Barely Even Friends by Mae Bennett offers a delicious modern day retelling of “Beauty and the Beast” with a home improvement twist. A grumpy secluded owner, a cheerful staff and a designer eager to prove herself gave way to a delightful romantic tale complete with a library. Be still my heart.
by Mae Bennett
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Heat Level:
Bellamy Price has just been offered the job of a lead contractor on the restoration of the mysterious and sprawling Killington Estate. If she meets the owner’s ridiculous timeline, she’ll finally make a name for herself in this male-dominated industry. But when she rolls up her sleeves, slips on her suspenders, and shows up at the crumbling mansion, Bellamy finds the estate very much occupied.
After a traumatic car accident that left his parents dead and himself injured, Oliver Killington, heir to the Killington empire, took up residence as the grumpy caretaker of his grandfather’s mansion. None too pleased by the presence of the hammer-wielding woman who’s moved into his house, Oliver tries to block her at every turn.
But when Bellamy discovers Oliver’s facing his own ultimatum from his grandfather, the two form a cautious truce, which leads to flying sparks that are definitely not from faulty wiring. As Bellamy restores the gleam to the Killington Estate, she’ll have to decide if the walls she’s built around herself are worth knocking down to make space for someone else.
Bellamy Price is taking the reins on a renovation job for Killington Estate and she needs to succeed to land her dream job. Wearing her suspenders and eager to begin, she was surprised to find the estate occupied. Let the fun begin!
I adore Beauty and the Beast, so I couldn’t help but grab Barely Even Friends. Bennett did a lovely job of creating an estate and characters who brought the tale to us with a modern twist. I loved the staff and the re-creation of the fire place scene on the first evening, complete with a dark, grumpy and very sexy beast.
Oliver Killington, heir to the Killington empire, has been in seclusion ever since a fatal car crash that took his parents and left him injured. His grandfather is in charge of the renovations, and we learn of some twists regarding the estate. I was hooked and enjoyed getting to know Oliver, Bell, and the secondary characters.
The romance was lovely with the staff pushing the two to engage in conversation and enjoy meals together. It had a slow burn feel that made it feel genuine in this force proximity romance.
I loved the renovations, library and developments. The conflict was ok, but was resolved quickly, leaving me smiling in the end. Barely Even Friends is the perfect beach romance to add to your bag this summer.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Kim
I really loved this book. I’m glad you did too.
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
This one sounds right up my alley! Thanks for bringing it to my attention. Off to make sure it’s on my Goodreads TBR.
ER LeVar
Ooh, what a fun twist on Beauty and the Beast! One of my friends is absolutely obsessed with Beauty and the Beast retellings, so I’m absolutely snagging this up for her birthday later this summer!
Laurel-Rain Snow
WEEKLY UPDATES
aimee can read
This sounds so cute! I’ve been looking for a fun contemporary Beauty and the Beast retelling. 😀
Sophia Rose
I really must read this one. Thanks for putting it on my radar, Kimberly!
Ethan
I love a good Beauty and the Beast retelling, especially with a modern twist. The slow-burn romance between Bellamy and Oliver, as well as the charming staff and intriguing estate, sounds perfect for a summer read.
Anne- Books of My Heart
I love home reno and libraries so it does sound lovely. Wonderful review!
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
I love Beauty and the Beast re-tellings and renovating a library sounds wonderful. This is going on my TBR!