A modern take on Beauty and the Beast, with an overwork and underpaid editorial assistant and a recluse writer who refuses to turn in his manuscript. Isabelle “Izzy” adores books, she thought she had the dream job when she first started working at her publishing house but years later she hasn’t moved up anywhere and she’s desperately wants to. When she overhears her boss complaining about a beastly high-profile author who hasn’t turned in his manuscript Isabelle sees the 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 pep talk or two into turning in his work... except it’s not going to be that easy. The moment she meets Beauregard “Beau” Towers they get off on the wrong foot. Beau is jaded and withdrawn, mostly staying inside his mansion and the only person he talks to is his housekeeper. He’s grumpy, a bit rude, and standoffish... except the more they talk and argue the more Izzy and Beau realize that they have more in common than they thought and that maybe their new friendship could be something more. As the deadline to turn in his memoir approaches they both realize that they are running out of time. Soon Izzy and Beau have to ask each other if they are willing to risk it all for love or if somethings do have a deadline. This was such a sweet and cute read. I adore beauty and the beast retellings and this one definitely hit the mark for me!