By The Book by Jasmine Guillory

I was given a free e-copy of this novel by NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Isabelle is completely lost. When she first began her career in publishing right out of college, she did not expect to be twenty-five, living at home, still an editorial assistant, and the only Black employee at her publishing house. Overworked and underpaid, constantly torn between speaking up or stifling herself, Izzy thinks there must be more to this publishing life. So when she overhears her boss complaining about a beastly high-profile author who has failed to deliver his long-awaited manuscript, Isabelle sees an opportunity to finally get the promotion she deserves.

All she has to do is go to the author’s Santa Barbara mansion and give him a quick pep talk or three. How hard could it be?

But Izzy quickly finds out she is in over her head. Beau Towers is not some celebrity lightweight writing a tell-all memoir. He is jaded and withdrawn and—it turns out—just as lost as Izzy. But despite his standoffishness, Izzy needs Beau to deliver, and with her encouragement, his story begins to spill onto the page. They soon discover they have more in common than either of them expected, and as their deadline nears, Izzy and Beau begin to realize there may be something there that wasn't there before. (Goodreads synopsis)

I have not read any of Jasmine Guillory’s previous novels, but I will add her to my favorites. Beauty and the Beast is my favorite Disney fairytale. I was the one wishing for the library, and my husband accommodated me wonderfully. I liked that this didn’t involve kidnapping or harassment like some re-tellings sometimes do. This is more of a comfort read, with cooking, snacking, reading, writing, and beach life. But there is also some serious topics broached.

I related to both Izzy and Beau. Specifically with Izzy and burn out. It’s a real thing, and I liked how the author handled it. Basically, Izzy went on “vacation” without quitting her job or making major life changes. With Beau, it was the feeling of wanting to be away from people and then finding that I couldn’t talk to them again.

From what I understand this is supposed to be part of a series, but the 1st novel is by another author and has different characters. If you haven't read If the Shoe Fits (like I haven't) then don't worry. I feel pretty confident that this novel could be a stand-alone.

Overall I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars. It was a quick, fun, and light hearted novel.