Published in 2013 by now-acclaimed author Christina Lauren, Beautiful Bastard is more than just a steamy romance novel. It challenges conventional notions of love, passion, and power dynamics, all while tugging at our heartstrings. As we navigate the entangled lives of Chloe and Bennett, we are reminded that love can be messy, unexpected, and undeniably beautiful.
This book is notably more hot and heavy than Lauren’s newer books – so for spice lovers, this book should be the perfect start to delve in Christina Lauren with!
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Official Description
Beautiful Bastard
An ambitious intern. A perfectionist executive. And a whole lot of name calling.
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.
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Our Overview
“I was starting to see that this wasn’t just sex, and it wasn’t something just working out of my system. Sex was just the fastest route to the deeper possession that I needed. I was falling in love with her, and falling to fast and hard to easily find any footing.”
Chloe, an ambitious and intelligent intern, is determined to succeed in her job at Ryan Media Group, a prominent company where she is pursuing her MBA. She is also the daughter of a highly respected executive, piling on the pressure to succeed. Enter Bennett Ryan, the stunningly handsome and incredibly frustrating executive of the company, known for his uncompromising work ethic and notorious reputation as a “beautiful bastard.”
As the story unfolds, Chloe finds herself caught in conflicting emotions when Bennett unexpectedly becomes her temporary boss. Their heated encounters and heated exchanges are fueled by a potent mix of attraction and hatred. The undeniable chemistry between them becomes increasingly difficult to ignore, leading to a series of sizzling office encounters that blur the lines between business and pleasure.
As their secret affair intensifies, Chloe and Bennett find themselves unearthing some of each other’s troubled pasts. Bennett struggles to let go of control and open up to the possibility of love. Meanwhile, Chloe battles her own insecurities and fears of being overshadowed by her family’s expectations.
Amidst their passionate rendezvous, Chloe and Bennett also face office politics, jealous colleagues, and the constant scrutiny of their relationship. These test their ability to trust each other and navigate the treacherous waters of a love affair that was really never meant to be.
Chloe and Bennett must decide whether their connection is strong enough to withstand the pressures of their careers, societal expectations, and their own emotional barriers. Will they surrender to their overwhelming desire and fight for their love, or will they get torn apart?
Our Review
Love Christina Lauren? Love office romance? What about enemies-to-lovers? This books checks all the boxes.
This tantalizing office romance weaves together fiery encounters alongside the emotional complexity of meeting expectations and going against the status quo. Moreover, we have some interesting and relatable characters. Chloe is a determined and intelligent intern who is weighed down with following in the footsteps of her successful family. This embodiment of strength entwines with ambition and insecurity: something many of us can relate to. On the other hand, Bennet the handsome executive is more than just a dominating piece of sex appeal. Deep down he has many insecurities which are brought to light respectfully and delicately by Lauren.
We go on a heart-racing journey between Chloe and Bennett. Boundaries are not only pushed, they are shoved out of the way to make room for this drool-worthy office romance. The connection between Chloe and Bennett is palpable and exudes raw sensuality. Not to mention the spicy scenes are to die for… seriously.
However, what makes Lauren’s delve into Office Romance more eye-catching to us is the depth of Beautiful Bastard. The title itself seems fitting at first, but then it becomes more ironic as we delve into Bennett and discover he is much more than simply a ‘beautiful bastard’. We face a lot of internal struggles from both characters, which Christina Lauren portrays meaningfully without taking away from the passion between the two.
Whilst some parts of the book are fairly predictable, we can give Lauren a pass. Beautiful Bastard isn’t a book that is trying to redefine the genre; it is simply a fun, romantic book which is really enjoyable to read!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Beautiful Bastard about?
Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren is a scintillating contemporary romance that follows the tumultuous office affair between Chloe Mills, an ambitious intern pursuing her MBA, and Bennett Ryan, a captivating executive known for his uncompromising work ethic.
Is Beautiful Bastard going to be a movie?
Whilst the rights to Beautiful Bastard were acquired by Constantin Film in 2013, not too long after the release of the book, the rights were reverted to the author 3 years later. Looks like there are no adaptions coming in the near future!
What is Christina Lauren’s most popular book?
Christina Lauren’s most popular books include the 2019 Unhoneymooners and her newer release in 2021, The Soulmate Equation.
