Christina Lauren

Beautiful Bastard

Whip-smart, hardworking, and on her way to an MBA, Chloe Mills has only one problem: her boss, Bennett Ryan. He's exacting, blunt, inconsiderate--and completely irresistible. A Beautiful Bastard.

Bennett has returned to Chicago from France to take a vital role in his family's massive media business. He never expected that the assistant who'd been helping him from abroad was the gorgeous, innocently provocative--completely infuriating--creature he now has to see every day. Despite the rumors, he's never been one for a workplace hookup. But Chloe's so tempting he's willing to bend the rules--or outright smash them--if it means he can have her. All over the office. 
As their appetites for one another increase to a breaking point, Bennett and Chloe must decide exactly what they're willing to lose in order to win each other. 

The Beautiful Series

Sarah 

“I got in at six, before I knew she’d be there. I got us both coffee, updated my calendar to save her some time she could use to catch up after being gone

“Mom came by with some groceries and left them at my doorstep.

 left me daily voice mails with updates about work.

Finally, Henry came by with the only known set of spare keys to my house and dumped a pot of cold water on me, then handed me some takeout Chinese”

i feel bad for you, but periodt as you should. 

“I called in sick and only got out of bed to grab an occasional bowl of cereal, or refill my glass, or use the bathroom, whereupon I’d look at my reflection and give myself the finger”

“Not sure yet. She’s a great kid. Definitely needs some seasoning, though”

“You son of a bitch! You signed for them and then lied to me?” She landed a hard shove on my chest, and I had a sudden instinct to protect my balls.”

“Anything,” he growled in reply, before bending to bite my lip and growl. “Take fucking anything.”

when he runs down eighteen flights of stairs for you 😍

“Christ! Will you fucking wait?” he shouted. It did not escape my attention that he was out of breath. I suppose sprinting down eighteen flights of stairs would do that to a person.”

consequences of your own actions mr ryan. suffer 🤭

“I reached the elevator and groaned slightly, opting for the stairs and then realizing that was an even worse mistake. I sprinted down eighteen flights.”

“Fine by me,” I said, swallowing my annoyance. “No good decisions are ever made in this room anyway.”

Zoey Novak

I read the Beautiful Bastard books years ago, and looking back, I realize I definitely wasn’t the target age group at the time! That said, I remember really enjoying them, even though it’s not the kind of reading I gravitate toward anymore 

Cora lys 

Madii

I LOVE good sex scenes. What I don't like is when it becomes redundant. Idk anymore. Maybe I'd read this again someday and change my mind, but for now.. I don't like it.

zainab

id push for a 2.5? now that im finished im not sure what i read. very basic plot and basic character development but not the worst thing ive read.

Great on the smut, there was so many great scenes 🌶️. The overall story line was lacking. I felt it was repetitive BUT THE SMUT was definitely there to compensate.

Valentina Moreno Escobar

Nialani Thompson

This book is good, I really liked it. I enjoyed the characters, their banter and interactions, the scenes too. It wasn’t an amazing book but it wasn’t a terrible book; I’d read it/listen to it again. It was good, great even. I loved the end of the book when he mouthed “I love you” before she did her big presentation. It was super cute and you truly felt the emotions when they worried about the future or what was going to happen to them. There was the scene with the man in San Diego where he was basically talking down on Chloe but it wasn’t much so that there needed to be excessive groveling. It was super cute and I enjoyed reading it.

 For the smut, it’s fun and sexy, for relationship development it was lacking a bit for me. I never thought I’d be reading a book and think that there might be too much smut.  Still an enjoyable, quick and easy read. 

Megan BV

Briar's Reviews

Most of this book is really, really hot - and the other half is...well, not. 

This book is essentially pure erotica - which some people enjoy! If you want a book that is mainly the two characters going at it constantly, then this book is for you! If you were hoping for a dramatic novel mixed with sexy scenes, well, you are outta luck!

When I heard about this book, it was explained to me as mainly a drama mixed with the "romance" scenes...alas, they were wrong. Perhaps they picked up the wrong book?

Now, don't get me wrong. This book is well written for a steamy book! This soap opera like novel is definitely a great book if you want to turn your brain off and not deal with complicated issues - just steamy romance, the odd dramatic moment, and then more sexy time! 

I did enjoy this book - mainly for the time that I could turn my brain off and just read. It's not complicated, it's quite easy to read, and the book keeps moving along!

Would I have liked more drama? Yes. But, this book was a turn-your-brain-off-and-relax sort of book! 

Would I have liked the main characters not to be the stereotypical "they hate each other but oh wow let's get busy"? Yes. 

It seemed like another novel made as a Twilight fan fiction into a book...but hey, it was hot!

Three out of five stars!

Wow. What a read. Let’s just say I was in fact not ready for this kind of 

Of course, I’m picking up the next in the series as we speak. 

Alma 

Wow. What a read. Let’s just say I was in fact not ready for this kind of book.it was a whole new experience for me. 

Of course, I’m picking up the next in the series as we speak. 

Song of the book:

✨No control by One Direction ✨

cher elle

tw dub con 

If the first two chapters weren’t enough to deter you from reading the rest of the book then I’m not entirely sure what else to say

detelinka

mhhh yass, it literally has smut in every chapter I swear (not complaining but there could be more plot yk) anyways it was a great read buttt its a 4stars for me.
byeeeeeeeee

Ashley

1.5/5

**********!!!!POSSIBLE SPOILERS!!!!************

Leaving this book in the DNF list. I tried so hard to finish the book but I just couldn't. Stopped reading the book in page 163 out of 305. 

 The chapters are way too long:  I don't know if it's just me, but I prefer various short chapters than a really long one. Each chapter was like 20-30 pages and to be honest that unmotivated me.

 Too much smut:  I'm not sure if the word 'smut' is the correct terminology but to rephrase it: there were too much sex scenes. In every chapter there was in which to a point it got boring and unnecessary. Don't get me wrong though, I like reading those scenes and have nothing against them but this time it was just too much. 

 The characters:  There was something about the main characters I didn't like. Bennett, from what I've covered, seemed like too controlling, toxic and manipulative. I couldn't figure what exactly I disliked from Chloe. 

 Everything was too cliche:  I have no other words for this. Everything felt like you could read the exact same thing in other books. Lacked of originality in my opinion. 

I seriously wanted to love this book so much and buy the whole series but now I don't think I will. I've already read Beautiful Bombshell accidentally not knowing that it was part of a series and that I should read the other books first; anyway in that book, Chloe and Bennett seemed to love each other and received a happy ending.

What I did like about the book is  the writing style and dual pov.  I really enjoyed ho the story was written and how the authors gave us pov from both the main characters as it gave us the perspective and thought of each character. 

I feel like saying this: This review have nothing against the authors. I admire Christina Lauren so much and I hope to love their other books!

Jennifer Eggleston 

I loved this book but then again I am sucker for the hate to love stories. 

This story started with a bang, like a sexual bang, and it just kept going and going. Energizer Bunny or should I say Bennett, hel-LO!!! Book is nothing but Sex, elevator sex, sex, dressing room sex, sex and I am ok with that. 

Yes, Bennett comes across as a Douchey McDoucherson but he has his reasons but when you see him interacting with his niece who loves him dearly ... you know he can't be all that bad. That hard edge is just a protection from his feelings. 


He's a Beautiful Bastard for a reason. I appreciated the fact that Chloe gave it back to him - she didn't back down. So if you want a sexual escape ... read this book. If you are looking for Pulitzer material .... um, perhaps not. 

My only beef with this story is the ending. I felt it was more HFN and not HEA. I love a good ending with an epilogue (FYI authors) and this ending was meh. Perhaps this means there will be a continuation for Bennett and Chloe. Who knows? 

As a reader of fanfiction (but not all) I think it's great that some are getting published so I say, "kudos to you."

An ambitious intern. A perfectionist executive. And a whole lot of name calling. Discover the story that garnered more than two million reads online. Whip-smart, hardworking, and on her way to an MBA, Chloe Mills has only one problem: her boss, Bennett Ryan. He’s exacting, blunt, inconsiderate—and completely irresistible. A Beautiful Bastard. Bennett has returned to Chicago from France to take a vital role in his family’s massive media business. He never expected that the assistant who’d been helping him from abroad was the gorgeous, innocently provocative—completely infuriating—creature he now has to see every day. Despite the rumors, he’s never been one for a workplace hookup. But Chloe’s so tempting he’s willing to bend the rules—or outright smash them—if it means he can have her. All over the office As their appetites for one another increase to a breaking point, Bennett and Chloe must decide exactly what they’re willing to lose in order to win each other. Originally only available online as The Office by tby789—and garnering over 2 million reads on fanfiction sites—Beautiful Bastard has been extensively updated for re-release.

Sven Test

I really enjoyed this book. My reason for rating it 3 stars was how much it lacked of a story and the characters were annoying at times. Most of the book consisted of sex, sex and more sex. There was no depth. But I have to admit I laughed in various parts of the book and in the end, the characters grew on me.

** spoiler alert **
           This was a porn video in words... omg every damn chapter there was sex, don’t get me wrong romance and sexy time are essential in these types of books but there was nothing to grasp on to regarding the plot. The characters were so irritating.. I’m so surprised at how much I disliked it, I absolute love Christina Lauren. Sorry but this is a 2star for me

Jordan /

Reread after seeing CoHo rated it 5⭐️ and ended up loving it!!

Ley Stanton

I really did not want this book to end, I would have been happier with another few chapters to at least see how things work out. But overall, I loved this book. A great start for my first book by her.

Well, this was good smut to push me out of my millionth reading slump. 

Did I learn anything about Bennett and Chloe? No, not really. 

I just thought this was smut and more smut page after page and surprisingly I was okay with it? 

Moreover, I'm proud I finished a book lolol. 

Keira 💫

Well, this was good smut to push me out of my millionth reading slump. 

Did I learn anything about Bennett and Chloe? No, not really. 

I just thought this was smut and more smut page after page and surprisingly I was okay with it? 

Moreover, I'm proud I finished a book lolol. 

sometimes all you need to get out of a slump is smut. and this book-started off strong with it. 

Chloe and Bennett have a hate-lust-hate again-lust-hate again-lust-maybe like?-hate-lust-lust-lust-lust-HATE-love relationship, and hey who am I to judge. this book seemed like a plotless erotica kinda book but halfway through finally had some plot I guess? idk what it was about this book, but I completely enjoyed it. i finished it in one day, and I was into it, maybe wrong word choice but you get what I mean. 

Chloe was a treat. I freaking liked her! She was so head strong, so determined, had her priorities right, and was able to put up with Bennett’s shit, like yes slay. Bennett was uh, interesting. He was kinda thoughtful towards the end I must admit and he had a lot more faith in them working out than Chloe did which was pretty nice ig? He’s a pretty decent MMC. And he was down bad for her and was not hesitant to admit when he was in the wrong which yess!! He respected her as an intern and even gave her opportunities to build her career, like yes sir. I mean I’m in a millionaire boss x assistant mood right now and this definitely hit the spot. Their banter >>> 

I also liked how it was dual pov because I was able to understand why Bennett was feeling the way he was because otherwise I would have HATED him for acting so “irrationally” but the guy was just hesitant. 

I only wished more of the actual romance between them was shown rather than only their hatred- Because by the time I started liking their relationship the book was over. I also wish it was just a little plot driven, because if it was then this book woulda been chefs kiss. I woulda loved to swap some of the smut scenes for some character development ones. 

overall pretty good, not worth a reread but a great filler! 

sometimes all you need to get out of a slump is smut. and this book-started off strong with it. 

Chloe and Bennett have a hate-lust-hate again-lust-hate again-lust-maybe like?-hate-lust-lust-lust-lust-HATE-love relationship, and hey who am I to judge. this book seemed like a plotless erotica kinda book but halfway through finally had some plot I guess? idk what it was about this book, but I completely enjoyed it. i finished it in one day, and I was into it, maybe wrong word choice but you get what I mean. 

Chloe was a treat. I freaking liked her! She was so head strong, so determined, had her priorities right, and was able to put up with Bennett’s shit, like yes slay. Bennett was uh, interesting. He was kinda thoughtful towards the end I must admit and he had a lot more faith in them working out than Chloe did which was pretty nice ig? He’s a pretty decent MMC. And he was down bad for her and was not hesitant to admit when he was in the wrong which yess!! He respected her as an intern and even gave her opportunities to build her career, like yes sir. I mean I’m in a millionaire boss x assistant mood right now and this definitely hit the spot. Their banter >>> 

I also liked how it was dual pov because I was able to understand why Bennett was feeling the way he was because otherwise I would have HATED him for acting so “irrationally” but the guy was just hesitant. 

I only wished more of the actual romance between them was shown rather than only their hatred- Because by the time I started liking their relationship the book was over. I also wish it was just a little plot driven, because if it was then this book woulda been chefs kiss. I woulda loved to swap some of the smut scenes for some character development ones. 

overall pretty good, not worth a reread but a great filler! 

rating: 4/5 stars

started: 11th July 2022

finished: 12th July 2022

Kadisha 

I listened to this book again and I had a great time!! It’s an office workplace romance between CFO Bennett and his assistant Chloe and it’s very spicy with a side of tension on every page!! I swear they are going at it in every chapter. I’m so glad I listen to this book again because missed them two and their banter!

lauren carla

the characters were underdeveloped and the plot was almost nonexistent, but the smut was good and there were some really cute and funny moments (it was also really fast-paced). also random, but while reading I pictured chloe and bennett as dakota johnson and jamie dornan lmaoo

Julie D.

Rereading this made me remember how awkward it can be if romance is written badly. I enjoy a good trashy romance novel here and there but I could do w/o reading about how Bennett pushed himself against her stomach every 20 or so pages.

Adebimpe Bashorun

A bit tacky and really not much of a plot. 
But good romance and sex.

Maria

сара дж. маас в интервью сказала, что вот мол прекрасный автор, я открыла, а это порно! примерно 90% это порносцены и 10% всё остальное. я не виновата, это всё сара.

ах да. еще у кристины лорен (это две женщины на самом деле) есть янг-адалт книжки, но я их пожалуй читать не буду. вряд ли в янг-адалте им позволили 28 порносцен на книгу, а со всем остальным они справляются не очень.

Beautiful Bastard

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