The Official Description: An MM Romance Fairy Tale Retelling
From the dual finalist in the prestigious 2019 Romance Writers of America ® Golden Heart ® contest and seven-time 1st place Romance Writers of America ® award-winning contemporary and erotic romance author comes the much-anticipated re-release of her low-angst, high-heat gay romance Beauty and the Beast retelling.
Champion MMA fighter Adam Littrell is preparing for the biggest fight of his career. If he wins, he’ll add another proverbial notch to his record-breaking title reign. If he loses, he’s on the fast track for retirement. But when he opens the door to a distraction in the form of the nerdy and awkward Bo Wilkins, staying focused becomes a struggle.
Aware of his new employer’s surly reputation, Bo expects to earn the generous salary his position as Adam’s live-in personal assistant offers. However, as chemistry sizzles beneath the guise of an unexpected friendship, Bo discovers the Beast hardly lives up to his name. And when a shared love of books leads them to study for their GEDs together, the possibilities for their future take on a much rosier hue.
But just as their relationship finally finds its footing, an emergency with his sister pulls Bo away and he drops everything. Including Adam.
Until now, Adam believed the most significant fight of his life would be a physical one. But with the defense of his title hanging in the balance and Bo no longer by his side, he makes a grim realization.
His greatest prize can’t be won in the octagon.
Just the facts: M/M, MMA fighter, opposites attract
Bo should know never to judge a book by its cover…but that’s exactly what he does when he meets his new boss, MMA champ “The Beast” – Kinzie Things
My thoughts bit: I don’t normally do the sports romance thing – mostly because I don’t know enough about most sports to keep up! This one caught my eye because I love MMA and I’ve been an avid watcher of UFC for years. I was even more intrigued when I read that this was a re-telling of “Beauty and the Beast”.
In this book, an MMA champ named “The Beast” wakes up one morning to answer the door in his underwear only to find that his long time friend and manager has brought someone with him. Kyle has been Adam’s (The Beast) manager and friend long enough to pick out a new personal assistant for him. The thing is, he’s put a bit of extra thought into the hire, and Adam is faced with a man who is the perfect match for him.
What made this book a lot of fun was the difference between the two main characters. Adam might be an MMA fighter, but he’s a sweet soul. He’s gentle, intelligent, and kind. He’s pretty much convinced himself that relationships just get in the way of his goal. His father pulled him out of school when he was young… convinced that sports was the path he needed to take and he’s been entirely focussed on it ever since.
Beauregard – Bo for short – is a little bit of a nerd in the best possible way. When he moves in to be Adam’s new PA he brings a suitcase that is packed almost entirely with books. He quit school to take over caring for his little sister when he was young. His job with Adam gives him a place to stay as well as a good income.
The characters are what made this book great. Adam was probably my favorite. Even though he’s a fighter by profession, he is such a sweetheart. He underestimates himself when it comes to relationships, not thinking that he is worthy of a long term romance. He knows what Kyle did when he chose Bo to fill the position. Bo is exactly the kind of man that Adam enjoys. The tension is there immediately and Drae builds it up swiftly but still believably.
The writing in this book is great. The characters are funny, clever and I loved the way that Adam “woos” Bo even though he’s so convinced that he doesn’t want to have a relationship. He just finds himself wanting to let Bo get to know him even though he’s not sure why.
This is a great read and I would certainly recommend it to anyone who reads the genre. You don’t have to know much about MMA to enjoy the book, so don’t worry about that. Can’t wait for the second book in the series.
Things You May Want To Know: Please be aware, I’m by no means an expert on what may or may not have the potential to disturb people. I simply list things that I think a reader might want to be aware of. In this book: (SPOILERS) fighting, fighting injuries, underage drinking, supporting character is in an accident, supporting character hospitalized
Links: Goodreads // The Author
I received an ARC of Beauregard and The Beast by Evie Drae from The Author in exchange for an unbiased review.
Kinzie Things 