by: Jasmine Guillory
Published: May 3, 2022
Genre: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary
320 Pages, E-Book
GoodReads Link
Very cute love story; predictable but, cute nonetheless.
The story focuses so heavily on Beau’s story and backstory, obviously because he is the one writing a memoir but, I would’ve loved to hear more about Isabelle’s (Izzy) backstory or family life.
I loved that there was no “struggle love” in the story. Izzy’s parents are lovingly married which gives her the image of healthy relationships which, which is a stark contrast to Beau and his parents’ relationship. Izzy and Beau’s love story is just “fluff” nothing short of, the whirlwind romances of the Disney likes.
Romance isn’t my thing but, I try to give black authors a chance. Guillory always writes for the black girls who grew up on Disney princesses. In the end, the Princess gets her Knight in Shining Armor, and By the Book is no different. Beau lacks effective communication skills and emotional intelligence, pushes Izzy away, and doesn’t reveal his true feelings until the 25th hour – wash, rinse, repeat.
The secondary characters annoyed me the most. Prya, Marta, and Gavin – I mean I get it, someone’s got to add some flair or drama to the story but, they all were insufferable.
All in all, it was a cute story about two twenty-somethings forced to live in a house and work together and find out what happens when people stop being polite and start getting real. Shout out to MTV!
One-Word Summary: Unrelatable
Other Jasmine Guillory books I’ve reviewed:
The Proposal
whitneydaniell 
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