So I had to read this book because If The Shoe Fits was honestly one of my favorite reads in 2021, and since this was it's 'sequel' (or really, another book with the same theme of Disney retellings, so you do not have to read the first book, though I highly recommend it) It did not disappoint. Despite having a different author (the first book was written by Julie Murphy) I still felt the same excitement (i.e magic, maybe?) reading this book, still fell in love with Izzy and Beau, and even had little doses of childhood nostalgia reading this retelling of the class story of Beauty and the Beast.

Just like its predecessor, this isn't a carbon copy of the original tale...it's a retelling set in the modern world for adult readers. If you're looking for something that is exactly the same, or something that is the same-just add smut- then this will disappoint. I personally enjoyed the fact that the tale was inspired by, and included fun nods like the library scene, the wifi password, and the iconic yellow dress. Something that I knew to expect, but others might not, is that this book feels very wholesome and sweet with no spicy tension that adult romance readers like myself might have come to expect in our novels. I was surprised that this didn't make the novel fall flat for me...it was compelling enough to stand on it's own without having to rely on steamy scenes to keep the reader interested.

There are elements of the sunny one and the grumpy one in this novel...though I suppose that was to be expected based on it's inspiration. Izzy is true to the Belle spirit with her love for books and independence...she's honestly one of the best princesses to bring to modern day considering she felt before her time in her 'poor provincial town.' Beau starts off with the grumpy front, but eventually Izzy sees past the façade and the two eventually work together, start a friendship, bring out the best in one another, and fall in love. It's an ooey gooey sort of romance, and honestly just feels like chicken soup to the soul. I cannot recommend this book enough!

Jasmine Guillory is the queen of contemporary romance. She absolutely knocked this retelling of Beauty and the Beast out of the park. I loved watching Izzy navigate her work as an editorial assistant and growing in her career. Beau, like Beast, was a lovable curmudgeon and I only wanted to see the best for him. The references back to the Disney version of Beauty and the Beast were spot on and I cheered every time one popped up. And I think we could all use a Michaela in our lives. Great characterization, wonderful setting, and a heartwarming story all around. I recommend this to any Disney/fairytale fan and anyone looking for a heartwarming comfort read. So well done!

A sweet retelling of Disney's Beauty and the Beast, sure to appeal to fans of the animated film, with lots of fun Easter- eggy references. It's a story every reader will likely know before beginning page one, but Guillory adds interesting nuance with Beau's family backstory and Isabelle's work in the publishing industry. Though the main characters are in their twenties, the book is very rated G, with nothing more than nondescript kissing even mentioned, let alone behind closed doors, so I suspect this would also appeal to teen and tween readers, especially those who love the Disney film. The book is also low on conflict, with a lot of pure joy on the page as the two main characters enjoy cooking, writing, chatting, eating, surfing, and snuggling together, so it's a total comfort read, and a great choice for those looking for a few hours away from the chaos of the world with nice characters, in a beautiful setting, dong things they like to do while falling in love.

I swear, JG is one of my top five favorite authors! She never fails to draw you in to every story she concocts and may you feel as if you’re imbedded in it. Beau and Izzy were beautifully written characters and I loved all the Beauty and the Beast references! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

I usually love Jasmine Guillory's books and Beauty and Beast is my favorite fairytale so I had high hopes for this book- that unfortunately fell very flat. The writing was simplistic and the characters lacked depth and chemistry with one another. I understand it was a closed door romance but there was no swoon or steam. The characters felt like friends who snacked all the time then suddenly were in love? The beauty and beast references were very minimal. I had hoped this one would include the signature charm, heart and humor that Jasmine's books typically include but this was a huge disappointment.

Things I did like: discussion of book writing and publishing industry as a whole

Thank you Hyperion and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy.

I have loved and recommended Jasmine Guillory since her first book; Beauty and the Beast is my favorite trope so I thought I would love this book, but I didn’t. It lacked the energy and the whip-smart dialog that I was expecting. The BATB references were clever but perhaps these constraints dampened her usual sparkle.

I appreciated the discussions about the writing process between Izzy and Beau, the interesting deep dive into the publishing world, and their slow build romance. All of this was likable, but I just didn’t love it…and I wanted to.

Also By the Book goes back to closed door love scenes like her first book,The Wedding Date. Guillory has evolved with her love scenes, Party of Two being her steamiest. Perhaps this was another constraint by the format of the Meant to Be series.

Thank you NetGalley and Hyperion for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This entire book screamed “Modern-Day-Beauty-&-the-Beast”. There was constant personification of objects, there was a tea shop called “Off to the Cupboard”, Beau had a floor to ceiling library inside his mansion, & Izzy’s publishing company was called “Tale as Old as Time Pub”. Even Beau & Izzy’s personalities coincided with the those of Belle & the Beast 😂 Since that was my favorite princess Disney movie I loved seeing the similarities.

This was a very cute, quirky book revolving around escapism, pursuing the road less traveled no matter the obstacles, &, as the title suggests, BOOKS!

My biggest complaint was that there were a lot of arguments Beau & Izzy had that seemed too trivial for grown adults to be upset over in my opinion & there were times throughout the book that the dialogue seemed a bit repetitive.

All in all though this was a cute book & fit to read since Valentines Day is right around the corner

3.5/5 stars. Such a fun, modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast. This was a quick, easy read with great characters set in a beautiful location. This was different from Jasmine Guillory’s other books in that it teetered a little closer to YA than NA. Would make a perfect summer, beach read.

Thank you the the publisher via NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

By The Book by Jasmine Guillory was such a fun story! It's a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, but it's not a scene for scene remake, it is an original story with hints and flavors of the fairytale and movies. There are completely adorable references to the versions of this fairytale that we know.

I am a sap for books about books! Books about reading, writing, editing, and publishing books, books about libraries, sign me right up!

Izzy works at a publishing house, she is compliant, keeps her opinions to herself, and is just trying to make it in the publishing world. She finds herself at the magical house of Beau, a reclusive, uncommunicative author who needs to finish a memoir. Beau is grumpy and curt, a total Beast. And Izzy is having NONE of it! She finds her voice and ends up staying to help Beau with his book. Over time they become friends, books are written and edited, the house works its magic, there is surfing, a snack cabinet, and love.

Izzy and Beau confront pieces of themselves. They grow. They become better human beings. I loved this book, and I will be reading it again!

I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is such a perfect romance read for the book nerd. This is Guillory at her finest and I loved everything about it. I didn't want it to end.

This book was a super cute light easy read. I really liked the subtle homage to Beauty and the Beast, like the wifi password. I also enjoyed how she was able to make you feel like Izzy was imprisoned with out actually imprisoning her.

This was a modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast and I really enjoyed the way that Jasmine Guillory included elements of the original fairytale. There were cute little Easter eggs throughout the story. I do feel like this was way more PG and immature than I expected. This felt more like a teenage romance with the way they acted and the arguments they had. Also, the set up for their continued interactions was completely unbelievable. I had to do the biggest eye roll because there was no way that would have happened in real life. I did like the way Isabelle and Beau talked out their disagreements (even if they were a little repetitive). Overall it was a quick easy read, but it just didn’t live up to Jasmine Guillory’s past works.
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC to review.
#bythebook #Netgalley

❤️ I enjoyed this modern retelling of beauty and the beast. it felt like it’s own unique story while incorporating enough elements from the original to resonate and feel nostalgic. the bookish themes were everything and I appreciated the perspective of a block woman in publishing.

❤️ the setting had me ready to get on a plane and fly to California and I definitely got lost in the magic of the house!

💔 the pacing of conflicts and their resolution felt a bit rushed and a few components of the story were wildly unrealistic (but I guess that’s part of the fun!).

overall it was a cute and happy read, but nothing that will be super memorable. it was fun to read and I’m glad I read it.

This book is just as wonderful as you hope it will be. It has enough little dustings of Beauty and the Beast references while keeping the overall trope, and yet enough heart and reality to keep up with her other wonderful contributions to contemporary romance.

Ms. Guillory does not disappoint. Her books are amazing and the character development is top-notch. I need to remember that I can't put her books down so starting her books at 11 pm is not recommended. Well Done!

Thank you for this ARC! I just loved this book! I read it in under 48 hours and it was a delight from start to finish. The characters were charming and likable, making you root for each one of them. All the publishing world and bookstore details were such a joy to read. There was just enough drama to keep things interesting, but romance and love prevailed. If you are a fan of romance books, this one will not disappoint!!!

BY THE BOOK was everything I hoped it would be and so much more.
All the stars for this fun, breezy, light, fast paced rom-com that I simply couldn't put down.
I love how Jasmine Guillory brought this story to life
The characters and plot swept me up and I felt immersed in the charming and magical world.
Isabelle was smart, witty, beautiful, and went for what she wanted. 
The chemistry between Izzy and Beau is terrific, parts of the dialogue had me freaking smiling from ear to ear!
This story kept me completely entertained and I could not put it down - which is probably why I finished it in one sitting. 
So many elements just came together perfectly and created a PHENOMENAL, sweet romance.
A delightful page-turner. I enjoyed every moment.

Hyperion Avenue,
I can't thank you enough for this eARC!
I will post to my blog and platforms close to pub date!

Very cute! This was pretty tame and there is no heat, but it was a fun read. I liked book 1 more, but this was a good follow-up for the serious and was a good reimagining of the beauty and the beast story.

My first NetGalley ARC! 🥳
This book was so stinkin’ cute. Izzy and Beau were the perfect romantic escape couple that make you want to change your life. It was a liiiiiiiittle predictable and there were times where I wanted them to fall in love faster (forgive me). Overall it was entertaining and for sure a book I’d recommend to someone else.

I am a huge Jasmine Guillory and fairytale fan, this book was such a delight to read. I loved that it gave nods at the fairytale but was still completely it’s own story. I got this as an arc (thank you again to the publisher), and can’t wait to see it in print. This is a must read for all rom-com lovers.