A review by book_lover_irl
Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren

emotional funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I guess I’m starting out 2025 by handing out five star reviews like candy! I tend to be kinda stingy with stars. However, of the 25 books I’ve read so far this year, I’ve given five books 5-stars. In the entirety of 2024, I read 92 books and only gave ten books 5-stars. 

SUMMARY: Whip smart, hardworking and on her way to an MBA, Chloe Ryan has only one problem: her boss. Bennett Ryan is exacting, blunt, inconsiderate and completely irresistible. Their chemistry is off the charts AND he can’t keep his hands off Chloe. 

REVIEW: Beautiful B@stard by Christina Lauren was a fantastically spicy, feisty and entertaining read. 

I love a stubborn, sassy, intelligent FMC who can hold her own with a grumpy, rude jack@ss MMC. Chloe gave as good as she got when Bennett’s wicked tongue lashings would’ve made most employees cower. The fact that she was extremely confident of her superior skillset was impressive. It was h0t that she knew her worth and didn’t doubt herself in a male dominated work environment. 

Likewise watching alpha-hole, Bennett, try to curtail his attraction to Chloe’s strength and wit, but fail miserably, was a joy to behold. Bennett tried sooooo hard to fit Chloe into a neat, little, unemotional box in his organized life but she wouldn’t conform or cooperate. 

The sparks that flew between the two of them were FIRE from the beginning. There was no denying the sizzling h0t s3xual tension and crazy attraction. The spice started right away in chapter one and just kept going. So much fabulous spice that just kept spicing…

The plot set a great pace that held my interest. It had me avoiding life so I could learn what happened next. 

If you’re looking for an enemies to lovers, he falls first, workplace affair with LOTS of smexy times, you simply must read Beautiful B@stard. I can’t wait to explore more books by Christina Lauren. 

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual (single female narrator)
HEA: Yea
Cliffhanger: No
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, he falls first, workplace, intern x boss

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this book
⭐️⭐️ Meh…  bored or annoyed
⭐️ Seriously? Not worth it

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ INFERNO. P@nty melting
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Blazing h0t
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking
🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary
🌶️ Does weak f0replay count?

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