By the Book by Jasmine Guillory is a Beauty and the Beast retelling with a modern twist. The main character, Isabelle, is relatable, and the story is enjoyable to read. This second instalment in the Meant to Be series is a fun contemporary to watch for.
Title: By the BookSeries: Meant to Be #2
Author: Jasmine Guillory
Publisher: Hyperion Avenue
Genres: Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance
Publication Date: May 10, 2022
Rating:
Series Rating:
Isabelle is completely lost. When she first began her career in publishing right out of college, she did not expect to be twenty-five, living at home, still an editorial assistant, and the only Black employee at her publishing house. Overworked and underpaid, constantly torn between speaking up or stifling herself, Izzy thinks there must be more to this publishing life. So when she overhears her boss complaining about a beastly high-profile author who has failed to deliver his long-awaited manuscript, Isabelle sees an opportunity to finally get the promotion she deserves.
All she has to do is go to the author’s Santa Barbara mansion and give him a quick pep talk or three. How hard could it be?
But Izzy quickly finds out she is in over her head. Beau Towers is not some celebrity lightweight writing a tell-all memoir. He is jaded and withdrawn and—it turns out—just as lost as Izzy. But despite his standoffishness, Izzy needs Beau to deliver, and with her encouragement, his story begins to spill onto the page. They soon discover they have more in common than either of them expected, and as their deadline nears, Izzy and Beau begin to realize there may be something there that wasn't there before.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: By the Book by Jasmine Guillory
The Meant to Be series is a collection of adult contemporaries that are each modernized Disney fairy tale retellings. The series has some fantastic authors in its mix, and as I really enjoyed the first book, If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy, I had a good feeling about this one. Jasmine Guillory has written some well-loved rom-coms, and this newest work does not disappoint! I am excited to read more of this author’s works.
❀ Relatable Main Character
Isabelle is a relatable and determined main character who is easy to root for. She has worked hard to get to where she is in the publishing industry, however she is hoping to be promoted someday soon. When her boss has the idea that she visit the house of an author who is ghosting her, she jumps at the chance to go.
❀ A cute Rom-Com
What ensues is a cute and often hilarious enemies to lovers story that has touches of the original Beauty and the Beast story. Isabelle’s relationship with Beau is one that slowly develops, and it is enjoyable watching these two characters fall in love. This book has a perfect ending as well, which really gives a happily ever after vibe to the story.
❀ Perfect for Summer
By the Book by Jasmine Guillory is a book that will be enjoyable for those that have enjoyed the first novel in the Meant to Be series. It is a quick read that is perfect for summer and will definitely put a smile on your face. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
About Jasmine Guillory
Jasmine Guillory is a graduate of Wellesley College and Stanford Law School. She is a Bay Area native who has towering stacks of books in her living room, a cake recipe for every occasion, and upwards of 50 lipsticks.
About Lori
Avid reader. Contributor to The Candid Cover. Educator.
I am always up for a good retelling! Love the modern take on this one.
It is a really fun series with an adult twist on the retelling!
I love a good rom-com and it sounds like this was one! I had been wondering about it, so was glad to see you review it and enjoy it.
I have really enjoyed this series so far! The books are easy to get into and perfect escape reads.
This sounds like a wonderful book.
This book sounds like a fun read. Love the cover.
Looks like a fun book.
Thanks for the review.
I didn’t know about these adult retellings and I am so excited to know they are a thing! Great review and this sounds delightful
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Yes! Such a fun series for adults!
I loved Murphy’s take on Cinderella and am looking forward to seeing what Guillory did with B&B. The fact that you found it hilarious makes it even more appealing to me. I am all about the funny books.
It is such a perfect rom-com! I think you will enjoy it if you liked Murphy’s book. I need all of the funny books right now! 😉
I love enemies to lovers especially when the book is also funny!
It is perfect, really!
I can’t wait to read both this and If The Shoe Fits, I didn’t realize they were kind of a series! Now I really need to get my hands on them. Must not go order them to sit on my shelves until I have time, but oh I want to so bad! lol Sorry, great review!
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Ha! I am always one for adding new books to my shelves that sit for a long time before I pick them up. I wish I had your restraint! It is a really great series that I am sure you will love when you have the chance to get to it!
This sounds like a wonderful pick me up (and summer read)! — I love these modern retellings!
Absolutely! It is a perfect read for summer!
I would love to read this one this summer sounds really good and one that will keep me interested.
cute cover
Sounds like a sweet read!
i love the art and rep!