It's not often that a book is able to take me completely by surprise, but this one managed to do exactly that in the best of ways. Based on the synopsis, I was expecting a relatively light and fluffy romantic comedy (and would have been happy with that), but the story turned out to have an unexpected twist of angst to it that made it even better. It truly gave me all the feels and I had a tough time putting it down when real life intruded.
I adored both of the main characters, reclusive tech billionaire Malcolm "Mal" Bettencourt, otherwise known as the "Beast of Calico Cove," and aspiring chef Jolie Petit. Mal wasn't nearly as much of a beast as he wanted everyone to think he was, but after an accident that left him both physically and emotionally scarred, the only way he knew how to cope was by becoming a recluse. His involvement with Jolie forced him to take his first tentative steps back into the world, and even though he fought it, he couldn't turn back once he started down the path. Mal had an impact on Jolie as well, pushing her to follow her dreams of attending culinary school and opening her own restaurant. I loved the push-pull between them, as well as their hilarious banter and steamy chemistry.
I highly recommend "Happily Ever...Maybe?" for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans, particularly anyone who enjoys fairy tale retellings, age gap, and/or grumpy-sunshine stories. I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series featuring Jolie's best friend, Lola. (I'm not-so-secretly hoping that local fisherman Roy will be getting a story after that!)
*Review copy provided by the author/publisher via Grey's Promotions. All opinions expressed are my own.
About "Happily Ever...Maybe?"
Welcome to Calico Cove
He's the billionaire Beast of Calico Cove and I'm his sacrificial lamb... I mean, his new employee.
Malcolm Bettencourt is a recluse with a nasty scar across his face and a bad attitude. He has a bone to pick with my family over a loan my dad can't pay back, so in order to save our lobster business, I agreed to live in his house as his housekeeper and cook.
We have nothing in common and there's no reason to think he would want anything to do with someone like me. Except I can't stop thinking about him and he can't stop looking at me.
Author's Note: This Beauty and the Beast retelling includes a grumpy hero, a sassy heroine looking to lose her v-card and a Pretty Woman moment with a black Am-Ex. Oh and an age gap romance with someone who may or may not be her lobster.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments make my day! While I do not expect everyone to agree with my point of view, please note that I reserve the right to delete any nasty or uncharitable messages, as well as spam. Open discussion is welcome and appreciated, but personal attacks are not. Thanks for understanding and have a nice day. :-)