Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren Review

What they say: 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.

Originally only available online as The Office by tby789--and garnering over 2 million reads on fanfiction sites--Beautiful Bastard has been extensively updated for re-release.

What I say: I read 50 Shades of Grey early on as Twilight fanfic Master of the Universe but I'm massively behind the times when it comes to writing duo Christina Lauren's The Office or as it's now called Beautiful Bastard.

So onto Beautiful Bastard and the story...Bennett Ryan is a super rich, super hot media/marketing big wig and Chloe is a long suffering intern (don't worry she's a 26-year-old post grad). Beautiful Bastard starts 9 months after Chloe started working in Bennett's department (i.e. for him) and she's disgusted by the way he treats her.

The story focuses on their mutual attraction and lust whilst they both battle against each other and any developing feelings (other that hate). Chloe and her friends refer to him as a 'Beautiful Bastard' - I loved this because it raised so many issues about inner and outer beauty! We get to read Bennett's POV as well as Chloe's and it was interesting to see his horrible behaviour from his own POV! I have to say as much as I was expecting to loath Bennett I really didn't...! He's actually kinda insecure and vulnerable when it comes to Chloe.

There are a LOT of sexy scenes in Beautiful Bastard, most of which involve knicker ripping. But the scenes work because their relationship teeters on the brink of love/lust and hate - they're very passionate and very similar. Thankfully Bennett doesn't fall into the realms of stalkerdom and his control is more position-of-power based, rather than BDSM dom. Bennett is the boss who has proven himself whereas Chloe is the intern who has a lot to loose by having a relationship with her boss.

I liked Chloe's voice; her commentary and thoughts about Bennett were hilarious (see fav quotes below). At times I found Chloe to be extremely stubborn but I understood her reservations. They fight a lot and Bennett has spent 9 months being awful to her. But the main consideration is the potential damage to her career and Masters Degree if she's seen to be sleeping her way to the top. BUT and it's a BIG one, I wanted to smack her when she kept running!

Beautiful Bastard is fun, angst ridden and sexy and most importantly: NOT Twilight!!

4 Stars in my Sky!

My fav non-spoilery quotes:

• "If only he would keep his mouth shut, he'd be perfect. A piece of duct tape would do the trick. I had some in my desk that I'd occasionally pull out and fondle, hoping someday I could put it to good use."
• "But I'd be a silent panty ripper, which I think is a lot creepier than the angry-boss panty ripper." 
• "You weren't kidding, Chloe. That is one beautiful bastard. I wouldn't kick him out of my bed. Or car. Or dressing room. Or elevator, or-"
• "Of course I remember that. You sounded like a frat boy and looked like a fucking model. What man could ever forget that?"