I love a good Disney movie and Beauty and the Beast is one of my all-time favorites, so I was excited to jump into this modern retelling.

Isabelle (Izzy) is an assistant to the editor at Tale as Old as Time publishers. She still lives at home with her parents and she works really hard to not get paid all that much in return. While she is at a publishing event in California, her boss sends her to check on a celebrity client who is way overdue in submitting his memoir.

The celebrity client in question, Beau Towers, doesn't want to be bothered and wants to be left alone. He's angry in general and has many issues that he hasn't dealt with. But since Izzy is there, she ends up staying for an extended period and things begin to develop between them. They start as adversaries, move to friends and then move to more.

This is a very sweet romance, but I have to say it was lacking something for me. I enjoy Jasmine Guillory's writing and it was well written, but it did seem to wrap up way too quickly for my liking. The resolution to the conflict was just too fast for me. While this wasn't my favorite, I'll definitely give Ms. Guillory's books a read in the future!

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

“By the Book” focuses on Izzy, a young woman who has always wanted to work with books. Getting a job as an editorial assistant sounds like a dream come true, but turns out to be anything but. Just when she’s thinking of walking away, the challenge that could make her career comes up: get star and recluse Beau Towers to deliver his late memoir. What should be easy is made increasingly difficult by Beau’s beastly behavior, but Izzy is determined to see the challenge through. And along the way rediscover a bit about herself.

This is a delightful celebration of books and growing love, and a complete unadulterated homage to Beauty and the Beast, with inner beasts and fears challenging both Izzy and Beau along the way. Give yourself points for each B&B reference you notice and compare with friends as a fun sideline to the story. But that didn’t take away from the plot for me, Beau is a tortured individual, even if he is the one doing most of the torturing. Aren’t we all our own worst critics? He’s traumatized by events in his past and paralyzed by shame and regret over how he handled things. Izzy needs to bring him out of his shell not only so he can write his book, but for his own mental health. At the same time, she’s dealing with her own issues about work, ones any of us can relate to. A boss who never gives feedback, a passive aggressive coworker, feelings of insecurity and wondering if what she thought was the right career was a big mistake. She knows she needs to push herself forward more or change jobs, but is afraid of rocking the boat Beau and his project help build up her confidence in a way she hadn’t had in years.

I liked how the confidence and trust Izzy and Beau slowly build between them was completely separate from the romantic feelings they developed for each other. Obviously they helped the slow-burn romance blossom, but the work came first. The belief in themselves as people and as writers came before the romance, which for some reason I found very affirming. We can all stand on our own, but it is nice to sometimes be reminded that others see us and are standing in our corner too. I was a little disappointed with the flip-flopping at the end, although without giving away spoilers I’ll just say it seemed more immature than I had thought Izzy in particular had gotten in her emotional maturity. But the ending was lovely and positive and all things a good romance novel should be.

I very much enjoyed this book with its unapologetic love of books and the delightful characters, Izzy especially, who discover how strong they are.

I received an Arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Listen, Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite Disney movies (I want that library) so I was excited about this retelling. Especially when I found out that Isabelle went by Izzy which is also my nickname. I loved the references and tie-ins to the movie, but I felt conflicted about this one. I was bored throughout most of it and it was a bit of a struggle to get through it. The ending bumped this up a bit for me but I just really struggled to get through this one.

Thanks to NetGalley for a free advanced copy in exchanged for a review.

I really like Jasmine Guillory and <em>Beauty and the Beast</em> is probably my most favorite Disney movie, so this was a good match. I didn't think Beau was beastly enough - he was a dick, but not too much of a dick that Izzy would have just left the first chance she got, which I guess makes sense in this modern retelling (since Izzy wasn't a prisoner like the original Belle, the only thing keeping her there was dedication to her job). I love the nods to the movie and thought this was cute. It didn't have the same level of described sex that Guillory has had in other books, but that's not always a bad thing. I also loved all the talk of food throughout. The descriptions weren't as well done as Sonali Dev does when she describes food, but I love that there was so much of it in here!

I went into this book automatically assuming I was going to love it because, 1) I loved the first book in this series If the Shoe Fits and 2) I positively adore Jasmine Guillory's books.

There were some parts of this that I really enjoyed. I liked the Izzy and her struggles felt very real. She was likeable and her choices made sense for her character. The little nods to Beauty and the Beast (which this was a retelling of in a way) was a lot of fun and super cute.

I felt like the book was a little... immature overall though? I didn't realize these books were from a Disney publishing company, and while that's not a bad thing, I think if I'd realized that in the beginning my expectations would have changed a little. I never noticed it with the first book but this one had moments where it felt noticeable. The book felt a step up from a Hallmark movie. There were a few times they swore and there was kissing on page, but it was super wholesome otherwise. The fade to black is more like a hint of light grey.

This would be a good romance novel for someone transitioning from YA romance to Adult romance. I think that's the best way to put it.

If you are looking for a sweet, Disney fairytale inspired romance, this is a great one to check out.

Thank you NetGalley and Jasmine Guillory! Gosh where do I start. I devoured this book. When I read this I didn't realize it was a 2nd book in a series so now I need to go read book #1. Isabelle was so filled with passion and I immediately gravitated to her workaholic and under appreciated character. Beau was also intriguing to love and hate at the same time. If you haven't added Jasmine to your TBR and you love honest love stories you should. Definitely one for the beach bag!

As a part of a series, I think each book can stand alone as I don't think the first book was relevant to this one. Unfortunately, I did not care for this book. Really I just didn't like Beau mostly based on the way he was written. I didn't find him very masculine (and I don't mean in an aggressive/testosterone way), but every time there was a dialogue, it felt as though there were two women talking. He wasn't feminine, but he was written in a way that just reminded me of a woman. He was not impressive.

This Beauty and The Beast retelling had everything from a castle-like house, a reclusive and grumpy here to the library ladder and a sweet love story. Izzy made a great Beauty with her optimism and quick wit I loved seeing how the story played out and how she handled living in the house with Beau (Beast). Their relationship went from enemies to something else over time and with loves of delicate maneuvering on both their parts. The author did a beautiful job of unraveling Beau's pain and showcasing Izzy's struggles. She gave each of them something to fight for and managed to create an almost magical situation.

I highly recommend this to anyone who loves a sweet slow burn and lots of references to writing, publishing, and a bit of family drama.

I am absolutely shocked by how much I disliked this book. (I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review)

Although Jasmine Guillory isn't my favorite romance author, I have had a good time reading her books in the past. This book was so juvenile and repetitive that I was confused that she authored it. Maybe the ARC I received is a very rough draft (and I would hope so) but I don't think it is.

My first issue was the writing style. It was very stop and start with overuse of the characters "beaming," "laughing out loud," and "grinning." The dialogue was choppy and pulled me out of the story over and over because I was so annoyed. Lots of "he said" and "she said." I'm not a writer, so I don't have tips on how to "fix" the choppiness necessarily, but as a reader, I can tell it's there. It's one of those things where you don't notice it if it's right, but it's glaringly obvious if it's wrong.

My second issue was all the Beauty and the Beast references. I know, I know, this is a BatB retelling, but the references to the original story were sooooo pointed that I was starting to roll my eyes at them. For example, the MC thinks she hears the bathtub talking to her and makes sure to thank every piece of furniture in her room at one point. One of the character's nicknames is "Kettle" and the story's explanation for it is stupid. I love Beauty and the Beast (my BatB themed kindle cover is sitting next to me as I type this), so to have the retelling be cheesy without any tact was extremely disappointing.

My third issue was the romance. Zero chemistry. The male MC refers to himself as a "beast" at one point when he wasn't being terrible: he was just in a bad mood. They talk about how much "time they wasted" not being together when they've only known one another for a month or so...? It was fast and surprising to everyone when they "loved" one another--including the two MCs. I get it. It's the BatB story, but it wasn't believable. It was cheesy to the max.

I was hovering between 2 stars and 1 star but I truly do think this was a poorly written book. It seemed to me like the author was just trying to fulfill her contract and maybe this project went to the wayside because of other commitments. I thought this retelling series was going to be FANTASTIC based on If The Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy (which I LOVED). But I guess they can't all be winners. I'll be excited to see which retelling is next.

It was a very cute book with very cute moments between Izzy and Beau, but I think that Izzy’s insecurities in herself and her relationships was very repetitive. When we first met Izzy it was very clear she was almost tired and bored from her life but I didn’t really like how it was incorporated throughout the story. Very cute moments between the two mc’s though!

Izzy works for a publishing company and when one thing leads to another, she ends up staying in California with a client because he is struggling so much with writing his memoir. She is there to help him, but along the way sparks fly and feelings are caught.

This book was cute, in the clean, soft romance type of way. I enjoyed the premise of the story. Where this book lost me was that there didn't seem to be a strong conflict. At first I though maybe there would be issues with Izzy and her boss, but nothing like that ever happened. And when the really conflict did happen, it was resolved within a few pages it seemed like.

I adored this modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast! The characters were fun but stayed true to this classic tale. Jasmine Guillory did a fantastic job!

Beauty and the Beast vibes!

Isabelle (Izzy) Marlowe wasn’t so sure about staying in publishing being only Black person working for Tale as Old as Time Publishing and still being an editorial assistant and living at home with her parents. But things changed when she decided to visit her boss’ most troublesome author Beau Towers to figure out the problems he was having with his memoir and hopefully get promoted.

Beau Towers just wanted to be left alone in his Santa Barbara mansion leading to serious Beauty and the Beast vibes with some serious slow burn romance between Beau and Izzy because neither of them wants to admit anything.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love Jasmine Guillory and this was really cute and sweet. Apparently this series is inspired by Disney fairy tales and this was a nice take on Beauty and the Beast. Beauty is Isabelle (Izzy), the assistant to an editor at Tale as Old as Time publishing, her dream job that has basically become a nightmare. While she's out in California for a publishing conference, she ends up being sent by her boss to check in on a celebrity client who was supposed to turn in a memoir like... more than a year ago. Beau Towers, the celebrity, is the Beast, and he's a great Beast - just generally damaged and angry with the world. He challenges Izzy to stay with him to help him write his memoir, and they go from enemies to friends to more. I loved all the subtle references to Disney's Beauty and the Beast (like Izzy feeling like the tub and the snack cabinet are speaking to her). For long time Jasmine Guillory fans, I feel like I should warn you that this is very closed door, but still very sweet and romantic. AND long time fans will love the cozy home scenes and allllllll the eating.

By the Book brings a new and inventive look to Beauty and the Beast. At its heart, it's a story about seeing past someone's exterior. Of taking the time and effort to look beyond. We can hide our true selves behind layers. Behind pieces of our trauma and fear. So By the Book, by extension, it also a story about being seen for who we are and taking the time to find someone who will do the same. With lots of cute references to the original - can you spot them all? - By the Book is a great addition to a promising series.

Book Review
By the Book by Jasmine Guillory
Book 2 in the Disney Meant To Be Series

In this Beauty and the Beast retelling
Izzy is our “Belle” and Beau is our “Beast” complete with Disney references throughout (Tale as Old as Time Publishers, Rose Garden, and library). Their grumpy/sunshine relationship is a slow burn with very little steam- in true Disney fashion their romance is limited to kissing.

First off, I loved the behind the scenes look at the world of writing, editing, and publishing. It makes my inner book nerd happy.

Guillory also presents a new perspective into this professional field. She addresses the racism and sexism faced by many in the industry, for both the writers and the publishers. It was refreshing to see these inequities played out on paper.

Guillory’s reference to the habits that we form when a person has a people pleaser type personality with the tendency to put others opinions above their own really resonated with me. Saying no is soo hard, and putting others needs and wants before my own is a bad habit I share with Izzy.

Another fabulous happily ever after from Jasmine.

Thank you to @netgalley and Hyperion Ave for my gifted copy in return for an honest review. Opinions are my own.

✨Book Review✨
By the Book my Jasmine Guillroy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
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Jasmine Guillroy does it again. She has definitely solidified herself as an auto-buy author for me. This book, loosely based on Beauty and the Beast, has me really questioning my previous statement that I don't love retellings. This retelling was just as subtle and enjoyable as the first in this series (If the Shoe Fits). I can't wait for book three!
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I really had no idea how someone could pull off a Beauty and the Beast retelling without the problematic falling-in-love-with-your-captor troupe, but Guillroy has done it! This was lovely, and contained all of the consent. :)
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Isabelle and Beau were delightful, and I loved the bookish content. It actually reminded me a lot of Must Love Books. I know I haven't said much about the story, but go read this one for yourself! I listened to the audio for most of this book, and while the narrator took me a little getting used to, I ended up loving her.

Isabelle is an editorial assistant as Tale as Old as Time Publishing but the job is nothing like she thought it would be. She sees an opportunity to finally get a promotion and all she has to do is find Beau Towers, aspiring author, to get a copy of his manuscript. When she gets to his house in Santa Barbara, she finds out he is lost just like her.

This is the second book in the Meant to Be series – modern retellings of classic fairytales. Beauty and the Beast is my favorite Disney movie so I thoroughly enjoyed reading Guillory’s take on their story. Beau and Izzy expressed very real and raw emotions and showed tremendous self-development. It was such a fun read. I cant wait to see what the concept will be for the rest of the series.

I love Jasmine Guillory and I love fairytale retellings, so I was super excited to read this! It didn’t quite live up to my expectations—the writing felt a bit more simplistic than Guillory’s previous novels, and things wrapped up a little too quickly/neatly/almost abruptly for my taste. But the interaction between the characters (and particularly their mutual appreciation of a good snack, which is always one of my favorite parts of Guillory’s books!) was still fun, and all the little nods to Beauty and the Beast were charming. Overall, I don’t know that I loved it as much as I’d hoped I would, but it was still a nice, quick read that put a smile on my face.

I love Jasmine Guillory, so I had high hopes for 𝗕𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞. But what this book turned out to be was Jasmine Guillory LIGHT.

𝗕𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 is like weak tea: it's got the essence of something really good that was then significantly watered down.

The characters are watered down.
The conflict is watered down.
The dialog is watered down.
The enemies-to-lovers trope is watered down.
The humor is watered down.
The steam-level is watered down.

In the end, 𝗕𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 is not a bad read, it's just a bland read. It's not quite comedic enough to be a rom-com, not quite engaging enough to be a beach read, and not quite frothy enough to be a Hallmark movie.

I believe these issues are a result of Disney being behind this writing project. It may be exactly what some readers are looking for, but I'll stick with OG Jasmine Guillory from here on out.

𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated PG / Kissing and awareness that characters sleep together. Closed Door.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: parent estrangement
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a pretty light read.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.