Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.42 AVERAGE
3.42 AVERAGE
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Beauty and the Brooding CEO is such a sweet, modern twist on Beauty and the Beast. It feels fresh and down-to-earth, mixing the charm of the original story with real-life challenges. I loved how the art aspect tied Everett and Cora’s journeys together. It added something really unique and meaningful. Their relationship grows in such a natural way, built on understanding and vulnerability, which makes it so easy to root for them. This isn’t a magical, fairytale romance; it’s about finding comfort and strength in small, real moments. The way the book handles healing and personal growth felt super authentic too, balancing the sweetness of romance with relatable struggles. It’s a great reminder that love and self-discovery can go hand in hand. If you enjoy fairytales with a realistic vibe, this one’s definitely worth picking up!
I love how this story mirrors Beauty & the Beast. It has aspects of Cinderella, too, because of the class divide and Cora's new wardrobe. It incorporates the modern world of finance and society + art with classic fairy tale themes. Everett is a hermit living alone in his snowy mountain estate since an accident left him scarred and fatherless while Cora is the art conservator who is charged with restarting his father's extensive art gallery. I love the epilogue. It leaves the story on the right note. Though there was conflicting information about how the portrait The Ringlet Lady came to be owned by the Winthrope family. Did Everett's father purchase it, as stated? Or has his family owned it since the artist painted it of his great-grandmother? The typos were distracting, too. Overall, another lovely addition to the Harlequin Romance shelf.