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bina_malde 's review for:
Bookish and the Beast
by Ashley Poston
Like the author, I adore Beauty and the Beast, so when I saw this retelling of my favourite fairy tale I couldn't resist.
Our heroine, Rosie, is the 'Bookish' part of the title, while Vance is the 'Beast'. Due to an unfortunate accident involving a pond and an expensive book, Rosie finds herself organising the library at the house where Vance has been 'sent' by his parents - he considers it a punishment.
While the story was in essence a contemporary form of Beauty and the Beast, it has definitely been written for the teen/YA market as there were numerous references and terms that were new to me.
The author also brought in a touch of inclusivity with LGBT+ characterisation, much of which wasn't explicitly pointed out (why should it be?), although I was left a little confused by Vance's sexual preference.
I have to admit, the story fell a little short as I was really hoping Rosie would tell Vance to get lost - he came across as a spoilt brat, wallowing in his self-induced petty problems, and I did not like him. Even after the big reveal, I couldn't understand why Rosie wanted to be with him - one night of him showing his 'true self' did not erase a lifetime of selfishness.
So, I have mixed feelings about this book. I love the theme, adore all the characters, except Vance. Had Vance shown some redeeming qualities I would be fully on board with the romance nd the book.
Our heroine, Rosie, is the 'Bookish' part of the title, while Vance is the 'Beast'. Due to an unfortunate accident involving a pond and an expensive book, Rosie finds herself organising the library at the house where Vance has been 'sent' by his parents - he considers it a punishment.
While the story was in essence a contemporary form of Beauty and the Beast, it has definitely been written for the teen/YA market as there were numerous references and terms that were new to me.
The author also brought in a touch of inclusivity with LGBT+ characterisation, much of which wasn't explicitly pointed out (why should it be?), although I was left a little confused by Vance's sexual preference.
I have to admit, the story fell a little short as I was really hoping Rosie would tell Vance to get lost - he came across as a spoilt brat, wallowing in his self-induced petty problems, and I did not like him. Even after the big reveal, I couldn't understand why Rosie wanted to be with him - one night of him showing his 'true self' did not erase a lifetime of selfishness.
So, I have mixed feelings about this book. I love the theme, adore all the characters, except Vance. Had Vance shown some redeeming qualities I would be fully on board with the romance nd the book.