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Brielle and Bear #1
Brielle and Bear: Once Upon a Time
Fairytale Rule No. 1: All the best fairytales start with ‘Once upon a time . . .’
First-year student Brielle, a daydreamy book lover, knows everything there is to know about fairytales. Returning to the city of Rosebridge four years after moving away, she attends Once Upon a Time University, with the intention of living her fairytale dream. And when she meets Bear, shy vice-captain of the Princes rugby team, at the bookshop where she works, Brielle’s dream is off to a good start.
Determined to forget the past, and with an unexpected new relationship blossoming, Brielle feels she’s finally living the dream. That is, until she discovers that she’s not the only one hiding something . . .
First-year student Brielle, a daydreamy book lover, knows everything there is to know about fairytales. Returning to the city of Rosebridge four years after moving away, she attends Once Upon a Time University, with the intention of living her fairytale dream. And when she meets Bear, shy vice-captain of the Princes rugby team, at the bookshop where she works, Brielle’s dream is off to a good start.
Determined to forget the past, and with an unexpected new relationship blossoming, Brielle feels she’s finally living the dream. That is, until she discovers that she’s not the only one hiding something . . .
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 22, 2025
10 people are currently reading
514 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
September 27, 2024
4.5 Stars
This was adorable. Loved the setting and atmosphere, as well as the characters. Good representation as well. Can't wait for more from Brielle and Bear! The illustrations are stunning as well, gorgeous colour palettes for the different seasons.
This was adorable. Loved the setting and atmosphere, as well as the characters. Good representation as well. Can't wait for more from Brielle and Bear! The illustrations are stunning as well, gorgeous colour palettes for the different seasons.
November 18, 2024
First things first: the art work in this is absolutely stunning. I was especially blown away by the use of colour.
Unfortunately, the story itself made a lot less of an impression on me. It was cute and wholesome, but it felt choppy and like I was missing a lot of context. I don't think this graphic novel will be super memorable for me.
Unfortunately, the story itself made a lot less of an impression on me. It was cute and wholesome, but it felt choppy and like I was missing a lot of context. I don't think this graphic novel will be super memorable for me.
April 23, 2025
Thank you Get Underlined for the gifted ARC.
SO STINKIN’ CUTE.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
I did not have plans to read this 5 months before release but when I picked it up, I inhaled it (my ARC copy had black/white print but the final will have full color). I can’t wait to see the full color version because I loved the artwork and set-up for this story.
It’s light-hearted and made me smile multiple times. I loved the cute flirtations and deep talks. You can see the essence of Beauty and the Beast without being a copycat. I loved the introductions to all of the characters that I hope to see in future volumes. This is an easy read and an utter delight. I can’t wait for more!
Overall audience notes:
- YA Graphic Novel
- Language: none
- Romance: flirting
- Content Warnings: mentions of bullying (MMC has dyslexia)
SO STINKIN’ CUTE.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
I did not have plans to read this 5 months before release but when I picked it up, I inhaled it (my ARC copy had black/white print but the final will have full color). I can’t wait to see the full color version because I loved the artwork and set-up for this story.
It’s light-hearted and made me smile multiple times. I loved the cute flirtations and deep talks. You can see the essence of Beauty and the Beast without being a copycat. I loved the introductions to all of the characters that I hope to see in future volumes. This is an easy read and an utter delight. I can’t wait for more!
Overall audience notes:
- YA Graphic Novel
- Language: none
- Romance: flirting
- Content Warnings: mentions of bullying (MMC has dyslexia)
November 24, 2024
Cute!! I can’t wait to see the final copy when it’s all in cover. This was a cute little YA graphic novel that had an easy love story with some fun characters. I do feel like the storyline was a bit choppy where at times I thought maybe I’m reading book 2 in a series and I should already have more background on these character. Thank you to Random House for the ARC!
May 8, 2025
This is a real cutie-patootie book. It’s lighthearted and sweet, and there are a few refreshing plot twists. The artwork is just as cute and colorful.
The initial connection Bear and Brielle have is nice, but their bonding happens very fast.
Also, the antagonistic playboy character isn’t flat . Like, obviously, he has his issues, a wandering eye for one and boundary issues, but you can see he cares about his academics, his community, and his friends too.
A negative is that the speech bubbles sometimes turn completely red. It throws off the rhythm of reading, and I think there was a better way to show anger. There's a fairytale motif, but it doesn't feel necessary. Like, they could've just been at a regular school since fairytales and magical realism don't play a part here as of now. That may change in later volumes
Overall, I figured this was a webcomic adapted because of the pacing, and I was right. I appreciate the slice of life tone, and it reminded me of the shoujo manga I enjoy. The lack of an overarching plot may disengage some readers, but it wasn’t an issue for me. I’d read volume two.
3.5 rating from enjoyment
The initial connection Bear and Brielle have is nice, but their bonding happens very fast.
Also, the antagonistic playboy character isn’t flat . Like, obviously, he has his issues, a wandering eye for one and boundary issues, but you can see he cares about his academics, his community, and his friends too.
A negative is that the speech bubbles sometimes turn completely red. It throws off the rhythm of reading, and I think there was a better way to show anger. There's a fairytale motif, but it doesn't feel necessary. Like, they could've just been at a regular school since fairytales and magical realism don't play a part here as of now. That may change in later volumes
Overall, I figured this was a webcomic adapted because of the pacing, and I was right. I appreciate the slice of life tone, and it reminded me of the shoujo manga I enjoy. The lack of an overarching plot may disengage some readers, but it wasn’t an issue for me. I’d read volume two.
3.5 rating from enjoyment
March 10, 2025
This was an adorable instalove graphic novel about two college students navigating their quirks and differences and thriving in their authenticity and self-discovery. The artwork was charming and fit the characters and narrative nicely.
Doku has penned a meet-cute that embodies all the classic fairytale and romance elements in a fun, entertaining plot.
Fans of fairytales, romance, and graphic novels will enjoy the characters and the plot of this captivating story.
Doku has penned a meet-cute that embodies all the classic fairytale and romance elements in a fun, entertaining plot.
Fans of fairytales, romance, and graphic novels will enjoy the characters and the plot of this captivating story.
January 18, 2025
I’m completely in love with Salomey Doku’s art style. It’s absolutely gorgeous and perfectly complemented this adorable story. Despite the plot and storytelling feeling a little disjointed at times, this was an overall delightful read and I’m definitely looking forward to the next instalment!
October 23, 2025
Read it with my daughter because she loves graphic novel. So we read it as a bedtime story for 2-3 chapters each night.
Do you believe in fairy tales comes in real life? For me… yes, i do! 😂
Every person has a different love story. Same goes to me till i met a real prince, that is my husband ❤️😆
Okay, back to the story… in fairytales world, they have a rules. And the best fairytales start with “once upon a time…” The story was told in a modern-day fairytale follow by a not spicy romance and drama. So, it is suitable for teenage like 13-17 years old to read it. (But, my daughter 10 years old read it with a blushing expression; like are you okay, Rania?) *sigh eyes 😒
It is fun read and not too cliches… Brielle who work at the bookshop, met Bear who came there for buy a book. After that, they always wanted to see each other so badly. How cute they were when Brielle bumped into Bear as they both walked away from the bookshelf.
Do you believe in fairy tales comes in real life? For me… yes, i do! 😂
Every person has a different love story. Same goes to me till i met a real prince, that is my husband ❤️😆
Okay, back to the story… in fairytales world, they have a rules. And the best fairytales start with “once upon a time…” The story was told in a modern-day fairytale follow by a not spicy romance and drama. So, it is suitable for teenage like 13-17 years old to read it. (But, my daughter 10 years old read it with a blushing expression; like are you okay, Rania?) *sigh eyes 😒
It is fun read and not too cliches… Brielle who work at the bookshop, met Bear who came there for buy a book. After that, they always wanted to see each other so badly. How cute they were when Brielle bumped into Bear as they both walked away from the bookshelf.
October 9, 2024
Très beau roman graphique qui mets en lumière des particularités dans une réécriture du mythe de la Belle et la Bête contemporain !
J'ai beaucoup aimé la dynamique des dialogues avec les bulles de dialogues et les descriptions et présentation des personnages. J'adore le style graphique haut en couleurs et envoutant ! J'ai apprécié qu'on mette en avant dans ces personnages des particularités quotidiennes pourtant peut présentes dans les romans comme le vitiligo, les yeux verrons et la dyslexie !
Ce roman est un petit bonbon qui se dévore tout seul dans lequel la féérie nous transporte ! Toutefois, plusieurs fois il y a eu le même schéma qui a menacé la relation. J'aurai aimé voir et aborder d'autres thématiques qui peuvent entacher des relations amicales/amoureuses.
J'ai beaucoup aimé la dynamique des dialogues avec les bulles de dialogues et les descriptions et présentation des personnages. J'adore le style graphique haut en couleurs et envoutant ! J'ai apprécié qu'on mette en avant dans ces personnages des particularités quotidiennes pourtant peut présentes dans les romans comme le vitiligo, les yeux verrons et la dyslexie !
Ce roman est un petit bonbon qui se dévore tout seul dans lequel la féérie nous transporte ! Toutefois, plusieurs fois il y a eu le même schéma qui a menacé la relation. J'aurai aimé voir et aborder d'autres thématiques qui peuvent entacher des relations amicales/amoureuses.
June 5, 2025
What a warm hug! These type of graphic novels feel like diamonds. So hard to find them, but what a joy when you do! The illustrations were gorgeous and the romance was swoon-worthy! I loved how wholesome it was and am really looking forward to the next novels!
November 30, 2024
Tää oli ihana ja söpö!
November 7, 2024
I could give this infinity stars tbh. I just love how graphic novels always hit if I’m looking for a book I’m going to LOVE I know a graphic novel will do this and honestly this one is fighting for top spot!
Firstly I’m so in love with the art style. This volume covers time starting in September through to the end of December and the way the colours reflect that starting warm and pink and orange and slowly becoming colder but still with that wholesome cosiness that comes with Christmas. It sets the scene perfectly! I also loved the additional pages at the end with the process of designing these characters and this world. I especially loved the locations and the map! There were so many characters to keep track of but I loved how they got introduced and I loved the mix of different personalities!
I also love the characters using music to express their emotions. We all have creative outlets to deal with the overwhelming-ness of real life and the fact that Bear had a load things that he wanted to keep close to his chest felt very relatable. It’s hard to remember to just have hobbies for yourself sometimes. I usually hate when characters are musical in books because it makes me cringe (often because it’s written so unrealistically) but this was wholesome and it just felt real and lovely.
There’s also dyslexic representation which I don’t see a lot of in books so if you’re looking for that I can definitely recommend this graphic novel!
A new favourite to reread again and again… and again!
Firstly I’m so in love with the art style. This volume covers time starting in September through to the end of December and the way the colours reflect that starting warm and pink and orange and slowly becoming colder but still with that wholesome cosiness that comes with Christmas. It sets the scene perfectly! I also loved the additional pages at the end with the process of designing these characters and this world. I especially loved the locations and the map! There were so many characters to keep track of but I loved how they got introduced and I loved the mix of different personalities!
I also love the characters using music to express their emotions. We all have creative outlets to deal with the overwhelming-ness of real life and the fact that Bear had a load things that he wanted to keep close to his chest felt very relatable. It’s hard to remember to just have hobbies for yourself sometimes. I usually hate when characters are musical in books because it makes me cringe (often because it’s written so unrealistically) but this was wholesome and it just felt real and lovely.
There’s also dyslexic representation which I don’t see a lot of in books so if you’re looking for that I can definitely recommend this graphic novel!
A new favourite to reread again and again… and again!
May 10, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up. The back matter is great, and why I rounded it up. This is specifically a modern contemporary adaptation of Beauty and the Beast heavily influenced by the Disney version, but the way Bear is written, he may as well be from Villeneuve's book. He is so pure and wholesome. This book is really cute. I love the art. I'm impatient for book two. The main reason this is a somewhat lower rating is that it is set in college but reads as a middle grade graphic novel. I love how sweet it all is, but I kept forgetting they are all college students. It didn't even really read like teen or young adult graphic novels to me. I do like that it is written in a way that means I can recommend it to a wide age range of readers who will enjoy it and learn from it. I was just expecting something with a bit more complexity given the ages of the characters. I do like how the characters grow in this book, and I look forward to seeing where Salomey Doku takes both the characters and the readers in the next volume.
February 10, 2025
Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhh! They are so cute!!! Everytime I see a character (or a person) who has vitiligo, I think about how beautiful their skin is. We celebrate how beautiful tigers, zebras and every other being that has patterns all over their skin is, but we don’t do the same for humans and I think that’s so wrong. Needless to say, when I saw that the MC of Brielle and Bear was a girl with vitiligo, I got really excited, because GORGEOUS!
This is based on Beauty and the Beast and while I can see some correlation, it isn’t a 100% exact retelling, so don’t go into it for that. Brielle talks about fairy tales throughout the book, so we do get that.
I really enjoyed this and I’m happy to hear that it’s getting a second volume.
This is based on Beauty and the Beast and while I can see some correlation, it isn’t a 100% exact retelling, so don’t go into it for that. Brielle talks about fairy tales throughout the book, so we do get that.
I really enjoyed this and I’m happy to hear that it’s getting a second volume.
October 19, 2024
Love Disney - this is for you.
Love Jock falls for nerd - this is for you.
Love gorgeous illustrations/art - this is for you.
It was such a joy reading this graphic novel. It brought me such joy and all the warm fuzzy feelings.
Love Jock falls for nerd - this is for you.
Love gorgeous illustrations/art - this is for you.
It was such a joy reading this graphic novel. It brought me such joy and all the warm fuzzy feelings.
November 20, 2024
4,5 söpööö🤍
November 16, 2025
Todella suloinen ja visuaalisesti ihana. Tarinana taas ei kovin kummoinen.
Vibat 5/5. Tarina 3/5.
Vibat 5/5. Tarina 3/5.
May 26, 2025
This book was so STINKIN’ CUTE! >.< This is perfect for any fairytale fans or at least beauty and the beast fans. Plus I loved the Latin representation in the characters and in the background of the book.
November 6, 2025
sarjakuvii lisää jälleen. ihan söpö mut tarinaltaan ei jotenki herättäny tunteita suuntaan tai toiseen eli aika perus college story vibes. mut siis nää kuvitukset ja etenkin värit oli kyl aivan upeet!
March 20, 2025
Hilfe das war so maximal cute and wholesome!! Ich brauche bitte mehr davon! Das war mein aller erstes graphic novel für junge Erwachsene und ich hab es geliebt. Die Gestaltung ist so liebevoll, bunt und mir bedacht vorgenommen worden. Ein diverser Cast mit warmen, greifbaren Charakteren runden das ganze noch ab. Eine dicke Empfehlung, wenn ihr einfach mal nach einer Geschichte greifen wollt, mit der ihr Seite für Seite mit wunderschönen Bildern und süßen Texten bereichert werden möchtet💗
March 18, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
Brielle and Bear is a beauty and the beast retelling about two college students, whose relationship starts to blossom after meeting in a bookstore. The art is absolutely adorable, and the choice of colors throughout really pull everything together.
Sadly the art alone isn’t enough for this underdeveloped plot. Maybe it’s just me but I don’t see how this is a beauty and the beast retelling, the story seemed very generic. I really don’t even know what the point of the story was, granted this is just the first volume but even then this felt like very juvenile. There were many moments in the story where I as a reader felt lost, there were many flashbacks that didn’t make sense. I couldn’t connect with any of the characters either, we weren’t given much information about them besides basic stuff.
Overall I would not recommend this, I didn’t enjoy the plot or lack there of. The art again, while super cute and fun just wasn’t enough for me.
Thank you NetGalley and to the publishers for giving me this arc in exchange for my honest review.
September 10, 2024
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Thank you Harper Collins for this book in exchange for an honest review
Brielle and Bear is a short comic book that is set around two characters that have love for each other. While the art style is absolutely beautiful, and the rules of the fairy tale love story is cute. I wasn’t overly sold on the characters themselves; they were very surface level, and I was hoping that there would have been more on the ‘mental and physical disability representation’ that was mentioned, rather than just breezed over after being mentioned once. There was more space for dialogue to easily cover this and build these characters up to be more relatable. Overall, it was cute, but I won’t read it again.
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Website
Thank you Harper Collins for this book in exchange for an honest review
Brielle and Bear is a short comic book that is set around two characters that have love for each other. While the art style is absolutely beautiful, and the rules of the fairy tale love story is cute. I wasn’t overly sold on the characters themselves; they were very surface level, and I was hoping that there would have been more on the ‘mental and physical disability representation’ that was mentioned, rather than just breezed over after being mentioned once. There was more space for dialogue to easily cover this and build these characters up to be more relatable. Overall, it was cute, but I won’t read it again.
December 13, 2024
Beauty and the Beast, but make it modern high school 🤩
This was sooo beautifully illustrated! I adored the gorgeous art, vibrant colours and fairytale vibes. Spot the Easter eggs if you can! 🫖
The story was just ok, with some subplots feeling incomplete. However, the characters go through very relatable struggles and dilemmas. I also appreciate the representation. The author is incredibly talented; I loved the insight into her process and behind-the-scenes.
On the downside, this graphic novel wasn't the most readable because of the speech bubbles, which were confusing and hard to follow. I would have enjoyed it more if had the reading experience been smoother and more pleasant.
Nevertheless, this was still a nice read and I look forward to picking up the sequel.
👩🏻 cherreading mood: Quiet time in a library.
This was sooo beautifully illustrated! I adored the gorgeous art, vibrant colours and fairytale vibes. Spot the Easter eggs if you can! 🫖
The story was just ok, with some subplots feeling incomplete. However, the characters go through very relatable struggles and dilemmas. I also appreciate the representation. The author is incredibly talented; I loved the insight into her process and behind-the-scenes.
On the downside, this graphic novel wasn't the most readable because of the speech bubbles, which were confusing and hard to follow. I would have enjoyed it more if had the reading experience been smoother and more pleasant.
Nevertheless, this was still a nice read and I look forward to picking up the sequel.
👩🏻 cherreading mood: Quiet time in a library.
February 16, 2025
The illustrations are gorgeous. Invoking the best of Disney's classic era with the webtoon manga style art there is always something to look at in each panel, you can spend ages staring at the same picture only to see something different each time. I adored the diversity of the characters and the feel of a real university atmosphere.
What didn't work quite so well for me was the layout. I was reading right to left, top to bottom but sometimes the panels were arranged so that you had to read down then left which was disjointed and pulled you out of the story.
This was echoed by the speech bubbled conversations where it became difficult to follow who was saying what when.
I liked Brielles character but thought she was a little pushy about Bear's "secrets". Bear was a sweet cinnamon roll of a guy and I adore him. Would be interested in reading the next one.
What didn't work quite so well for me was the layout. I was reading right to left, top to bottom but sometimes the panels were arranged so that you had to read down then left which was disjointed and pulled you out of the story.
This was echoed by the speech bubbled conversations where it became difficult to follow who was saying what when.
I liked Brielles character but thought she was a little pushy about Bear's "secrets". Bear was a sweet cinnamon roll of a guy and I adore him. Would be interested in reading the next one.
August 31, 2024
This was so sweet. The artwork is beautiful, and the story such a lovely, wholesome one!
April 14, 2025
Sarjakuva, jota lukiessa samaistuu erityisesti Bearin hahmoon. On harvinaista, että kirjassa tai sarjakuvassa törmää hahmoihin, joilla lukivaikeus. Oli tavallaan ihanaa nähdä sarjakuva, joka iski syvälle, sillä pystyn hyvin kuvittelemaan millaista on elää lukivaikeuden kanssa ja kuinka sen vuoksi muut koulussa kiusaa, olettaen ihmisen olevan tyhmä, kun ei opi samalla tavalla tai tekee paljon virheitä kirjoittaessa. Sen vuoksi harmittaa, ettei tätä sarjakuvaa oltu tehty vielä silloin, kun itse olin nuori koululainen, koska olisi auttanut paremmin hyväksymään erilaisuutensa, vaikkakin kiusaamista sekään ei olisi estänyt. Ja Briellen hahmo taas on toisella tapaa kuin minä, sillä rakkaus kirjoihin ja satuihin on sellaista, et helppo samaistua. Kunpa saisin lukea jatko-osan/jatko-osat nopeasti, koska haluan tietää miten tarina etenee.
September 7, 2024
Brielle, a quiet, reserved, shy book lover attends university and works in the local bookshop. Bear is a star rugby player with secrets and pain that he carries. What happens when they cross paths and the fairytale begins? Will this love story be a fairytale after all?
.
Oh my heart- I loved this so much and didn’t want it to end! The illustrations are just gorgeous. This modern fairytale (loosely based on Beauty and The Beast) has loveable characters who grow throughout, and stirs so many emotions while reading. Ultimately it’s a story about being yourself, and not hiding from the world.
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The representation of characters we don’t often see in books is perfect (see below) and it is a very clean read, full of fairytale magic which makes it perfect for teens of all ages (and adults too!).
At the end there are pages about the development and process of creating the book - a very cool insight which I loved to read.
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I definitely recommend this read, it is a beautiful graphic novel and I cannot wait for the second instalment - sign me up now!!
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(Note: *Spoiler*- Bear is dyslexic, all of the characters are of mixed nationalities)
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Oh my heart- I loved this so much and didn’t want it to end! The illustrations are just gorgeous. This modern fairytale (loosely based on Beauty and The Beast) has loveable characters who grow throughout, and stirs so many emotions while reading. Ultimately it’s a story about being yourself, and not hiding from the world.
.
The representation of characters we don’t often see in books is perfect (see below) and it is a very clean read, full of fairytale magic which makes it perfect for teens of all ages (and adults too!).
At the end there are pages about the development and process of creating the book - a very cool insight which I loved to read.
.
I definitely recommend this read, it is a beautiful graphic novel and I cannot wait for the second instalment - sign me up now!!
.
(Note: *Spoiler*- Bear is dyslexic, all of the characters are of mixed nationalities)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2025
First i would like to say thanks netgalley for the opportunity to read the ARC for vol 1.
Second, the art work is AMAZING!!!!! I was completely obsessed with it! All of the pretty vibrant colors were adorable thats the main reason i went up in the rating. 💕 However, the story line wasn't it for me. I felt like it was missing some parts or something. I appreciated the msg of accepting who you are and finding true friends but idk i was a little lost on some parts. It didn't give me the interest I was hoping for.
Second, the art work is AMAZING!!!!! I was completely obsessed with it! All of the pretty vibrant colors were adorable thats the main reason i went up in the rating. 💕 However, the story line wasn't it for me. I felt like it was missing some parts or something. I appreciated the msg of accepting who you are and finding true friends but idk i was a little lost on some parts. It didn't give me the interest I was hoping for.
December 14, 2024
4 stars
such a cute and cosy little graphic novel! i loved the subtle (and not-so-subtle) references to other fairytales and the great diverse representation throughout the story. the miscommunications between characters annoyed the heck out of me at times but i guess that's reflective of real life as well! i loved the art style and the overall autumn/winter vibes of this book. super cute!
such a cute and cosy little graphic novel! i loved the subtle (and not-so-subtle) references to other fairytales and the great diverse representation throughout the story. the miscommunications between characters annoyed the heck out of me at times but i guess that's reflective of real life as well! i loved the art style and the overall autumn/winter vibes of this book. super cute!
March 5, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!!
This was a sugary sweet and short graphic novel. I loved the character designs. This was very cliche in being a “fairytale romance” book. Meet cute at the bookstore and all. The fights between Brielle and Bear seemed to be just silly and pointless misunderstandings, but they helped moved the characters along. If you want something cute and to the point, deff check it out!
This was a sugary sweet and short graphic novel. I loved the character designs. This was very cliche in being a “fairytale romance” book. Meet cute at the bookstore and all. The fights between Brielle and Bear seemed to be just silly and pointless misunderstandings, but they helped moved the characters along. If you want something cute and to the point, deff check it out!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews