by bit.
Content warnings for references to eating disorders, suicidal ideation (mostly in the past), traumatic accidents and deaths of loved ones.
I received an ARC from GRR. This is my honest review.
Content warnings for references to eating disorders, suicidal ideation (mostly in the past), traumatic accidents and deaths of loved ones.
I received an ARC from GRR. This is my honest review.
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