Jasmine Guillory’s By the Book, the second installment in Disney’s Meant to Be series, transforms the beloved Beauty and the Beast fairy tale into a contemporary romance that sparkles with wit, emotional depth, and authentic representation. This modern retelling places readers in the heart of the publishing world, where editorial assistant Isabelle “Izzy” Marlowe finds herself face-to-face with the industry’s most notorious literary beast.
The Heart of the Story
Twenty-five-year-old Isabelle Marlowe works as an editorial assistant at Tale as Old as Time Publishing, where she’s the only Black employee navigating a predominantly white corporate environment. Overworked, underpaid, and yearning for career advancement, Izzy’s professional life takes an unexpected turn when she volunteers to visit reclusive author Beau Towers at his Santa Barbara mansion. Her mission seems simple: convince the former child star to deliver his long-overdue memoir.
What follows is a beautifully crafted journey of two lost souls finding themselves through literature, vulnerability, and unexpected connection. Beau, scarred by public scrutiny and family trauma, has retreated from the world, struggling with writer’s block and emotional barriers. Izzy, despite her determination and publishing expertise, battles her own creative insecurities and workplace microaggressions.
Character Development That Shines
Guillory’s greatest strength lies in her character development. Isabelle emerges as a relatable, multifaceted protagonist whose struggles with imposter syndrome and creative self-doubt resonate deeply. Her internal conflict between speaking up and staying safe in her corporate environment feels authentically drawn from contemporary workplace realities. The author doesn’t shy away from addressing the isolation and additional burdens faced by people of color in predominantly white professional spaces.
Beau’s transformation from surly recluse to vulnerable artist unfolds gradually and believably. Guillory avoids the trap of instantly “fixing” her male lead through love, instead showing how genuine connection and mutual support can help someone rediscover their passion and purpose. His struggles with public perception and family expectations add layers of complexity that elevate him beyond the typical brooding love interest.
The Writing Process as Romance
One of the novel’s most compelling aspects is how Guillory weaves the actual process of writing into the romantic development. The library scenes, where Izzy and Beau work side by side on their respective projects, create an intimate atmosphere that feels both professional and deeply personal. These moments showcase how creativity can be both solitary and collaborative, how encouragement from the right person can unlock artistic potential.
The author’s own experience in the romance genre shines through in her authentic portrayal of publishing industry dynamics. From editorial meetings to manuscript deadlines, the professional backdrop feels lived-in and genuine, providing a refreshing change from the typical corporate romance setting.
Romance That Feels Real
The romantic development between Izzy and Beau unfolds with satisfying patience. Their initial antagonism gives way to mutual respect, creative collaboration, and finally, genuine affection. Guillory excels at creating moments of quiet intimacy alongside passionate romance, particularly in scenes where the characters share vulnerabilities about their artistic ambitions and personal fears.
The author tackles important themes about ambition, self-worth, and the courage to pursue dreams without sacrificing the escapist pleasure that romance readers seek. The California setting provides a dreamy backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the gritty realities of New York publishing life.
Areas for Improvement
While By the Book by Jasmine Guillory succeeds on multiple levels, some elements feel less polished. The antagonist, Marta Wallace, occasionally reads more as a plot device than a fully realized character. Her motivations remain somewhat opaque, and her relationship with Izzy could benefit from additional nuance. Additionally, some secondary plot threads, particularly involving workplace politics, resolve perhaps too neatly given their initial complexity.
The pacing occasionally falters in the middle section, where the writing retreat atmosphere, while atmospheric, sometimes slows narrative momentum. However, these slower moments serve the character development well, even if they don’t always maintain page-turning urgency.
Connection to the Meant to Be Series
As part of Disney’s Meant to Be collection, By the Book by Jasmine Guillory successfully updates the Beauty and the Beast framework for contemporary audiences. The fairy tale elements feel organic rather than forced, with the “beast” being emotional barriers rather than literal transformation. The series concept allows each author to bring their unique voice to beloved stories, and Guillory’s contribution feels distinctly her own while honoring the source material.
Readers familiar with If the Shoe Fits will appreciate this series’ commitment to diverse storytelling and modern sensibilities. The upcoming Kiss the Girl, Tangled Up in You, and Worth Fighting For promise to continue this tradition of thoughtful retellings that speak to contemporary experiences.
Comparison to Guillory’s Previous Work
Fans of Guillory’s earlier novels, including The Wedding Date, The Flirting Lessons, and The Proposal, will recognize her signature blend of humor, heart, and social awareness. By the Book demonstrates her continued growth as a storyteller, particularly in handling professional ambitions alongside romantic development. The novel feels more ambitious in scope than some of her previous work, tackling industry critique alongside personal growth narratives.
Why It Resonates
By the Book by Jasmine Guillory succeeds because it understands that the best romantic fiction offers more than just escape—it provides insight into real challenges and authentic emotional growth. Guillory’s portrayal of creative struggles, workplace dynamics, and the courage required to pursue artistic dreams elevates this beyond simple fairy tale retelling.
The novel particularly shines in its representation of Black professional experiences and creative ambitions, offering perspectives often underexplored in mainstream romance. Izzy’s journey feels both specific and universal, making her an engaging protagonist for readers across different backgrounds.
Similar Reads for Romance Lovers
Readers who enjoy By the Book by Jasmine Guillory might appreciate:
- Beach Read by Emily Henry – for its dual writer protagonists and creative collaboration
- The Hating Game by Sally Thorne – for workplace tension and slow-burn romance
- Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors by Sonali Dev – for diverse perspectives and family dynamics
- The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang – for character growth through relationship development
- Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston – for humor, heart, and social awareness
Final Thoughts
By the Book by Jasmine Guillory delivers a satisfying romance that honors its fairy tale inspiration while addressing contemporary concerns about creativity, ambition, and authentic representation. Guillory has crafted characters who feel real and relatable, placed them in a believable professional setting, and allowed their romance to develop naturally through shared interests and mutual support.
While not without minor flaws, the novel succeeds as both escapist entertainment and thoughtful exploration of artistic ambition and professional challenges. It stands as a worthy addition to the Meant to Be series and confirms Guillory’s place among contemporary romance’s most engaging voices. For readers seeking romance that combines fairy tale magic with real-world substance, By the Book by Jasmine Guillory proves that happily ever after can indeed be found between the pages.
