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A review by karenmsecrest
Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
It’s hard to review this book without mentioning 2 things:
1) it was published in 2013 and predates the #MeToo movement,
2) It’s an early entry in the ‘50 Shades’ genre juggernaut (and started out as Twilight FanFic).
If you know those two things and still want to read it… go for it. The smut is HOT and there’s A LOT of it. But, in the year 2023… the boss/intern dynamic hits a little different. This is an enemies to lovers story, with emphasis on enemies. Fortunately, the heroine has plenty of agency and backbone and has no problem putting the hero in his place. They fall in love (of course) and the HEA is solid. Better banter and stronger writing than the ‘Gray’ books. A reader might enjoy this first book by Christina Lauren, whose later books include some of my favorite contemporary romances.
1) it was published in 2013 and predates the #MeToo movement,
2) It’s an early entry in the ‘50 Shades’ genre juggernaut (and started out as Twilight FanFic).
If you know those two things and still want to read it… go for it. The smut is HOT and there’s A LOT of it. But, in the year 2023… the boss/intern dynamic hits a little different. This is an enemies to lovers story, with emphasis on enemies. Fortunately, the heroine has plenty of agency and backbone and has no problem putting the hero in his place. They fall in love (of course) and the HEA is solid. Better banter and stronger writing than the ‘Gray’ books. A reader might enjoy this first book by Christina Lauren, whose later books include some of my favorite contemporary romances.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment