Buddy Reads

Smashed Beauty #1

by Dhara Shah

When Beauty Meets the Beast Bookish Style!

Ishan, aka Shaan, is an ugly celebrity villain who has acted in over 100 Bollywood movies. Stardom works negatively for a villain, so he finds solace in books. He is shooting for a few films in Hollywood. Isabella, aka Izzy, is an attractive librarian and a famous book blogger. Ishan comes across Izzy's buddy reading post and the two get close. Will Isabella fall in love with Ishan despite his ugly appearance? Will she see his heart behind his complicated layers? Read this spicy celebrity romantic comedy, a contemporary retelling of Beauty and the Beast.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Ebooks, Beauty and The Beast

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2023

About the author

Dhara Shah is an American author based in Phoenix. She writes multicultural romantic comedies and contemporary romance novels and novellas, offering both spicy and sweet/clean stories. Her works feature relatable characters intricately woven into social, psychological, and physical relationships with others and society.

With a background in psychology, Dhara skillfully portrays her characters in real-life situations, adding depth and authenticity to her storytelling. A firm believer in happily-ever-after endings, she demonstrates that happiness can take many forms, depending on the individual.

As a first-generation American, Dhara embraces her dual heritage, , blending the richness of Indian and American cultures into her life and her writing.

Reviews

[Elizabeth Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was so excited for a cross-cultural Beauty and the Beast book nerd romance.

38 pages into the book and I'm ready to DNF.

I've read better prose written by a 12 year old. The dialogue is what I would expect from a 5th grade writing level. The characters are so flat they may as well be cardboard cut-outs. The 'spice' and self-image angst makes the MMC sound like -again- a 12 year old boy who's just discovered Playboy. The self-assured FMC just sounds rude when she asks for what she wants, and her dialogue and inner monologue are attempts to prove insightfulness that just don't. It's just so bad I can't believe it's not an AI generated novel. Actually, I think AI could write a better novel.

And TBH, many of the highly rated reviews also make me think something is up - one claims to not know the story of Beauty and the Beast because they're from Europe. Honey, La Belle et la Bête is a French fairytale from the 1750s. What European rock do you live under? 🤣

[Disha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title : Buddy Reads
Author : Dhara Shah
Genre : Contemporary Retelling Rom-com
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
Spicy : 🌶🌶🌶 / 5


Blurb: When Beauty Meets the Beast Bookish Style!
Ishan, aka Shaan, is an ugly celebrity villain who has acted in over 100 Bollywood movies. Stardom works negatively for a villain, so he finds solace in books. He is shooting for a few films in Hollywood. Isabella, aka Izzy, is an attractive librarian and a famous book blogger. Ishan comes across Izzy’s buddy reading post and the two get close. Will Isabella fall in love with Ishan despite his ugly appearance? Will she see his heart behind his complicated layers? Read this spicy celebrity romantic comedy, a contemporary retelling of Beauty and the Beast.


Synopsis:  The story is about an ugly celebrity villain who has a crush on simple yet beautiful librarian and book blogger.  They got to know each other better during their buddy reading. Eventually they became good friends. In this journey their chracters developed a lot, Shaan was able to open up about his insecurities with her. Will they be able to fall in love despite their indifferences.


My review : I personally loved this book so much. It helped me in coming out of my reading slump. This is the best book I have read so far in this year. I haven"t sobbed and laughed this much in a long time🤭🥹 The characters, their names, their background, whole plot and mention of Indian culture was just heartwarming. I liked the depcition of Indian culture and International culture. I had a fair share of action, spiciness and cute moments. Every now or then something is happening which will keep you hooked to this amazing book. I really enjoyed this book I am literally out of words to describe it. The ending will keep you eagerly waiting for its second part but the cliffhanger is totally worth it!!! It was the best retelling you could ever find. I would highly recommend it to anyone😭🫶💐

Thank you Dhara Shah for writing such a marvelous piece🫶

Now available on KU!! Soon to be released in paperback😁

[Sanjhanaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buddy Reads by Dhara Shah✨
{ARC REVIEW}

Book 1 of Smashed Beauty Series

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️

First I’d like to say thank you to the author for providing the ARC copy of her latest release ❤️

Buddy reads is a contemporary romance. After months of reading Romantasy, I believe a shift was needed and this book was perfect. The main characters are Izzy, a librarian and Shaan, a bollywood actor or more knowingly a villain.

For starters, this book is fast paced. There’s no slow burn. Also, it goes straight to the plot. There’re no flashbacks. The terms bookstagram and booktok really impressed me. I felt connected to that world pretty easily. The spice in this book was on point. It didn’t felt forced or ruin the storyline. And let’s not forget the multicultural aspects. It was spot on. Each and every part was explained perfectly. Also, this book is an easy read. Those who’s first language isn’t English and is willing to read an English book, Buddy Reads is definitely a book to consider. Overall I had fun reading it. It only took me a day and a half to finish it. So you can tell I was pulled into the plot.

The book is now available on KU! 🥳🥳

Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CC8WVX5S

[Katie Bing · Rating 1 out of 5]

I DNF'ed this sucker so fast. made it to maybe 25%? No, thank you! I read a lot and can get over a lot, but the dialog and inner monologs are awful, not to mention the guy is icky.

[hannahlovesliteracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Review✨

Buddy Reads by Dhara Shah @dharashahauthor ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Part 1 of the Smashed Beauty Series available now! Buddy Reads: A Contemporary Retelling of Beauty and the Beast https://a.co/d/8rO7xRY

Ishan and Izzy. Two different personalities and appearances. A bookworm celebrity and a librarian that blogs. Will they fall in love despite their differences?

Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorites so this retelling was up my alley although it isn’t my usual go to genre. I truly enjoyed it! The flow was nice and the story kept me invested. The end also tugged at my heart strings. I highly recommend this book if you like a good (mildly) spicy comedy romance!

Part 2 of the Smashed Beauty Series coming soon!

#review #bookfunnel #buddyreads #dharashah #amazon #goodreads #bookstagram #bookreview #beautyandthebeast #retelling #spicy #comedy #romance

[Amanda Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was fantastic and had me hooked from the start. I fell in love with the characters immediately and couldn’t not like them. The ending though … when does book two come out?!?!? I’m DYING to know what happens. Thank you to Dhara for my ARC copy!

[Iliana Tiller · Rating 3 out of 5]

A contemporary retelling of Beauty and the Beast thats modern and insightful. Izzy is our "Beauty" who works as a librarian who, like many, has an active bookstagram and booktok accounts that allows her to connect with others about her current reads. She creates a post for a buddy read, something that allows her to read a book with someone at the same time so that it can be discussed in real time.
Enter Shaan, a famous villain Bollywood movie star, that also looks like a villain in real life to the facial deformities he has in real life. Shaan does not want his real identity to be revealed to Izzy due to his insecurities over his looks and fame.
I liked the banter between the characters and enjoyed that the characters were from different cultures. One thing that I enjoyed is the time the author took to delve into the cultural differences that can be overlooked by someone who does not understand why certain actions can be dishonorable in their culture vs being someone who just has an anger problem. I loved Izzy and her relate ability to someone that speaks her mind and is not afraid to express her emotions and boundaries.
Shaan was someone that I felt bad for and also relatable, he shows insecurity and at the beginning, shies away from showing vulnerability due to previous encounters with people in the past while having a quick temper. He is very self aware of what and who he is.
This relationship blooms from friendship at a very quick pace.
Cons of this book for me is when it goes into the spicy parts of book quickly. I would have enjoyed more of a slow transition from friends to lovers. I wanted to get to know the characters better as individuals before they started their romantic relationship.

[Sakshi Nair · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Buddy Reads" effortlessly weaves together the worlds of celebrities and book aficionados to deliver a spicy and heartwarming romantic parable.
The cross cultural elements were articulately placed in the storyline .
I loved how the story was fast paced without missing the grip of narrative.

The Book centers around the unique dynamic between our two protagonists, Shaan and Isabella, showcasing the complexities of love and the importance of looking beyond appearances.

Shaan, portrayed as an "ugly celebrity villain," adds an intriguing layer to the storyline. Despite his success in Bollywood movies, we quickly learn that stardom has its downsides, leaving Shaan seeking solace in the refuge of books. This nuanced portrayal adds depth and relatability to his character, highlighting the flaws and insecurities that even celebrities can grapple with.

Isabella, also known as Izzy, is a librarian and esteemed book blogger. The story cleverly brings together her love for literature and her presence in the world of celebrities. When Ishan discovers Izzy's engaging buddy reading post, their connection begins to blossom, leading to a surprising and unconventional romance.

"Buddy Reads" explores the theme of inner beauty triumphing over external appearances. As their relationship evolves, Izzy's love for Ishan grows despite his perceived ugliness.

With a mix of romance, humor, and self-discovery, "Buddy Reads" offers an engaging and lively narrative. The chemistry between the two leads, is something you cannot miss.
Can't wait to read more by the Author.

Thank you for the ARC .I have to read the next part.

[Mohini Shukla · Rating 5 out of 5]

So to start with the review, the first thing I want to do is say Thanks to the author to count me in her ARC circle.
Now to start with the name and the cover of the book, it perfectly goes with the content of the book. The cover is attractive for Book lovers as well as LOVERS.
The storyline of the book is full of roller coasters, it has romance, passion, jealousy, love, admiration, thrill, excitement and many more elements which makes this story a must-read for every book lover.
My favourite thing about this book is the story delivery. The way the author has weaved the story and the way she has portrayed human's raw emotions and vulnerable sides is marvellous. It's been a while since I read something with simple language but complicated emotions.
Now if I go with characters then I would like to highlight the friendship between Jeet and Shaan. I think we all deserve a friend like Jeet. They had an imperfectly perfect friendship.
The lead characters of the book Izzy and Shaan have my heart and the story of their love, touched my soul. I am waiting for the second book so I will know which man in the story will go through the hard time of their life.

I do not want to say anything regarding the storyline because it is impossible for me to describe it in a few words. But I will suggest everyone read this (read with your partner), if you are not reading it then you are missing something special.

**I found my soul reflection in Shaan as I also do not fit under beauty standards and my love got also rejected, and I also feel that I am not meant to be loved. But this book has given me that ray of hope that maybe one day someone will love me for my soul.**

[Tiffany Ewald · Rating 5 out of 5]

A modern day beauty and the beast! Shaan is plagued by insecurity and fear of a past traumatic event that altered his life physically and mentally. He's the villain in many successful movies, but in reality he's just a shy booklover wanting to have a normal life! Izzy is an upbeat and outgoing librarian who is looking for someone to buddy read with and share in her interests. When a chance to buddy read turns into a genuine spark between the two it sets off a whole new chain of events in their life. While Izzy is compassionate and caring, she's naive to Shaan's culture. She's desperate to show him that he's worth more even if she doesn't understand the consequences. He's not used to someone wanting to be up close and personal with him since his accident, but willing to trust Izzy and try for a new normal. He will do anything to protect those he loves, even if it means being the villain in real life. Their relationship brings alot of attention - negative and positive - but brings other things in their families' lives to light and this leaves them to make decisions that risk it all and put them in danger. Another great read by Dhara Shah. Like many of her other books, I really enjoy the relationships she builds between characters, whether familial, friendly, lovers or even sworn enemies - a good realistic focus on their interactions, the need for communication and trust and what's right vs wrong is always strong throughout her writing. With multi-pov, steady pace, realistic character dynamics, multi-cultural diversity, and plenty of steamy on page spice I read this in just under a day!

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Izzy & Shaan
*
I don't know why women are crazy about heroes. The villains are so fu**ing sweet.
*
The Beauty and the Beast retelling. All the story retellings I've read so far have the main character with slight damage to his face; in this one his face is properly deformed. Not only thanks to his accident but also to surgeries. Shaan is Bollywood's and Hollywood's most hated villan. He is used to the hate and to being alone while everyone fears him.
Izzy is a librarian. She has a bookish Instagram with many followers. She decides to do a buddy read with one of them. Only three people reply to her post. One of them is Shaan and he declines a video call read. Instead he invites her over to his posh neighbourhood. They schedule buddy reads frequently and before you know it the book neardy beast falls in love with the beautiful girl. But does she fall in love the beast?
I enjoyed this book. There are many layers to it and I loved peeling them and digging deeper. I gasped at how people would treat Shaan when he came to India which is essentially his home. The slow and subtle move from their love story to his sisters is perfectly paced and it doesn't overshadow the current story. Well in the end there is a possibility that their story did not reach its end.

Go get yourself a "buddy" to read smutty books with.

*I received an ARC of this book and gave my honest opinion.

[Rt_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a spicy and heartwarming romantic comedy that explores the power of love and acceptance. As i delve into the pages of this enchanting tale, i just swept away by the chemistry between shaan and izzy, eagerly rooting for their unconventional love story to unfold.
With its clever blend of celebrity culture, Bollywood glamor, and the allure of books, this novel offers a fresh and exciting twist on a beloved classic.


@dharashahauthor writing style is engaging and witty, keeping you hooked from start to finish. The characters are well-developed, with shaan's transformation from a villain to a book lover adding depth and complexity to the story.


must-read for fans of romantic comedies, Bollywood, and fairy tale retellings. It will make you laugh, swoon, and believe in the power of true love. So grab a copy, cozy up with your favorite book, and prepare to be enchanted by this delightful tale of love, acceptance, and the magic that happens when beauty and the beast collide."

Very very excited for the 2nd part, pls publish it as soon as possible, i just cant able to control my excitement

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book . Izzy is a librarian who book blogs , she also does buddy reads online . Ishan is actually Shaan a Bollywood villain actor. He is disfigured and doesn’t go out in public so when he asks to Buddy read with Izzy , rather than him venture out to meet her , he asks her to go to his home. She agreed but it costs a pretty penny to enter the secure complex where he lives , he gives her pass for following visits. She sees past his scars and they have a good time reading together. There’s an easy flow of getting to know each other and a lot of family angst and secrets . But Izzy is steadfast in his corner and wants him to love himself when he’s with her. …. This is a very clever twist on the fairytale trope and is expressed empathically. A beautiful romance with great descriptors and good solid characters with depth. Perfect prose from the prolific pen of Dhara Shah I’m interested in reading what she does with her next book of the series and can’t wait to explore the pages. I was forwarded this book and I’m leaving my review voluntarily in my own words

[Tehteh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do need to make two quick disclaimers 1. I'm not overly familiar with the story of Beauty and the Beast and 2. I'm from Europe so I may not fully understand the cultural context. I may also want to add that I am very late on this ARC, the second book is out today.
So this is set in modern time California and India. Through Instagram and their love of books, Shaan and Izzy meet and start doing Buddy Reads. The catch is Shaan is an Indian celebrity actor who has become famous for his deformed face and for playing villains, which causes him enormous emotional bagage and stress. As their relationship evolves, Izzy is confronted with the reality of Shaan's iinfamy and multiple cultural shocks so they have to work through those issues to build a life together. Plus some family issues on Shaan's side. ´
It plays out a lot like a modern worlds collide fairytale, to the point that I had to remind myself to suspend my beliefs so I didn't lose the plot. On the other hand,, this can definitely be fun, sweet, and above all, very, very hot.
I'll be reading the second one next.

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25 The premise of Beauty and Beast tale sold me on the story. The Buddy read idea was the icing on the cake. I had to read it.

But I was so angry when this book ended. I knew something was going to happen but I didn’t expect the ending. I wanted to know how the real villain pulled it off. I went scrambling for the next book in the series.

I have so many questions about the Indian culture now. I really couldn’t picture the Beast (Shan’s) deformity nor could I wrap my mind around how a family would accept money to physically future deform their own child. Just tons of questions. The spiciness was much more than I typically like to read. They were always doing it. Also even if Izzy’s had days accrued, I don’t know how she could just disappear from work for such extended amounts of time without making arrangements. I enjoyed how the author let us in on the character’s inner dialogue.

Otherwise I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to finally getting my hands on the second in the series.

[Kayla Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book had me wanting more through out the whole book. I didn't want it to end. First Beauty and the Beast is my favorite princess movie, so I loved the modern re-telling of a similar story. The pure love that was seen through Izzy and Shaan had my heart overfilling. I was completely in love with their love story. The fact that Izzy fought for Shaan to see the good in himself was so heartwarming. It reminded me that sometimes we just need help from someone else to see the good that is within us. The writing was so good, and transported me into their world. I felt like I was watching the story play out right before my eyes. The only reason this isn't a 5 is because there were a couple times where I was like wait how did we get here, but not enough where it ruined the story. I can't wait to read the rest of this series.

Thank you Darah for the ARC!

I received a free copy of this book, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Deb McIlroy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, Dhara, for this ARC.

I love Beauty and the Beast and I have read many retellings about this amazing story.

‘Buddy Reads’ is a modern retelling of the story and I really enjoyed it. Like always Dhara mixes romance with Indian Culture and I can't get enough of it. The story is fast-paced and super sweet. I loved the characters. Shaan who is the ‘ugly villain’ had my heart instantly. I didn't really see him as a villain and I liked his development throughout the story. Izzy is very relatable, especially for ‘bookstagrammers’. As in the original Beauty and the Beast story, this book shows how important the inside of a person is rather than the looks. There were funny parts that made me laugh and the serious parts that made me think. The chemistry between the characters was great.
The only downside is that I have to wait for book 2.

[Dana · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was a good premise, but very poorly written and executed. I had to painfully force myself to finish this book.

Shaan is disfigured while saving his sister from being hit by a car, but the real disfiguration comes from the multiple plastic surgeries he had afterwards to......make him uglier so he could be a villain? But villains in movies don't need to be ugly, so that doesn't make much sense.

Izzy and Shaan's relationship is weird. They're not very nice to one another, but they're in love. The sex scenes are awkward and so poorly written. The last sex scene made me literally scream. Shaan practically anally rapes Izzy in the woods, then sticks it in her vagina. Hello UTI! But she likes it all, even though she has never had anal sex and he didn't even prep her - no lube 😱😱

The book ends in a cliffhanger. I'm not going to read the next one because this was so bad.

[Heather Burt · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're in a reading slump this book is a good one to get you out of that slump. And ugly celebrity villain has a crush on a simple beautiful librarian and book blogger. during a buddy read, these two meet and get to know each other. They develop a friendship with each other despite their insecurities.
The character development in this book is wonderful. as always dahara shah puts in detail her characters, backgrounds, and helps the reader to feel like they are a part of the story. as always her books have Indian and international cultures. This book has a good amount of action, spiciness, and cute moments between the two characters. although this is a good book, you will be left in suspense until the very last part of the book which is a cliffhanger! This is book 1 of a series and I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves rom-coms.

[Stacia Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading something by Dhara Shah and it did not disappoint. I love finding retelling stories about fairytales I grew up watching, and this Beauty and the Beast one did not disappoint.

Izzy and Shann meet on Instagram where Izzy posts about books she reading and reviews them, whereas Shann is an actor who lives a quiet life because he has a deformity and only plays the villains in his films.

Shann and Izzy do a buddy read where they talk about books that they read together. It's an instant connection between souls and not looks.

The best moment in this book is when Shann tells Izzy "Ugly people have a right to love, too". It is such a powerful statement for those who feel like they are not pretty enough for their partner in life.

I want to thank Dhara Shah for the spectacular read and all the lessons that are taught in this book.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book one of the Smashed Beauty series, a Beauty and the Beast retelling. Having already read several of Dhara Shah’s works, and greatly enjoyed them, I was very excited to dive into this book. I was not disappointed. Buddy Reads is a fresh, interesting spin on the Beauty and the Beast story. The cross-cultural aspect added a unique flavour to the story. I found myself rooting strongly for these two as the story went on, and my heart broke for Shaan over and over again. The spice was..well, VERY spicy, and their relationship moved in a way that felt very natural to this reader. The cliffhanger ending has me eagerly awaiting the next book in this wonderful story.

I received an advance copy of this book, and am reviewing voluntarily.

[Bookish Dee · Rating 1 out of 5]

*DNF @ 20%*

I understand the concept of "to each their own", but I am at a loss in understanding how this book has almost 4 stars.

The concept is interesting. Beauty & The Beast is one of my favorite stories. A retelling or even anything with the essence of the classic is always welcomed.

I also enjoy supporting under-represented authors & seeing the world through a different lens.

But the writing was just not there.
The main protagonist, Shaan & Izzy, just fell flat & had no depth.
The side characters & their dialogue & actions seemed awkward & unnecessary.

I know I only made it through 20% of the book but the passive writing style & clunky dialogue made it impossible for me to continue reading. Hopefully it got better?

[The Book Times · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time I'm reading a retelling, and I'm happy to say that I enjoyed the experience.
The book experiences a great character development, especially of Shaan. Jeet seemed like a mysterious person, and I hope that his story is uncovered in the next installment. Izzy had a very confident and optimistic approach towards life. Although she was very over reactive and irrational at some moments, her character was still lovable.
I wished that the author elaborated their moments of buddy reading so that their flourishing relationship could be experienced properly in real time. Overall, this was an amazing read! Can't wait for Story Times to release and to read it to know what happens next.

[Lynn_G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bookstagrammer and librarian Izzy posted an open call for a buddy read, and she’s unprepared for the man who takes her up on it.

Shaan is a famous Bollywood character actor whose visage was badly damaged damaged in an accident when he was a young adult. Although it’s paid handsomely as he’s built a solid career playing villains, he’s so self conscious and bothered by his looks that he’s never had a mutually beneficial romantic relationship in the years since his injuries.

As Izzy and Shaan become intimate, they find themselves catching feelings for one another, but a trip to India complicates matters.

I received an advance reader copy from the author and bookfunnel, and I’m sharing my honest review.

[BookLover23 · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 26%. The blurb sounded interesting and was excited to read a book with a character of colour as the lead, but unfortunately this did not deliver.

The dialogue was cringey but I was still willing to give it a chance but the transition from friends to flying to Amsterdam and sleeping together was so rushed and felt out of place and also made me cringe. There were also too many unrealistic scenarios.

Also, how am I meant to root for a couple when one half of the couple’s inner monologue is about how she isn’t attracted to him, I get realism or whatever but this is like the first rule of romance, their relationship was just building and it already felt like she was settling. So disappointed and it’s a shame bc this could’ve been good.

[Tristan Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t give half stars, but this was a 3.5 stars for me, so I rounded up. I’m very unhappy with the ending, but there will be another book coming soon, so I won’t hold it against her. This book is spicy, so if you don’t like that, it’s not for you. This is a modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast and I did enjoy that parallel while reading. I love that Dhara Shah keeps her stories short and sweet. There were some parts that were meh for me, but I was still interested and wanted to finish the book. I definitely want to read the next, so I could change my rating after reading the whole series.

[Unspoken Fables · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can not wait to read the next book of this series. It ended in such kind of situation(cliffhanger) that I still zoned out to think about what will happen next.
The book is the first book of the Smashed Beauty Series and I must say my mind and heart are smashed by our Hero comes to Villain or should I say Beast become a lover.
The book has an engaging and Bollywood dramatic kind of plot and as a true lover of historical villains, I loved this book. I love the attitude when the hero is like -Touch my girl and you die.
I mean I am in love with the character of Ishan and I think Romance lovers including Spicy romance lovers must read this book.

[Adventuresofabooktrovert · Rating 3 out of 5]

This modern day retelling of beauty and the beast shows how a person can look past someone’s exterior to fall in love with who they are as a person

Ishan and Izzy’s relationship starts as an unlikely friendship brought together by their love of books and with more time together Ishan has the opportunity to see himself as more than just the villain he plays in Bollywood movies and Izzy learns to love a person you have to love who they are as a person not just what they look like.

This book ends on a cliffhanger prepping you for book 2 in the series.

[Amanda C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one went so fast for me.

A modern day Beauty and the Beast Retelling, this book has it all- even the library, but with a twist.

Shaan is an actor with an unfortunate face. Izzy is a beautiful book nerd.

They decide to Buddy Read and Izzy likes in person meetings ☺️

And so begins this spicy, friends to lovers read.

The characters are diverse and have enough depth. The plot is a fresh take on an old tale. I enjoyed it.

And, there is a cliffy! Can't say I didn't warn ya, but it's worth it!

I was allowed to arc read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kayla C · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this modern day retelling of Beauty and the Beast, Dhara Shah grips readers with a dual POV story about Izzy and Shaan. Dhara brought the characters to life so well, I felt as if I had known them forever. Perhaps this is because they are both book lovers like all of us. This spicy book was quick to get into things (no slow burn) and was hard to put down! The cliffhanger at the end was something I semi saw coming but still had my jaw dropped. I am eagerly awaiting the sequel!


I was given an ARC copy of this book by the author, in exchange for my honest feedback.