ARC Book Review: Brielle and Bear (Once Upon a Time Vol. 1) by Salomey Doku

Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: YA Magical Realism Romance
Length: 178 pages
Author: Salomey Doku
Publisher: Harper Fire
Release Date: April 22nd, 2025
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

A stunningly illustrated and brilliantly told love story perfect for teen readers – the first in an exquisite full-colour graphic novel series

(This ebook is optimised for Kindle tablets and the Kindle App. It is not suitable for e-Ink kindle devices, such as the PaperWhite. We recommend you download a sample to your device before purchase if in doubt.)

Fairytale Rule No. 1: All the best fairytales start with ‘Once upon a time . . .’

First-year student Brielle, a daydreamy book lover, knows everything there is to know about fairytales. Returning to the city of Rosebridge four years after moving away, she attends Once Upon a Time University, with the intention of living her fairytale dream. And when she meets Bear, shy vice-captain of the Princes rugby team, at the bookshop where she works, Brielle’s dream is off to a good start.

Determined to forget the past, and with an unexpected new relationship blossoming, Brielle feels she’s finally living the dream. That is, until she discovers that she’s not the only one hiding something .

Thank you Get Underlined for the gifted ARC.

SO STINKIN’ CUTE.

I did not have plans to read this 5 months before release but when I picked it up, I inhaled it (my ARC copy had black/white print but the final will have full color). I can’t wait to see the full color version because I loved the artwork and set-up for this story.

It’s light-hearted and made me smile multiple times. I loved the cute flirtations and deep talks. You can see the essence of Beauty and the Beast without being a copycat. I loved the introductions to all of the characters that I hope to see in future volumes. This is an easy read and an utter delight. I can’t wait for more!

Overall audience notes: