The Bookworm and the Beast

Charlee James

Dec 2017 · Sold by Entangled: Bliss

About this ebook

When quiet, bookish Izzy Simon accepts a two-week assignment as an assistant for an author of children’s books, it seems like the perfect way for her to make some much-needed extra money, but the grumpy author claims he doesn’t want or need her services. He might be as handsome as a storybook prince, but his prickly personality and resistance to all things Christmas are sure to make for a chilly holiday season.

Derek Croft never agreed to the cheery temp his staff arranges for him while they’re on vacation. Izzy is his polar opposite, but Derek soon realizes she could be the perfect solution to his interfering family...if he can get her to agree to pretend to be his live-in girlfriend. Before long Izzy’s sweet disposition and unflappable optimism has him decorating a tree and looking forward to late night hot cocoa, but he’s all too aware their time together can’t last.

Ratings and reviews

To help her financial situation, Izzy accepts a temporary job as an assistant during the holiday. She was expecting a older gentleman, portly and balding. What she got was a grumpy writer that fired her blood and made her question the way she saw herself. Derek’s staff had the holidays off and he didn’t need anyone to replace them. When his stepmother buts pressure on him to meet a woman of her choosing he quickly takes advantage of the situation that has landed him with a woman that refuses to leave him alone. Izzy helps Derek to open up his heart to the holiday as well as her and in the process finds herself falling for a man who can’t allow her into his life. This was a sweet, fast paced read that I enjoyed. It is a fade to black in the steamy department. These characters are both wounded from their pasts, each waiting for the other to reopen those old wounds. It has a touch of Beauty and the Beast to it which I liked but not enough to mirror it. All in all, a very nice holiday read. This is an honest review of an advanced copy provided by NetGalley and Entangled Publishing. Dual POV Safe – no ow/om drama No apparent triggers

As an avid reader, I am always looking for new authors and am glad I gave Ms James a try. The story centers around Izzy Simon and Derek Croft. Izzy is a young woman whose life has not been easy. Her Mom abandoned her , she never knew her father, has had bad experiences in love , takes care of her Gram, who took her in as a child, has a low self-esteem, and now is desperately needing money to pay for her Grams’ stay at a senior center. Derek is an author who even with his wealth, has his own set of abandonment issues. They meet when Derek’s home’s caretakers, pay a temp to help Derek in the 2 weeks they will be away and feel Derek needs help in his home. What started out as a refusal of the help, morphs into a “make believe fiancee” . The story was heartbreaking, but also heartwarming. Derek and Izzy have their own set of insecurities, hurtful feelings, and fears of letting anyone into their hearts. Mix in an adorable dog, and you have a sweet and touching romantic story. Glad I gave this author a chance and one I will keep reading. I was gifted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

As a reader, for me the stories that are the most memorable are the ones that thrive on simplicity. Whether it be a nod to a favorite classic tale or an inclusion of a few of my favorite subjects, what appeals to me most is that the tale is realistic and the characters can make me as a reader stop and take notice. The Bookworm and the Beast fit all my criteria for wonderful reading. Izzy and Derek are relatable individualLy and as a couple. In times of frustration and despair is when a person is at their strongest. With a little time, a lot of love and a bit of holiday magic, Ms. James captures more than the imagination, she puts the emotions on notice as well.

About the author

Contemporary Romance Author Charlee James was introduced to a life-long love of reading listening to her parents recite nightly stories to her and her older sister. Inspired by the incredible imaginations of authors like Bill Peet, Charlee could often be found crafting her own tales. As a teenager, she got her hands on a romance novel and was instantly hooked by the genre.

After graduating from Johnson & Wales University, her early career as a wedding planner gave her first-hand experience with couples who had gone the distance for love. Always fascinated by family dynamics, Charlee began writing heartwarming novels with happily-ever-afters.

Charlee is a New England native who lives with her husband, daughters, two rambunctious dogs, a cat, and numerous reptiles. When she’s not spending time with her tight-knit family, she enjoys curling up with a book, practicing yoga, and collecting Boston Terrier knick-knacks.