Bookish and the Beast: A Delightful Retelling of Classic Love
Oh, the thrill of discovering a new Ashley Poston book, especially when it’s a Beauty and the Beast retelling! I nearly squealed with excitement when I heard about Bookish and the Beast. I’ve always had a soft spot for both retellings and Poston’s work, which consistently strikes a chord with my love for fandom culture. Before turning a single page, the title alone had me hooked—who wouldn’t be intrigued by the combination of fairy tale magic and the literary world?
Bookish and the Beast envelops us in the vibrant realm of ExcelsiCon, picking up after the events of ExcelsiCon and introducing us to Rosie Thorne. This young woman is navigating the turbulent waters of grief and financial struggle following the loss of her mother. What struck me most was how Rosie’s journey went beyond just the superficial aspects of her life; it delved deep into her emotional landscape, showcasing the real challenges faced by many during their formative years.
Rosie’s adventure begins when she inadvertently finds herself in the exquisite, albeit abandoned, castle of one Vance Reigns, a brooding actor straight out of a fairy tale. To pay for the damages caused by her errant chase of a dog, she must work for him—setting off a delightful push-and-pull dynamic that kept me invested from page one. The initial connection between Rosie and Vance, sketched in flashes of a fateful night, wasn’t just refreshing but also deeply effective. Poston’s choice to allow us to feel their emotions rather than lay out every detail makes their attraction feel real and relatable. It’s this twist on the romance that gives the story its pulse, avoiding the sometimes labored build-up that can hinder a retelling.
The pacing of the novel was spot-on, keeping me glued to the pages late into the night. With every chapter, I found myself cheering for Rosie and simultaneously shaking my head at the behaviors of the other characters—especially the wonderfully written Gaston-like figure, Garrett. He was the epitome of privilege and self-importance, crafting a compelling contrast to Rosie’s earnest struggles. But what truly made the read sparkle were the side characters, from Rosie’s supportive friends to the nuanced portrayal of Vance, who is far from the typical bad-boy trope. Instead of a tragic backstory, we see him wrestling with his past mistakes—a believable and engaging evolution.
The humor and nods to various fandoms, including an amusing jab at Disney’s acquisition antics, added layers of joy to the reading experience. And can we talk about the delightful inclusivity? The presence of LGBTQ+ characters felt authentic and woven seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing its richness without ever feeling forced.
As I reflect on my late-night reading binge, I can’t help but place Bookish and the Beast high on my list of favorite reads. This book will likely resonate with anyone who has ever felt out of place or grappled with the heartache of youth. It’s a refreshing take on a beloved story, layered with warmth, humor, and genuine emotional depth. If you enjoy fairy tales with a modern twist, characters you can root for, and poignant themes of identity and belonging, this book deserves a place on your TBR!
So, to all who share my excitement for fairy tales reimagined or simply seek a heartfelt reading experience—grab Bookish and the Beast when it releases on June 16th. I promise, it’s a read that will linger long after you’ve turned the last page. Plus, keep an eye out for that cheeky Tom Holland reference; it had me chuckling on more than one occasion!
Discover more about Bookish and the Beast (Once Upon a Con, #3) on GoodReads >>