For the most part I enjoyed this cute graphic novel. In regard to its story, it wasn't outstanding, but it was still fun. It felt a tad bland, but the author notes that this installment is meant to be only the beginning of the story, so maybe future installments will be more gripping. Then again, contemporary romances aren't typically my go-to genre, even when it comes to graphic novels and comics, so it may be more of a "me issue." The art, however, was really beautiful. It was colorful and cute and definitely fit the fairytale aesthetic that Doku was clearly striving for.

Loved it! I really liked the character designs, even better than the sketches or preliminary designs at the end. I also liked all the friends but I wish we got more of a backstory when it came to Pavao and the tension between him and Brielle. I really enjoyed the montage of them during winter break as well.

I really liked parts of this and other parts not so much. To start off with I loved the art! It was beautiful and Brielle's hair especially was always amazing!! The overall story line was sweet. The meta points about fairy tales felt a little on the nose and there were some characters that I didn't really understand what they were doing there. But as far as I understand this is from a web comic so it could be they have more to do later.

Brielle and Bear is a cute and fun graphic novel. There are undertones of deeper topics, but they don't weigh down the story. The graphics are colorful and fun and the characters are loveable! Recommended for YA graphic novel collections!

I received this book for free for an honest review. This had a very good concept and the art was phenomenal. I love the diversity that it represents.

The cutest freaking graphic novel EVER!! I enjoyed this version of the beauty and the beast! I really wished I had something like this growing up and not in my thirties lol Brielle was soo cute and kind and I loved how "Bear" didn't take any mess when it came to her! My first read by Salomey Doku and it won't be my last!!

Brielle is attending Once Upon A Time University for her freshman year. She bumps into Atohi (aka Bear) while working her job at the bookshop. Bear is a rugged rugby player for OUAT’s Princes team, but deep down is a romantic at heart because he loves reading about fairy tales and romance and writes poetry. Brielle and Bear instantly crush on one another. The story progresses where they try to fit in with their peers – Brielle with the snobby Soleil and Luna Guild (at her behest but with strong pleading and encouragement by her BFF Rosalie) and Bear with his macho team mates and adoring eyes from the cheerleaders.

I truly enjoyed this story. It was akin to a realistic fairy tale. The story provides fairy tale rules. I love how there is representation for POC and learning disabilities. The artwork and colors are beautiful and fun. The speech bubbles and text were so unique. You will find flowers drawn on the perimeter of speech bubbles to denote romance or crushing. Text may be thrown here in there outside of the speech bubbles in varying fonts, boldness and directions. In another graphic novel I may find this disconcerting, but it totally works for this graphic novel!

Kudos to the author for this enchanting debut graphic novel. I hope there will be a sequel to the book and hope the author plans to make it an ongoing series. I definitely will be there to read it!

Basically this is a meet cute love at the first sight romance with a sprinkle of fairytale, specifically beauty and the beast. I really love the illustrations, it’s so adorable and eye-pleasing, and massive points for the diversity. But unfortunately the story wasn’t hitting it for me. Nothing’s special, just basic uni drama. I wished Brielle & Pavão’s backstory would be explained because clearly they have a history but alas. And the text bubble placements were a bit disorienting sometimes. So IDK if i’d read the next volume…

I absolutely adore this graphic novel. I absolutely fell in love with the drawing style. It's so beautiful and loving. I could gaze at some of the scenes for hours. The story might not be the most thrilling, but it's the depth and sincerity of the emotions that make it so special. The characters are so intriguing, each with their own secret or two. I'm excited to see what happens next!

This graphic novel featured some stunning artwork. I appreciated the fact that there was so much detail put into the character designs and the settings. I also loved how almost all of the characters were people of color. That being said, I felt as though that this graphic novel wasn’t completely for me. It felt as though things were too easily resolved and rushed on. It was still an enjoyable, cute read and I will continue to check out the rest in the series upon their release.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this story.
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW

The art of this graphic novel was BEAUTIFUL! I need this author/artist to do 2D animation. I think their style is perfect for it!!! Overall I did enjoy the story too. I liked how different all the characters were and how they struggle with different things. I'm a little confused about Pavo though and his connection to Brielle. There wasn't a lot of actual backstory in this volume aside from Bear and Brielle both opening up about how they were bullied. The most backstory we get is from Bear but nobody else really has that. I also didn't even realize that Brielle had vitiligo because there wasn't much of an obvious distinction in her skin tone. I honestly thought it was like highlights and shading. I don't know if there's some forms of vitligo that's very obvious and some that isn't but I think it should be a bit more distinct than what I saw. Regardless, I enjoyed the story and the art style and I'm looking forward to reading more.

Thank you to Random House Children's Books and NetGalley for this E-ARC!

This was my first graphic novel with a mainly black cast (don’t judge me) and it was beautiful. I loved the fairy tale concept, and it tied into everything so seamlessly—the campus, the art, the language. The only thing missing was literal magic, but the atmosphere was magical and whimsical enough. Even though it’s light and fluffy, the story covers some important topics as well that you’ll just have to read to find out. I loved the characters and the relationships (established and ones in progress). I did have issues following the dialogue at times because I’m not used to the formatting (I mostly read manga). I’d think I was on the right track but then on the other page the format would flip, making me reread a couple of times until I was reading in the correct order. Not sure if I’m making sense, but this is something I can get used to with a few more volumes. Overall, I had a great time, and I plan on continuing the series. This was a great introduction to the world. There were several story threads that were subtly intertwined that I think were perfect for longevity. I have so many questions, but not the kind that leaves me unfulfilled. I’m so excited for the second volume.

This was so cute and sweet! A quick fairy tale romance that doesn't rush anything. So cute! Brielle is beautiful inside and out and I love her blue streak in her hair. Bear is very swoony. I look forward to the 2nd book! The easiest 5 star decision I've made on a book recently. The illustration of the story is beautiful and adds even more to the fairy tale feel.

Thank you to Netgalley for the e-Arc!

I requested this one because of the cover and the cover art. The drawings throughout were fantastic, really fun. However, I found the storyline hard to follow. There wasn't a ton of character development, so the character's personalities didn't really come through and the story jumped around a bit making it confusing as to what was happening. I'll still read more from this author, but some revisions could be done in the future to make the story clearer.

Honestly one of the cutest graphic novels that I have read in a long time! I truly enjoyed this story it was so perfect! I loved the development of characters, the drawings, and the art style was so unique! I loved the line up of characters from Brielle, Rosalie, to Malachi. I can relate a lot to Brielle as we have similar personalities and it was so refreshing to see a "shy prince" version of the beast in this rendition of a fairy tale retelling. Overall a five out of five star read! This book is prefect if you are looking for a fun, cute, beauty and the beast retelling!

Thank you to Netgalley and Salomey Doku for giving me a digital copy to review!

This book was absolutely adorable! The characters were diverse and lovable, the story flowed smoothly without going to fast or slow, and the fairy tale aspects were so cute! I think my favorite part was the sprinkling of Easter eggs from different fairy tales through the story, but there was nothing I disliked about this book. I hope to read the next one as well!

Cute graphic novel! I love fairly tale retellings and new twists on old favorite stories and fairy tales. This was a fun, easy read with two absolutely adorable main characters. Can't wait to read more in this series!

I first heard about this graphic novel through NetGalley and when I saw it pop up on a couple lists, I requested and received a digital ARC for review. First, I went into this book thinking it would be a high school LGBTQ romance twist on Beauty and the Beast, which inaccurately judges the cover. This book takes place in the fictional Once Upon a Time University (so college, not high school). While there is a lot of diversity among the cast of characters, Bear is a male lead in a cis-hetero romance. Also, while Brielle is a book-loving female lead, the plot is not a take on Beauty and the Beast. Aesthetically, roses fill the pages and the coloring is absolutely dreamy. While I like the illustrations, the book feels a bit chaotic and cluttered. Also, I didn’t really feel the chemistry and the plot was lacking (my biggest critique that really hurts the overall rating). 3.5 stars.

Brielle and Bear is a very cute romcom style book where opposites atttract. Bear is an athlete, Brielle a bookworm, and they are instantly smitten with each other. Miscommunication causes some trouble, but it all works out in the end. The artwork is very cute and the colors give the story a cheery feel.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc!

This book follows a book lover, Brielle as she navigates her crush and her other relationships. I really love the art style. I love the diversity in this book. The ending really got me cause I wanted more. I am looking forward to the next volume! It was a nice introduction to these characters.