Fantasy writer Jack R.R. Bestia has a major problem: he's suffering from a severe case of writer's block, and with the publication date for the seventh and final book of
his mega-successful Onyx Throne series quickly approaching, he fears his career might be over. Unaware of his
struggles, Jack's publisher has arranged an interview for him with an important New York-based newspaper to build hype for the release. Reporter Bonnie Hamelin reluctantly accepts the assignment, but after a previous encounter with Jack ended in her humiliation, she's not looking forward to seeing him again. Unfortunately, their second meeting isn't much better than the first, and a misunderstanding results in a month-long "vacation" for Bonnie as a "guest" in Jack's home. As they're forced to spend time together under the same roof, the attraction between them grows, and Bonnie realizes that Jack might not be quite as "beastly" as he first seemed. A series of past betrayals have left him deeply mistrustful of love, however. Will he be able to figure out a way to put the past behind him so that he can move forward with Bonnie?
Jack and Bonnie were an incredibly entertaining couple, with tons of chemistry and witty banter. I loved the slow build of their romance and couldn't wait for them to finally take things to the next level. Bonnie was an endearingly awkward protagonist, and I loved her sunny disposition and totally related to her love of books. As for Jack, his outer grumpiness was protecting a tender heart and tremendous capacity for love; he had been hurt so many times in the past that it was tough for him to open himself up again, but Bonnie showed him that it was worth taking a risk for the right person.
In addition to Bonnie and Jack, I loved the book's quirky, endearing secondary characters. I particularly enjoyed the sweet flirtation between Bonnie's father, Bill, and Jack's
housekeeper, Mrs. Potts. Jack's younger brother, tech genius Hunter, was also intriguing, and I'm excited to learn more about him in the next book of the series.
In short, I highly recommend this funny, sweet, and heartwarming tale for all fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy. It was the first book I've read by this author, but it certainly won't be the last.
*Review copy provided by the author/publisher via Give Me Books Promotions. All opinions expressed are my own.
About "Bookworm and the Beast"
I’ve been sent into the lair of the beast....
It should be a dream assignment—leave my boring day-to-day routine and travel to a seaside mansion to interview superstar author Jack R. R. Bestia. Who wouldn’t want that?
Me, that’s who.
He has a reputation for being reclusive and temperamental, but that’s not why I’m leery of the assignment. It’s because the first (and last) time I met Jack… well, let’s just say I didn’t make a good impression.
When I get to the mansion—which is more like a secluded castle—things don’t go much better. I’m sure he’s going to throw me out entirely. The only way I manage to squeak in is by signing a massive non-disclosure agreement. And I soon figure out why.
Jack has a secret—and it’s a big one.
Now that iron-clad contract I signed means I have to stay here until his long-overdue book is finished—and he’s not going to make it easy.
Jack acts every bit as beastly as the tabloids claimed, and I feel like a fairytale princess trapped in his tower. But every once in a while I get a glimpse of the charming (not to mention super sexy) man beneath the growly exterior and I wonder... could this beast be tamed?
Bookworm and the Beast is a full-length hot romantic comedy retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It's a standalone enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, slow burn romance with no cheating or cliffhangers but plenty of humor and heart.
Read an Excerpt from "Bookworm and the Beast"
Bonnie was silent as she read, her face paling with each line she scanned. When she looked up at me, her expression was disbelieving and at the same time utterly defeated. A tide of satisfaction washed through me.
“This is ludicrous,” she said at last. “You don’t really expect me to adhere to this, do you?”
I crossed my arms over my chest. “Why wouldn’t I? You signed it.”
“Yes but… this says I can’t see anyone, can’t talk to anyone outside of this house. It says you’ll confiscate my laptop and my phone.”
“It sure does. Right there in black and white.” I gave her a wicked grin, enjoying her astonished indignation. Now she knew how it felt.
She stared at me then looked back at the contract, as if the writing on the page might have magically changed in the past minute. When her gaze came back up to meet mine there were a million questions behind her eyes.
There was also a new understanding.
I owned her.
“Are you going to have me… locked in my apartment?”
“No.”
Her shoulders relaxed but then tensed again when I elaborated. “You’ll be staying here. Where I can keep an eye on you and make sure you’re not spilling any secrets.”
“Here?” Her eyes bulged. “At your house? For how long?”
“Until I turn the book in.”
“Your deadline is four weeks from now.”
“That’s right.”
Her mouth dropped open and she let out a gasp of shock. “I can’t stay here for a month.”
It was a little bizarre to force a woman to stay in your home. But what choice did I have? I couldn’t risk the truth getting out. I’d be ruined. Bonnie had just proven she wasn’t trustworthy.
And I refused to let those slivers of guilt go any deeper. This was her fault, not mine. She’d forced me into this. I didn’t like it any more than she did.
After a lengthy pause, Bonnie uttered a begrudging, “Fine.”
“Fine. So we have an agreement.” A sense of relief spread through me, enabling my tightly bunched muscles to relax a fraction. “I have your promise you won’t leave?”
She rolled her eyes. “I wasn’t aware I had a choice.”
“You don’t. And I’ll make you a promise in return. I won’t keep you a second longer than is absolutely necessary. Four weeks, and then you’re out of here on your nosy little ass.”
Her expression grew more troubled as she appeared to accept her fate and began to understand what it all meant.
“My things are still back at the Seacliff Inn—my laptop, my clothes—I only have two days’ worth with me. And where will I sleep?” she asked.
“Harrison will go to the hotel and check you out, pack your things, and bring your bags here. Whatever else you need I can order and have delivered. If you’re worried about the potential awkwardness of living in the same house, don’t be. It’s a big place. I can assure you—we won’t be seeing much of each other. I have no desire to spend any further time with you.”
I extended my hand, palm up. “I’ll take that phone now.”
Her mouth dropped open, then closed again and her jaw hardened. “Do I at least get a call first?”
“A call?” I barked an incredulous laugh. “What part of ‘no contact with the outside world’ did you not understand?”
Her chin jutted out. “I believe one phone call is standard procedure for all prisoners.”
“You’re not in a prison. You’re in a mansion.”
“Am I allowed to leave?”
“No.”
“Then it’s a prison.”
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