Brielle and Bear
A tale as old as time refreshed for modern readers. This Beauty and the Beast retelling captures the magic and romance of first-year university students Brielle and Bear and the fairytale they are destined to live.
Once upon a time, Brielle met Bear. And then they fell in love.
But that's just the beginning. Fairytales have a way of twisting and swirling before you get to "happily ever after." And though modern-day Once Upon a Time University first-year, Brielle, is a dreamer, always with her nose in a book, her imagination can't help but run wild with potential romance.
To her, Bear is perfect. . . until Brielle discovers a secret he's been hiding for a long time that just might shatter their fairytale love. . . .
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Salomey Doku
Not every fairytale begins with a castle. Some start in a quiet studio in Leeds, where watercolours and daydreams collide. For Salomey Doku, the path from architectural assistant to graphic novelist wasn’t planned—it unfolded like the pages of one of her own whimsical stories. What began as a creative detour with a paintbrush in 2018 evolved into a storytelling voice that now enchants readers across continents.
Blending vibrant illustration with romantic narrative, Salomey’s debut graphic novel, Brielle and Bear: Once Upon a Time..., offers more than just a love story—it builds an entire world out of curiosity, quiet bravery, and longing. Set in the enchanted halls of Once Upon a Time University, the novel introduces Brielle, a wide-eyed first-year with her head in the clouds, and Bear, a softly spoken rugby player hiding more than just feelings. Rooted in the author’s own university experience, the story pulses with warmth, magic, and the gentle ache of becoming.
Once Upon a Time University
Once Upon a Time University consists of one book and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
