I'm a big fan of fairytale retellings, and this charming modern take on "Beauty and the Beast" is one of the best ones I've read in recent memory.
Fantasy writer Jack R.R. Bestia has a major problem: he's suffering from a severe case of writer's block, and with the publication date for the seventh and final book of his mega-successful Onyx Throne series quickly approaching, he fears his career might be over. Unaware of his struggles, Jack's publisher has arranged an interview for him with an important New York-based newspaper to build hype for the release. Reporter Bonnie Hamelin reluctantly accepts the assignment, but after a previous encounter with Jack ended in her humiliation, she's not looking forward to seeing him again. Unfortunately, their second meeting isn't much better than the first, and a misunderstanding results in a month-long "vacation" for Bonnie as a "guest" in Jack's home. As they're forced to spend time together under the same roof, the attraction between them grows, and Bonnie realizes that Jack might not be quite as "beastly" as he first seemed. A series of past betrayals have left him deeply mistrustful of love, however. Will he be able to figure out a way to put the past behind him so that he can move forward with Bonnie?
Jack and Bonnie were an incredibly entertaining couple, with tons of chemistry and witty banter. I loved the slow build of their romance and couldn't wait for them to finally take things to the next level. Bonnie was an endearingly awkward protagonist, and I loved her sunny disposition and totally related to her love of books. As for Jack, his outer grumpiness was protecting a tender heart and tremendous capacity for love; he had been hurt so many times in the past that it was tough for him to open himself up again, but Bonnie showed him that it was worth taking a risk for the right person.
In addition to Bonnie and Jack, I loved the book's quirky, endearing secondary characters. I particularly enjoyed the sweet flirtation between Bonnie's father, Bill, and Jack's housekeeper, Mrs. Potts. Jack's younger brother, tech genius Hunter, was also intriguing, and I'm excited to learn more about him in the next book of the series.
In short, I highly recommend this funny, sweet, and heartwarming tale for all fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy. It was the first book I've read by this author, but it certainly won't be the last.
*Review copy provided by the author/publisher via Give Me Books Promotions. All opinions expressed are my own.