Bellamy Price and her father Maurice have built a reputation for themselves by restoring historic homes to their full glory. Their next project – restoring the famed Kellington Estate – could cement them as the top restoration company in the area. And with Maurice recovering from an illness, Bellamy is in charge. She’s hoping that by pulling this off, she’ll make a name for herself and secure her dream job. But when she arrives at the mansion to get started, she encounters Oliver Killington, heir to the estate and business, and current resident of the mansion. A brooding recluse with a tragic past, Oliver is not happy about the months-long renovation project and refuses to cooperate. But once Bellamy and Oliver get to know each other’s situation, they decide to work together. Then sparks begin to fly, and soon they’ll have to decide if there’s room for love in their plans for the future. Barely Even Friends by Mae Bennett is an adorable reimagining of a Disney classic in which the couple must let their walls down to let love in.
Book
Readers who are familiar with Beauty and the Beast will undoubtedly recognize what Barely Even Friends has to offer. Bellamy is trying to make a name for herself in a male-dominated industry that often underestimates women, especially those who are plus-size. And while the Killington Estate is a huge undertaking, she’s up for the challenge. That is, until Oliver’s grandfather sets an impossible deadline to get the job done. And with Oliver reluctant to share information and even forbidding her from working on the West Wing, Bellamy is under more pressure than ever. But she learns his tragic past and his own pressure he’s under. And he eventually understands what this project means for her and her future. And as they get to know each other, they can’t deny the growing attraction and feelings they share. But for each of them to be happy, they have to figure out how they fit into each other’s plans.
Review
Bennett offers an enjoyable modernization of a Disney favorite with Barely Even Friends. Readers will enjoy finding easter eggs throughout the story and how the side characters fit in. Bellamy’s work ethic and determination, along with Oliver’s growth and soft-spot for Bellamy will charm readers until the very end. Even though it’s a trope-filled predictable romance, I still got sucked in and wanted to see how things would turn out. Romance lovers will definitely enjoy this one.
Mae Bennett joins the Cantina Book Club Podcast to talk about the challenges of retelling a Disney Classic and advice she has for her characters. Keep an ear out for the interview and preorder Barely Even Friends, available June 4.
