Beautiful ~ Christina Lauren

When you're a book addict, every so often a series or author comes along that gets you excited. So excited that you want to make everyone read that novel and make those people happy too.

Since it is Thanksgiving here in Canada-Land, not only am I sharing that novel but I am "Giving Thanks" for one of my top 10 favorite book collections out there!

 If you have read the Beautiful Series by Christina Lauren (aka writing duo Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings) then you will know that it is a collection of one of the most entertaining, witty and sexy reads you can find. Period. The End. Stamped It. Debate Over.

I first wrote about the original novel Beautiful Bastard a couple of years ago. When I read it, I was driving my friends nuts telling them they haaaaad to read it too. That book alone is so good, I can actually picture myself throwing copies at people whilst pretending to be Oprah:

"And YOU read this book....and YOU read this book.... and YOU read this book.....EVERYBODY OF A MATURE AGE- WHO LOVES A GOOD ROMANCE- READ THIS BOOK!"
(Don't think I wouldn't. I would)

Well my dears, if you haven't heard the latest news, then let me share: The final installment of the Beautiful series (aptly named 'Beautiful') was released last week.

I had such mixed emotions with this news:

“YES!!! A new book in the series to read!” 

Followed by:

“Noooooo!!! What do you mean the series is over???” 

And of course the afterthought:

 “Eeeeek……when am I going to find time to read it???”

(I made it through that emotional roller coaster…. I may have not slept one night…however I will be okay)

Normally I like to go back and binge read the whole series before picking up the newest one, but considering October is my crazy month, I just didn't have the time. That's okay though, I have read each book and novella in this series so many times so jumping right in to Beautiful was fine for me without needing a refresher course. I will list all the titles for you at the end of this entry.
 
I will tell you that the entire series for me is one that I can, have and will read over and over again. It's like a good friend. Always there for you when you need it. While I am sad to see the series end, I think the authors did rather well with finishing it off. (And the good news is, they have other books! I will get to them another day!)
The biggest story line of this particular novel is how Pippa (Ruby's BFF) and Jensen (Hannah's Brother) meet and have their own sexy adventure. They're lucky to have their friends in tow as they embark on a wine tour and learn to be 'friends'. She's a quirky one that Pippa. Actually some of her antics reminded me of me.... (There is a scene involving standing on a chair and singing.... totally me.... or the one part where she says something completely inappropriate to the.....oh well...just read the book and just know that I share some of her more amusing traits..and I hope you do too.....)
Jensen is a rather uptight sort, so it's nice to watch his world get turned upside down throughout the story as HE makes a boo boo that leads to some hilarity. I love it when a man whether real or fictional gets thrown off balance by a women. Jensen needed a bit of a push (So did my hubby..hehehe...) and Pippa came along at the right time for him. Whether he likes it or not.
As a fan, one of the things that I really appreciated and loved are the multiple epilogues when the book concludes that feature all of our favorite characters. What a lovely way to complete the stories of these couples and let us have one last goodbye. Well done.
(For the actual book synopsis scroll down)

Now that I have done my duty and told you all about Beautiful, I have one more thing to do: Buy the rest of this collection for my bookshelf. With the exception of Beautiful Bastard, the rest of the novels are sitting on my e-reader and well, I need the hard copies too. I mean, what happens if technology fails one day? What is a girl to do? (I'm practicing my excuse for when my husband asks me why I am bringing more books into the house!)

To those who wont read a series until it is complete..... This one is done now. So go on. Scoot.... Grab yourself every title I listed. You can thank me later. (I like wine, diamonds and tropical vacations)

To those who are fans and didn't know it has been released already... Get on it! The book wont read itself! ;)

To Christina and Lauren. THANK YOU for gifting us romanticals such an amazing series to read!! Fingers Crossed for all things Hollywood!

Oh and one very important final note: 'Beautiful' pairs very well with a lovely Pinot Noir.

Happy Reading and Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow Canadians!


Series List: (Click on the underscored titles to see my previous blogs on them)

Beautiful Bastard

Beautiful Stranger

Beautiful Bitch

Beautiful Bombshell

Beautiful Player

Beautiful Beginning

Beautiful Beloved

Beautiful Secret

and finally....

Beautiful


Here's the synopsis for Beautiful:

Featuring the entire BEAUTIFUL series cast for one final hurrah!
A FREE-SPIRITED GIRL IN NEED OF A BREAK.
A MAN WEIGHED DOWN BY RESPONSIBILITY.
A ROAD TRIP VACATION WHERE ALL BETS ARE OFF.
OH, AND A LOT OF WINE.

After walking in on her boyfriend shagging another girl in their place, Pippa Bay Cox ditches London for the States to go on a drunken road trip with Ruby Miller and some of her Beautiful friends.
Scaling the career ladder is the default way to deal with heartbreak—and to just deal—for Jensen Bergstrom. Absolutely buried by his drive and workload, he rarely takes time for himself. But when his sister Hanna convinces him to join the gang on a two-week wine tour, he has a rare moment of cutting loose. Of course, it’s only once he’s committed that he realizes the strange girl he met briefly on the plane is coming along, too. She might be too much for him…or he might realize his life has become too small and needs her to make it bigger, crazier.
With this circle of friends there’s always something going on: from Chloe and Sara’s unexpected personality swaps to Will’s new domestic side to Bennett’s text message barrage and George’s own happily-ever-after. In short, their adventures in love, friendship, and hilarity are nothing short of Beautiful.

Hilarious Must Read! "Wallbanger" by Alice Clayton

Once upon a Time, at a Holiday Inn....or maybe a Best Western....(never mind those details, it was a hotel) was an exhausted family of four.
In the usual boring, standard room slept the pastor father, an innocent mother, a 15 year old sister and an 18 year old ME!!!!
(I can tell you are engrossed in this story already!)
We were traveling out west to a family reunion and after a long day of driving through Ontario, we pulled into a hotel for a well deserved rest.
Unfortunately, we were given a room next to people who wanted to rattle the walls all night long. They were screaming and moaning incessantly. Ugh.
Hindsight, I'm pretty sure it was Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele come to life, but we will never know.
Now, as you can imagine....my mother was shocked, but trying to keep her cool with a pillow shoved over her head. My dad was annoyed but tried to sleep none-the-less. My sister couldn't stop giggling and than there was me......sweet, innocent, lil ol' me........*enter angelic smile here*
At first I thought it was pretty funny but after awhile it was far too annoying. Even after I put my walkman on, I could still hear the banging!! (Walkman's are prehistoric iPods just in case any of you are confused)
My parents didn't want to say anything to the front desk, so as usual, I decided to be my family's saving grace.
I started jumping up and down on my bed and smacking the wall behind me yelling through it.
"OH YEAH, that's the stuff....."
"Could you people BE any louder?"
"HEY, PASTOR TRYING TO SLEEP! TAKE IT TO THE BATHROOM! WHILE HE PRAYS FOR YOUR SOUL!!"
"YOU'RE KINKY! IS THIS A PORN SHOOT?"
"DO YOU THINK YOU'LL GET PREGNANT???"
"WHAT IF THE CONDOM BREAKS??"

Yeah, I got reamed out by my parents, but guess what?

 It stopped.


Best Selling Novel "Wallbanger" by Alice Clayton (author of the Redhead Series) is another book that has been on my radar for awhile now. Since I am still down and out from whatever devil virus I picked up, I decided to treat myself to another novel. (Two new books in one week....I am such a rebel...spendthrift...book addict....)
Considering I have my own Wallbanger story to tell, reading a novel on the topic was a must!

I do not even know where to begin when describing this novel. It's so bloody hilarious, I wasn't even a few chapters in when I felt compelled to tweet this to the world:

Follow Me On Twitter! Say HI! I'll follow back!

This is a novel that I may end up buying a copy as a gift for my lil innocent mother to read. I think she would truly get a kick out of it!
Hands down Wallbanger is one of the most entertaining, laugh out loud books that I have read in a long time. I think it just shot to my number one favorite read of the year to date!
The witty banter, sarcastic narrative, clever jokes, sexual innuendos, humorous situations......Reading this book was like what it's like hanging out with my best friends, over glasses of wine, playing Malarky!! SO FUNNY!!
I honestly can't even nitpick, because I don't think there was anything in the book I didn't like. It was refreshing!

I personally thought this novel was so enjoyable that if you don't like it, may I be so bold to suggest you are dead inside? (Dead inside I say!)
I kid, we all have our unique tastes. but honestly if you don't even chuckle reading this, seek help! ;)

A quick run down now that I have done my over-enthusiastic 'must read' rant.

Caroline is hysterical. She's a bit like me. Always having to crack a joke, can be a teensy bit dramatic, loud.....a character after my own heart! She's on a bit of a dating hiatus after a terrible one night stand robbed her of any chance of getting to O-Town (and I am not talking Orlando Florida or the music group who sang Liquid Dreams) The fact that Wallbangers antics continuously rub it in her face that she's missing something in her life AND she is losing sleep makes Caroline grumpy to say the least.
Simon (aka Wallbanger) is her annoying neighbor who has a line up of woman on the go. (Pretty sure I met him once) Naturally he has to be the hottest guy she has ever laid eyes on, but it is hate at first bang on the wall. When she discovers he has some nicknames of his own for her....all hell breaks loose, and it's fantastic!

This story is told a few different ways. The majority of the story is told in Caroline's point of view....than as the story progresses, these hilarious chapters with text messaging between Caroline, Simon and other characters we meet in the novel (her best friends Mimi and Sophia and his friends Ryan and Neil) ....It's an entertaining way to have the time in the story pass! We also are treated to getting inside the heads of the characters during one extremely tense car ride. I really enjoyed those extra elements to the telling of the story and I loved being able to tap into what the other characters were thinking. (If only it was that easy in real life!)

Now I am totally hooked! Wallbanger is book one of The Cocktail Series and now I am overly excited to add these books, and her Bad Redhead series to my ever growing collection!

Five Stars.
Round of applause and some catcalls for author Alice Clayton!

Book Description:

The first night after Caroline moves into her fantastic new San Francisco apartment, she realizes she’s gaining an—um—intimate knowledge of her new neighbor’s nocturnal adventures. Thanks to paper-thin walls and the guy’s athletic prowess, she can hear not just his bed banging against the wall but the ecstatic response of what seems (as loud night after loud night goes by) like an endless parade of women. And since Caroline is currently on a self-imposed “dating hiatus,” and her neighbor is clearly lethally attractive to women, she finds her fantasies keep her awake even longer than the noise. So when the wallbanging threatens to literally bounce her out of bed, Caroline, clad in sexual frustration and a pink baby-doll nightie, confronts Simon Parker, her heard-but-never-seen neighbor. The tension between them is as thick as the walls are thin, and the results just as mixed. Suddenly, Caroline is finding she may have discovered a whole new definition of neighborly. . . .

In a delicious mix of silly and steamy, Alice Clayton dishes out a hot and hilarious tale of exasperation at first sight...

This is a novel that I WILL be reading over and over again!!!!

Book Two: "Rusty Nailed" releases on June 24th 2014 and is currently up for pre-order on Kobo and Amazon. I am so excited as Caroline and Simon's story continues in this highly anticipated novel!

Book Three: "Screwdrivered" releases on September 2, 2014 and is also up for pre-order. The third book in the Cocktail Series has us meeting new characters and more hilarious antics and Oh My God I can't wait!

You know I will have those reviews for you when I can!!!

Follow Author Alice Clayton on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAliceClayton
Visit her Website For More Information: http://aliceclayton.com

Now GO!
SCOOT!!!
BUY IT, READ IT, PEE YOUR PANTS!!


Happy Reading!!

Beautiful Bastard ~ Christina Lauren

I am going to do as the book did and cut straight to the chase!!

Beautiful Bastard is hands down is the most entertaining 'Mommy Porn' novel I have read yet!

You can have your Christian Grey! Take Gideon Cross and keep him for yourself......but when it comes to fictional hotties could someone PLEASE pass me Bennett Ryan on a platter with whipped cream, a whip and a cherry on top. (Don't tell my husband I said that... ;) )

My second read-through on our way to Easter Dinner.

 Truth be told, I don't know when this book actually hit my radar. I hear about so many of them... but the cover caught my eye a few weeks ago on a 'Book Buying Binge'....the title sounded 'familiar'....but I couldn't place how or why.... Since my arms were already loaded down (seriously Chapters-Indigo, would it kill you get shopping carts for freaks like me?) I decided to leave it for my next spree with a few other titles I had written down.

Two weeks later I was back at the store.....

After a brief eenie meenie mo process... (Which book do I buy.....??) I grabbed the novel I was extra curious about.... the one with Bastard written in red. (I knew I would love it based on that alone!)

For those of you who want to devour title after title of naughty love stories, than shoot this book to the top of your reading list.
(Do it NOW!)

Unlike Fifty Shades which kept you waiting and waiting for the sex action pickle-tickle 'you know' to happen (yes, I know people who complained about that) this book slaps you in the face from the first chapter. (Or should I say presses you up against the cold window of a conference room.....)

The interesting twist. This boss and assistant duo positively hate each other. They are complete equals both in spirit and work ethic. It makes the story that much better. They argue, they fight, throw around smart ass comments and insults....purposely provoking each other.....all the while they become overly obsessed....It's a sexy power struggle! An Anti-Love Story!
I LOVE IT!!!
The novel isn't just all sex (though sex is a hefty part of the story line....) it's actually a clever twist on falling in love.... in a very spicy, spur of the moment, passionate sort of way. I personally think it stands out from a lot of the other mainstream books in this genre I've read.

 Chloe Mills ~ intern extraordinaire, is just as fiery, passionate and intelligent as you would expect/want in a character. Her sass, wit and no holds barred approach to dealing with her boss ('on all levels') is exceptionally entertaining. Chloe's fear is for what could happen to her career aspirations should word of their trysts get out....the years of hard work and dedication could go down the drain should anyone find out she's boinking her boss.
One of my favorite parts of the book takes place on Page 33 (to be exact).... No, I am not going to quote it....it's spans a few paragraphs..*cough* read it yourself  *cough* ...but it involves Chloe's plan of action and inner pep talk about being a strong independent woman.....

Bennett Ryan is her boss, and he is a five star jerk. Sexy as hell, he has been exceptionally rude to her from the first day he started. The swearing and bickering between the two ends up being a naughty form of foreplay and the two hate themselves for it. Bennett is constantly being scolded by his family (who love her) on how he needs to treat her better because she's the best assistant he will ever have. Little do they know that Chloe most definitely is the best he's ever had.......

The book is narrated by both characters, alternating throughout the story. That is always a big bonus! There is no guessing Bennett's feelings toward Chloe and vice versa. It's a treat for the reader and an aspect of novels I always enjoy. Don't we all wish our partners came with the same insight!
The male characters in comparable novels are usually wounded, sappy, hurt individuals with some secret past....There are no deep dark secrets about Bennett....he's from a loving family, a successful business executive with money....His only real secret would be the growing collection of Chloe's expensive panties....(details of that are on a read-to-know basis) I love hearing his thoughts and frustrations being laid out for us. It made his character that much sexier and helped make the book.

 Book Two in the series is called 'Beautiful Stranger' which releases in May 2013! (SOOOOOON!!!)
It however focuses on different characters, not Chloe and Bennett...(boooo) regardless I shall POUNCE on it come it's release date and naturally fill you in on what to expect!

Writing duo Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings have had hit the proverbial gold mine with this book.
The success started online as Twilight Fan Fiction called 'The Office'... (did you read it under that title?) and according to my research was reworked a bit, renamed and boom it's now a Best Seller in print.
Oh and while I can be very picky about books to film, I am very excited to hear that the movie rights have been acquired by Constantin Films!
I already know I will own a copy of the movie. (I can see into the future like that)
For more information, visit their website!
http://www.christinalaurenbooks.com

So what are you waiting for.....

Buy it, Borrow it, Mark it 'to read' .... "Beautiful Bastard" is one for the bookshelves (says the crazy lady who has read it twice in 24 hours....and trying not to read it onnnnce more before carrying on with my growing pile of waiting reads..... seriously.... I may have a problem.......)

**Updated to add the link to my review of Beautiful Stranger! Click here! 

Here is the book description from Amazon.com

NYT and USA TODAY BESTSELLER

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.

Happy Reading!

Fifty Shades of 'Oh My' Part 2 ~ The Series Summary

  Anastasia is young woman, a student about to graduate and enter the real world. She meets Christian Grey, a successful 27 year old billionaire. They are very attracted to one another, but Christian has some dark and unusual secrets. 

Ana is a naive virgin who has her work cut out for her when Christian offers her a special 'contract' that outlines the type of relationship he is after. The novels follow the two as they try to make things work. Ana is introduced into his dark and extremely kinky S & M world. Christian needs to work on battling his demons and has to learn to change his ways so he can keep her.  It’s captivating, it’s surprising, and it’s incredibly sexual.

I had this trilogy downloaded and read in two and a half days. I ignored the dishes, forgot to make dinner, carried my kobo everywhere, and stayed up past midnights two days in a row to finish the series! I read it every spare moment I could find, between diapers, playtime, and all the rest.

What had me so captivated? I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it was not the 'cheesy dialogue smut fest' that I had envisioned. The storyline was an emotional roller coaster, and I was sucked into it. The books have several raw sexual scenes, that are incredibly important to the plot.  I’d be spoiling it if I explained why, so I will perhaps touch on that subject another time. I refuse to give away any spoilers, so here is the gist of it from my point of view.

The first novel ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ I found to be the most explicit.There were times while reading it I was getting angry on Ana’s behalf. I cried toward the end. Emotional to say the least.It was definitely the best book of the lot.

The second novel ‘Fifty Shades of Darker’ had a lot going on. It picked up right where the first book left off. Lots of ups, downs, surprises, and you see the characters grow and mature a bit more while dealing with some members of Christian's past.

The last novel is called ‘Fifty Shades of Freed’. While I liked it because it was the final chapter of their story, I didn’t enjoy the flashback aspect of it, and found it ‘hastily’ written. I wish there had actually been a fourth and final novel with a tidier ending. I tend to be picky about the last novel in any series.

I have read a lot of criticism about the series, from how it is ‘poorly written’, to ‘boring sexual scenes’, to 'non-relatable characters’. I found those remarks quite interesting, after all it all depends where your particular tastes lie.  I have also read rave reviews, singing the praises of E.L. James and the incredible tale she has woven. There is a reason this series is being talked about, and why battle lines are being drawn.The question is, which side are you on?

Here is my official take:

If you prefer books fresh off Oprah’s List, don’t buy it, don’t read it. This series isn’t going to win a Pulitzer Prize unless there is a 'Porn Category' that I am unaware of. If your tastes run towards the likes of 'The Time Travelers Wife', 'Eat Pray Love', and 'The Help', but you aren’t into mainstream romantic fiction, this trilogy  is probably not for you. If you are uncomfortable with intense sexuality, than you may want to look elsewhere for your next read.

 

HOWEVER,

If you just love to read or are looking for a romantic series, and enjoy getting lost in an interesting story, than this ‘off the beaten path’ trilogy is for you. It’s essentially 'Twilight' for Adults (minus vampires and werewolves) and if you do your research, than you won’t be surprised to learn how it originated. A fact I learned only after I made the comparison on my own. 

Those of you who have skimmed past all that and are foaming at the mouth wanting to know what the ‘Erotic’ hype is about. Well here you go. There is a reason this book has been dubbed ‘Mommy Porn’. It has some 'Passionate Pages', some 'Steamy Scenes' lots of 'Orgasmic Originality'.  The scenes are highly descriptive and explicit. If you shock easily, than some of the scenarios may have your eyes bugging out of your head.  There were times I was reading eyes open wide saying ‘Oh HELL no!’, and other times I was popping chocolate in my mouth, sipping wine saying ‘Ooooh my,my, my... you go girl!’..and perhaps I was even taking notes ready to call my friendly Passions Party Consultants on where to find some of the 'toys' (yeah, uh-huh it's called a flogger...?) ;) But that's neither here nor there. Oh calm down mother!

It’s as tastefully written as can be, and if you would like to disagree with me, I have a ‘novel’ I can recommend to you for comparison on that note, and you can tell me which is worse (or better?)
The sex being a very essential part of the storyline, Fifty Shades would be hum-drum if the author hadn’t taken it to the extreme.  Most romantic authors end up writing the same scenes, scenarios and dialogue in all their books. I congratulate E.L. James for going above and beyond and having the imagination to do so.

I have actually read complaints that the sexual scenes ‘weren’t that interesting’. If that is so, than I want to know what the complainers ‘playrooms’ actually hold! I am sure a lot of these comments are actually coming from people who perhaps read more erotic material and their expectations were higher. To the average romance novel reader, you are getting more ‘bang’ for your buck (Pun Intended)

One of the most enjoyable parts of the novels for me personally had little to do with sex. There are several emails between Ana and Christian throughout the series, and I found them hilarious and amusing. Whether they were arguing or flirting. The playful banter was quite witty and entertaining. It was a nice touch!

 The movie rights have allegedly been purchased by Universal. I’ll be interested to see how they interpret everything on the big screen and who they will cast in the roles. I've heard mention of Dakota Fanning as Anastasia, I don't see it......

The bottom line is, this trilogy is what it is. I don’t think anyone should really go in with any expectations other than it is an interesting read. Mine were poor going in and now I am championing it! Nitpicking over all the details of an adult romance is silly. Read the book, enjoy the story and if you really want to, let it inspire you.

Laters!! xxoo






** If you haven't read Part One of this blog! Check it out!

**If you are interested in the Passion Parties I have talked about, if you click highlighted names, you will be directed to their websites for more information!