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elliott_the_clementine's review against another edition
Not my cup of tea (at least as a romance book). The love interest does not seem to care about consent or really about the heroine at all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Toxic relationship, and Sexism
Moderate: Sexual assault
lizziekarpen's review against another edition
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
joanna1905's review against another edition
2.0
This was an interesting little read, after finishing my 50 shades reread I felt like reading another light sexy romance and I stumbled upon this in my iTunes library. I have absolutely zero recollection of ever buying and reading this book but apparently I did.
I was also intrigued as Christina Lauren are the authors of one of my favourite queer ya contemporary books, so knowing how good that is I was interested to see what this adult romance would be like.
There’s not really anything bad about this book but it can’t really be compared to 50 shades, because while that’s definitely erotica there’s a pretty meaty and intense plot that drives the story. It’s not JUST the sexy stuff, and I think in that case the rest of the story is constructed very well.
This book doesn’t have that backbone of a plot, its pretty much entirely erotica with a few scenes strung between to make it into a cohesive book. Now this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and it’s pretty much what I had anticipated it would be. However, personally I like some solid plot within my romance books and that’s the reason this was only a 2 stars read.
I also had an issue with the lack of verbal consent in the first sex scene, while it’s clear both parties are more than willing the initial scene kind of comes out of nowhere when all we know about our leads boss is that he’s a massive asshole. Therefore, him just groping her and swiftly indicating sex was a bit uncomfortable, as there hadn’t really been any indication there was sexual attraction or tension between them, and I think it’s always important for erotica to show the importance of verbal and enthusiastic consent.
I was also intrigued as Christina Lauren are the authors of one of my favourite queer ya contemporary books, so knowing how good that is I was interested to see what this adult romance would be like.
There’s not really anything bad about this book but it can’t really be compared to 50 shades, because while that’s definitely erotica there’s a pretty meaty and intense plot that drives the story. It’s not JUST the sexy stuff, and I think in that case the rest of the story is constructed very well.
This book doesn’t have that backbone of a plot, its pretty much entirely erotica with a few scenes strung between to make it into a cohesive book. Now this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and it’s pretty much what I had anticipated it would be. However, personally I like some solid plot within my romance books and that’s the reason this was only a 2 stars read.
I also had an issue with the lack of verbal consent in the first sex scene, while it’s clear both parties are more than willing the initial scene kind of comes out of nowhere when all we know about our leads boss is that he’s a massive asshole. Therefore, him just groping her and swiftly indicating sex was a bit uncomfortable, as there hadn’t really been any indication there was sexual attraction or tension between them, and I think it’s always important for erotica to show the importance of verbal and enthusiastic consent.
alnguy's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
cala_p's review against another edition
DNF @ 16%
This book had such high hopes. I know it's a Twilight erotica fanfic. Alright. While I dislike fanfics, I still finally gave this a go. I read Fifty Shades, "the porno Twilight" and it is not nearly as bad as people make it out to seem. The characters, the plot, etc is really good.
One of my problems is the character's names as well. Everyone except the two MCs have the same names as Twilight. Bennett's father's name: Carlisle. His brother: Emmett. His mom: Esme. Emmett's wife: Rose. Alice is somewhere in there as well. Like c'mon, fanfic or not, create a family that isn't identical.
In comparison, this is not. In the very first opening pages of the book..SEX. I'm not a prude (as evident that I read Fifty Shades and willingly gave this a go) but c'mon people. It's called development. Interaction. Working up to the erotic scenes. He walked in, and right away grabbed her and the rest is history. That's pretty much how the next few chapters go as well.
8% in and I was like, this story better develop a plot of some sort. Something more than boss screws assistant.
By 16%, I know I can't finnish this.
I like romance books, erotic books are fine depending. Sex scenes do not bother me, but when the entire book is them screwing with no plot, it's aggravating. I don't want to be bored through a book, but when I'm barely through the first three chapters and I am bored out of my mind, well that's not good.
Amazes me how so many people like this series and this woman's writing. I know the other books in the series are about different characters, therefore a different story, but judging by the lack of actual story here, I'm not bothering with her other ones.
This book had such high hopes. I know it's a Twilight erotica fanfic. Alright. While I dislike fanfics, I still finally gave this a go. I read Fifty Shades, "the porno Twilight" and it is not nearly as bad as people make it out to seem. The characters, the plot, etc is really good.
One of my problems is the character's names as well. Everyone except the two MCs have the same names as Twilight. Bennett's father's name: Carlisle. His brother: Emmett. His mom: Esme. Emmett's wife: Rose. Alice is somewhere in there as well. Like c'mon, fanfic or not, create a family that isn't identical.
In comparison, this is not. In the very first opening pages of the book..SEX. I'm not a prude (as evident that I read Fifty Shades and willingly gave this a go) but c'mon people. It's called development. Interaction. Working up to the erotic scenes. He walked in, and right away grabbed her and the rest is history. That's pretty much how the next few chapters go as well.
8% in and I was like, this story better develop a plot of some sort. Something more than boss screws assistant.
By 16%, I know I can't finnish this.
I like romance books, erotic books are fine depending. Sex scenes do not bother me, but when the entire book is them screwing with no plot, it's aggravating. I don't want to be bored through a book, but when I'm barely through the first three chapters and I am bored out of my mind, well that's not good.
Amazes me how so many people like this series and this woman's writing. I know the other books in the series are about different characters, therefore a different story, but judging by the lack of actual story here, I'm not bothering with her other ones.
misslover's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my word........
Or more like Bennett ripping them off.
I'm sorry but I really enjoyed this one. He was an asshole, prick, hot, sexy son-of-a-bitch and I couldn't get enough. Yeah so Chloe may have seemed like a huge idiot, but really, who could blame her?!?!
Like most romance novels we have the hot rich man and the innocent sweet girl. Difference? Chloe was not an innocent, sweet girl and hot damn she held her own. Smart, witty and totally hilarious it was a nice change for a lead female. It was awesome having her take charge sometimes instead of it always being the guy.
This is a book that really has to peak your interest just from reading the synopsis. Otherwise, it probably isn't a book for you and it may frustrate you like no other, leaving no other choice but to either DNF it or giving it a bad rating. Just do yourself a favour and don't bother. If, you can give things a chance and don't mind a big prick then I really think you'll love this.
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. (Read it in one day, which is rare for me)
So buckle up ladies (or gents) cause you're in for one sexy ride ;) ;)
Or more like Bennett ripping them off.
I'm sorry but I really enjoyed this one. He was an asshole, prick, hot, sexy son-of-a-bitch and I couldn't get enough. Yeah so Chloe may have seemed like a huge idiot, but really, who could blame her?!?!
Like most romance novels we have the hot rich man and the innocent sweet girl. Difference? Chloe was not an innocent, sweet girl and hot damn she held her own. Smart, witty and totally hilarious it was a nice change for a lead female. It was awesome having her take charge sometimes instead of it always being the guy.
This is a book that really has to peak your interest just from reading the synopsis. Otherwise, it probably isn't a book for you and it may frustrate you like no other, leaving no other choice but to either DNF it or giving it a bad rating. Just do yourself a favour and don't bother. If, you can give things a chance and don't mind a big prick then I really think you'll love this.
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. (Read it in one day, which is rare for me)
So buckle up ladies (or gents) cause you're in for one sexy ride ;) ;)
a_reader_obsessed's review against another edition
5.0
Still 5 Stars!
This has not diminished one bit since I read this 10 years ago.
Embodying the epitome of enemies to lovers vitriolic banter, explosive chemistry, and while still wondrously filled to the brim with delicious hate sex, this totally delivers.
Minus that rampant romance novel 3rd act breakup, I love that Chloe is strong and assertive who rises to every challenge Bennett throws at her, and Bennett’s resistance but imminent fall is sexy AF.
Yep. Still fabulously titillating, still good stuff! Unf.
Beautiful Bastard Series
1. Beautiful Bastard - 5 Stars
1.5. Beautiful Bitch - 5 Stars
2. Beautiful Stranger - 4.5 Stars
2.5. Beautiful Bombshell - 5 Stars
3. Beautiful Player - 5 Stars
3.5. Beautiful Beginning - 5 Stars
3.6. Beautiful Beloved - 2.5 Stars
4. Beautiful Secret - 3 Stars
4.5. Beautiful Boss - 3 Stars
5. Beautiful - 4 stars
This has not diminished one bit since I read this 10 years ago.
Embodying the epitome of enemies to lovers vitriolic banter, explosive chemistry, and while still wondrously filled to the brim with delicious hate sex, this totally delivers.
Minus that rampant romance novel 3rd act breakup, I love that Chloe is strong and assertive who rises to every challenge Bennett throws at her, and Bennett’s resistance but imminent fall is sexy AF.
Yep. Still fabulously titillating, still good stuff! Unf.
Beautiful Bastard Series
1. Beautiful Bastard - 5 Stars
1.5. Beautiful Bitch - 5 Stars
2. Beautiful Stranger - 4.5 Stars
2.5. Beautiful Bombshell - 5 Stars
3. Beautiful Player - 5 Stars
3.5. Beautiful Beginning - 5 Stars
3.6. Beautiful Beloved - 2.5 Stars
4. Beautiful Secret - 3 Stars
4.5. Beautiful Boss - 3 Stars
5. Beautiful - 4 stars
megwoods1965's review against another edition
So problematic. See content warnings about why.