The Beast and the Bookseller
Series: Once Upon a Wallflower #1
Author: Eva Devon
Published June 5th 2023 by Entangled: Amara

Goodreads Synopsis
She’s about to make a beast of a bargain in this clever and deliciously engaging fairytale twist, from USA Today bestselling author Eva Devon…

All of London gossips about the Duke of Montrose. A recluse. Inflicted with a terrible disease. A gargoyle with a terrible temper. But he’s also the most important patron of the centuries-old book shop that belongs to Miss Elizabeth Sharpe’s family. Now she’s been charged with delivering books to the Gargoyle of London herself—or risk their shop falling into ruin. But surely a duke can’t be that ghastly…

Garrett Maximilian doesn’t give a tinker’s damn what society says about him. Most of them are sycophants, bowing and scraping in his presence. But not this proud, redheaded spitfire of a woman standing before him. In fact, nothing makes him feel more alive than Miss Elizabeth tartly criticizing his books. Perhaps he just needs a plan to keep her close…

The duke’s glower doesn’t terrify Elizabeth as much as it fascinates her. And worse, he looks at her with a dark hunger that should make her shake with fear—not desire. But Elizabeth’s father has sinister plans in store for his daughter…and this beastly duke might be her only salvation.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Garrett Maximilian, the Duke of Montrose, might have a reputation as a recluse with a tainted past, but as the main patron Miss Elizabeth Sharpe's family bookstore, they are more than happy for his presence. However, he has only ever worked with her father, and when he becomes ill, it falls on Elizabeth to ensure that the Duke gets his weekly book delivery, even if she has to go to his home. Garrett hates unexpected visitors, but when Elizabeth arrives on his doorstep, questioning his reading habits, and making him feel more alive than he has in months, even years, he's ready to make some changes in his life. The ton doesn't affect him, but she definitely does, and when it seems that he might be her only escape from her father's nefarious plans, he will do whatever it takes to protect her.

I loved the way this book had characters and a romance which mirrored Pride and Prejudice, but was not a simple retelling. Elizabeth and Garrett were polar opposites, but when they were together, and started talking, it was clear they were half to the whole that was their romance. Neither fell particularly quickly, but the friendship they formed was true, and made their romance even more sweeter. The machinations of Elizabeth's father were cruel, but Garrett definitely came through to save his love, and it was worth the angst for the happy ending they got!

Dates Read:
September 2-3, 2023

Rating
4 Stars