I was a little skeptical of how I was going to like the book when Gemma says she hates snow but I knew I was going to love it when the Tomato Sauce scene happened. I laughed to myself and rolled my eyes just as I imagined Gemma did.

The world-building was quite good and I liked every character in their own little way but the banter is what won me over. Despite being a Beauty and the Beast retelling, I definitely second the Bridgerton vibes. Elliott is is the brooding royal we readers can never resist and Gemma is the independent bookworm we all see ourselves as. I also really appreciated the female empowerment Gemma embodies and that she is strong enough to carry her own giant stack of books.

Overall, it's a fast paced Beauty and the Beast retelling with some slow burn romance and I will definitely be reading more from Tessonja! Also, this cover is gorgeous!

Thanks so much to the author for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!