I LOVE beauty and the beast retellings and this one was absolutely enchanting and different from any other I’ve read! I specially loved it was a YA read as well and the focus on character growth and showing this side of what society expect from both girls and guys, what’s considered good and bad. Jennifer really defied the concept of self-esteem, our worth and learning to accept ourselves and to open our hearts to others.

Arabella is just trying to find her place and the balance between what’s expected of her and fighting for what’s fair and right. Beau is charming with his our troubled past and present. Both definitely are more than what they first appear to be and as a reader, being able to meet them (and all the characters) slowly and steady throughout the book is such a lovely experience - you somehow see them grow and grow a little with them too. I loved all the complex bonds within the plot and all the secondary characters are indispensable!

This is my first book from this author and I enjoyed the writing a lot! The beast curse is a little more than just someone being vain and I LOVED the twist Jennifer gave to it - what a brilliant and innovative way of doing it! I confess I did shed a tear or two towards the end because of Beau brother (and this might sound silly but I blame my older sister personality, seeing this character for the first time after only knowing him through Beau, was both really heartwarming and relieving)!

If you love Beauty and the Beast like me, I super recommend this genderbent YA fairytale retelling!