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.

Beautiful Bombshell ~ Christina Lauren

I know what you are thinking...... "Beautiful Bombshell"..... Christina and Lauren wrote a book inspired by me.
No.... no they did not!
If they did it  however, it would most likely be titled "Delusional Egomaniac" but that is neither here nor there..... ;)

Beautiful Bombshell is the second novella by Christina Lauren in the Beautiful Bastard series. Sexy and amusing, it tells the tale of how Bennett and Max can't seem to keep their thoughts off their ladies, so you can imagine what happens when Chloe and Sara end up crashing the Bachelor Party Weekend! 
Leaving Henry baffled, and Will more than a little irritated, Bennett and Max are constantly finding excuses to sneak away for some fantastical fuckery. The lengths these guys will go through to be with their women is hysterical.
(What happens in Vegas.....is nothing compared to what these naughty boys are up to.....)

I can't seem to get enough of the novels in this series. The sarcastic and fun nature of the characters..... The imagination and creativity that goes into the storyline (hehehe...oh the sexcapades.....) makes these novels stand out from the pack. Naturally, the minute any of them release they end up in my possession and find and I always seem to find any excuse to immediately read it.
(**cough** **cough** Yeah.... I can't work today.... I've got a case of the Bennett Ryans.......)
It took me less than an hour to devour Beautiful Bombshell and my biggest (and only) complaint was the abrupt ending. It took me by surprise how quickly it ended. One more chapter would have been lovely.......!
These novella's are like literary crack.... just enough to satisfy you until the next full length novel is released and always leaving you wanting more!

At the end of the novella, I was excited to find an excerpt from Beautiful Player, which is Will's lusty love story. I am waiting on pins and needles for that release! Given the snarky nature of Bennett and Chloe's relationship and the voyeuristic tendencies of Sara and Max....one gleefully looks forward to seeing what Will is going to get up too!

If you haven't read anything by Christina Lauren yet, than for the love of all that is sexy and sinful would you get on it already!!!!

Here are the links to my previous blog reviews on books by Christina Lauren:

Beautiful Bastard

Beautiful Stranger

Beautiful Bitch

Now go be a good lil minx and buy yourself a copy of Beautiful Bombshell!
You deserve it!

Happy Reading.

Visit Christina Lauren's Website for more information!

The Official Book Description:

In this new novella, the gentlemen from Beautiful Bastard, Beautiful Stranger, and Beautiful Player are out for a wild night on The Strip.
When Max, Henry, and Will steal Bennett away for a weekend of shenanigans and strippers in Vegas, the first stop of the night doesn’t go at all as planned. With their scheme for a Guys Weekend completely derailed anyway, Max and Bennett begin to play a wild game of stealth and secrecy in order to have their bombshells all over Sin City.

Beautiful Bitch ~ Christina Lauren

I'm BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK.

Didja miss me??
(Oh you know you did!! I missed you too!!)

I'd apologize for the lack of reviews in the last while, but I just spent the last two weeks touring Germany, so no... I'm not sorry. (Haha, kidding.....kind of....xoxo)
 
Don't hate me for that though, I may of had a fabu time on vacation but I busted my ankle before I left and it progressively got worse as the vacation continued (castles, hills, cobblestones..weren't helping matters) Needless to say, I have been home 48hrs and my doctor has my ankle wrapped and on crutches. Nasty sprain. (Quit laughing)

So what does a girl do when this happens?

Besides catching up on my soap (Days Of Our Lives...HOLLA!) and uploading the hundreds of photos of the trip to facebook.... naturally I take time to read a copy of a much anticipated novella.

I'm on Instagram @ReenieDiva

Beautiful Bitch is a short story narrated by both Bennett and Chloe. Taking place between novels Beautiful Bastard and Beautiful Stranger, the actual time period is exactly a year after Bennett and Chloe hook up. It's a fantastic, slutty little read full of dirty talk and sexymaness. (Is that even a word? No? It is now!)
There are flashbacks catching us up on the status of their relationship and how deep they have fallen for each other. In Beautiful Bitch the biggest problem they face is finding time together. Two workaholics that have earth shattering sex can make it work....right?
If you've read Beautiful Stranger than the ending won't surprise you. ;)

For a quick read it's pretty hawt! These ladies know how to write a book whether it's a short story or not. Beautiful Bitch smoothly bridges that time gap that we saw between Beautiful Bastard and Beautiful Stranger, and for a novella, in my opinion it is perfectly packed with enough steamy scenes and new details. Sometimes I find novella's don't necessarily scratch that itch when you want more from your favorite characters in a series. I didn't find that was the case at all with Beautiful Bitch. Consider the Chloe-Bennett itch scratched! The book is full of that spicy banter and humor that make this fictional couple one of my all time favorites! Loved it!

Fans of this series, if you haven't done so already, than you must run/walk/prancersize to pick up a copy! (Or do as I did and just download it from your friendly neighborhood internet store....prancersizing on crutches isn't pretty...trust me... I tried...)

Again I will say it. Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings make an amazing writing duo!
I say to them: "Keep up the good work ladies! I can't wait to read what is in store for us next!"

To you dear reader I say....

"Happy Reading"

Beautiful Stranger ~ by Christina Lauren

"Haven't we met??... You're some kind of Beautiful Stranger.........You could be good for me.... I have a taste for Danger"~ Madonna

It's been awhile since I've set foot into the club scene.
(I think Nelly was still getting 'Hot' somewhere urging women to disrobe.. and Christina was Diirty... I have no clue, the years are starting to blend together.....)

Once upon a time, I had some great nights out with friends.
Drinking, dancing, meeting cute guys.
Rejecting the not so cute ones......

There is one story that still makes me giggle to this day. (Okay, there are plenty of stories but this is the one I choose to share today!!)

My friends and I were having our drinks by the corner of the dance floor. We noticed these guys gawking at us. They were short, unattractive, cocky and somewhat gross. They stood no chance.
Naturally, when they noticed we saw them staring, they decided that meant they could zero in on us. We pretended to ignore them, but to no avail.
That particular evening, I was wearing a cute cropped, black shirt that said 'je t'aime' on it in silver glitter. One of the creeps walks up, leers at me (and when I say 'me' I mean my chest) and says in this French accent:
 "Do you know what your shirt means?"
"Yes" I replied batting my eyelashes "It means 'Fuck Off'!"
 *enter angelic grin here*

Back than subtly was not my strong suit.

If you think my being that rude deserved punishment, I got it... the guy actually thought I was joking and still wouldn't go away. Took another few minutes for them to take the hint.

So, why am I sharing to with you that particular story?
Because THAT ladies (and gentleman) was NOT a Beautiful Stranger moment.

Have YOU ever had a real Beautiful Stranger moment?
Do you even know what that means yet? Probably not......

 Well than it's time for you to meet a sizzling read!

Only very recently did I blog about writing duo Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings and their completely sexy novel 'Beautiful Bastard'...(click here to read that review if you missed it.... it's like.... awesome)
I was/am obsessed with the book. (Hello dear sister, may I please have my copy back!) 
Many of my readers upon reading that blog review, dropped what they were reading, ran out to grab copies and have thanked me for the great recommendation!
(Seriously if you haven't read it yet, GET ON IT!!)

I told you that the minute I could get my manicured paws on a copy of their next book Beautiful Stranger, I would and report it to you ASAP!
True to my word, when the book came up for early release on April 16th, I did not hesitate to download a copy!

**Please note** The book was released early for e-book, or exclusively in Paperback at Target Stores.
May 28th is when you will find the Paperback released at other retailers!!**

After battling my Kobo for half a day (Don't get me started!! F*N technology!) the book finally registered to my device.
It didn't take me long to read at all. Just an afternoon....because OH MY GOD CHRISTINA AND LAUREN HAVE DONE IT AGAIN!!!!

Why am I so excited about these authors? (Forgive me if I repeat myself) 
Their writing style is in your face, fun, sarcastic and witty! They tell a story the way I like to hear modern day tales! It's most entertaining! To me, these books read in the same outrageous tone and language as if I were out having drinks and giggles with my girlfriends.
(We're fun)

Fans of Beautiful Bastard will be excited to hear that while this novel does not revolve around Bennett and Chloe, they most certainly ARE very much involved in this book! Never fear!!! We are not done with them yet!!

Let me tell you more!

Sara Dillion is one of Chloe's dear friends and coworkers at Ryan Media. We met Sara in Beautiful Bastard, she's spunky and fun......annnnnnnnd has moved to New York!
Beautiful Stranger is Sara's story which picks up some time after the story in BB ends. The transition between stories is seamless.
Sara ends up meeting her 'Beautiful Stranger' in a club after her breakup.....and this meeting is straight out of the 'Fantasy Hook Up' guide book. It's 'deliciously naughty'.
Like BB, we waste no time getting to the heart (sexy sexy time) parts of the story. It is a very amusing way start a novel to say the least!

Max Stella, British playboy extraordinaire, is in over his head. He can't stop thinking about that girl he met at the club. When chance has it that he and Sara (aka Petal) have more in common than realized, things start to take off.
He does what ever he can to please her. Even when it comes to her unusual new-found desires.
(You'll have to read to know what I mean)
 
That's all you get from me....I refuse to spoil this book for you!!
Beautiful Stranger may have your eyes bulging out of your head.
I am pretty sure events in this novel had ME blushing, and I assure you, that is not an easy task.

Now, some people may ask... "DO I need to read the books in order?"
Truth be told, you could easily get away with reading Beautiful Stranger first.... BUT... I wouldn't!
There is no fun in that!
You should meet the characters as they are in Book One, so you can understand a few parts in Book Two.

Will there be more books released?
Yes! Novellas and Another Book titled "Beautiful Player'
You KNOW I will keep an eye out for them!!
(Purchase, completely devour them... than tell you all about it...)

So, all in all. If you see a book with "Christina Lauren" as the author......

Read the damn book!

xoxo

Happy Reading.

Here is the book description from Amazon.com:

"Escaping a cheating ex, finance whiz Sara Dillon's moved to New York City and is looking for excitement without a lot of strings attached. So meeting the irresistible, sexy Brit at a dance club should have meant nothing more than a night's fun. But the manner--and speed--with which he melts her inhibitions turns him from a one-time hookup and into her Beautiful Stranger.

The whole city knows Max Stella loves women, not that he's ever found one he particularly wants to keep around. Despite pulling in plenty with his Wall Street bad boy charm, it's not until Sara--and the wild photos she lets him take of her--that he starts wondering if there's someone for him outside of the bedroom.

Hooking up in places where anybody could catch them, the only thing scarier for Sara than getting caught in public is having Max get too close in private."

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!