Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren (ARC)

Goodreads Description

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 two million reads on fan fiction sites—Beautiful Bastard has been extensively updated for re-release.

My Review

4/5

Usually I wouldn't review a book like this on the blog but I'm making an exception for this one. I will warn straight away though that any reader who is not an adult or who can't read scenes of a sexual nature then this is not the book for you, if you have not already figured this out from the title and description above.

I know this has been said in the past by many sources about many books but I have to regurgitate the ever repeated phrase "If you liked Fifty Shades of Grey, then you'll like this" because I genuinely believe it to be true. I, personally, did not like Fifty Shades because of a lot of reasons which are all much better in this book. I cannot help comparing the two because when I first came across Beautiful Bastard (BB) it was described as having "paved the way for Fifty Shades" and "the best Twilight fanfic ever". As a result of this I have been comparing them since I started reading the book.

Upon finishing this book I have noticed that there are more contrasts than similarities. BB is much more tame and does not contain as many BDSM situations as Fifty Shades. In this I think it is better because it can then appeal to a much wider range of readers. The storyline is enjoyable and more realistic and you will not be distracted by constant grammar mistakes or unnecessary sentences.

The only thing that I found unlikable about this book was some traits in the characters themselves. Mr. Ryan's overbearing personality is reminiscent of Edward in Twilight which I'm guessing is intentional but I found rather annoying. Similarly Chloe's inability to say no and to stand up for herself are also hard to handle. However, without these traits the story wouldn't have even begun so this was all necessary in the end.

This book isn't long and will take no time to read but it is neither dragged out nor too short. It is worth the read.

-T

This book is released in February and can be pre-ordered from The Book Depository here.