Summary
One-night stands are supposed to be with someone convenient, or wickedly persuasive, or regrettable. They aren’t supposed to be with someone like him.
Review
I read a lot of books, which means I’m introduced to an array of fabulous heroes and heroines as well as their friends. Sometimes while reading, I find myself wishing I had a group of friends like the characters in my stories…the ones who have your back regardless of how many times you mess up…the ones who would hop on a plane to make sure you’re okay…the ones who will get you drunk when some guy breaks your heart. Don’t get me wrong, I have a great group of friends, and I can say without a doubt, they would come through for me in all of those circumstances and more, but because these are fictional stories, I find it fun to think about sitting around a coffee shop, just like the one in Friends, surrounded by a group of characters who know how to live it up and come through for their friends. And, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that the characters from Christina Lauren’s Beautiful Bastard Series and now their Wild Seasons Series would dominate the places at my table.
I didn’t know what to expect from Sweet Filthy Boy. I was a bit nervous to dive into a new series from Christina Lauren; their Beautiful Bastard Series is one of my all time favorites, and I was afraid that my love for their first set of books would set me up for disappointment if their new series strayed from the style and content of those cocky men and sassy women, but I should have known better because what it comes down to for me is the writing, and regardless of the fact that there are new characters and different storylines, the crafting of the story and how it is presented is what attracts me to Christina Lauren’s books and keeps me coming back for more. I’ll admit I was a bit disappointed at not getting Ansel’s point of view, but after I read the explanation as to why that couldn’t happen due to the complications that were going to arise, it made complete sense. And, the more I thought about it, the more I realized that this is Mia’s adventure….her playtime, which makes it her story to tell, and even though Ansel is a huge part of the story, it’s Mia’s time to grow and, for once, live a life of experiences without structure, without rules, and without plans, and boy does she!
They say what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, but what if it doesn’t? What if it sends you on a whim to Paris, France – where the make believe gets real and messy…where you finally realize that the future planned out for you is not what you want, but you’re too afraid to change it…where there’s a gorgeous, sweet, and playful Frenchman who wants to give you a home and show you that your dreams don’t have to die because of an accident; they just have to be altered to fit who you are now.
I loved this sweet, romantic, and witty read. Mia is a heroine who many readers will be able to relate to…she’s played it safe her whole life, never truly living for herself. She’s the quiet, studious girl who lives up to expectations and responsibilities. But, for once, she takes a chance and doesn’t live up to her father’s expectations, which forces her out of her shell and actually shows her the strong, passionate woman she is. With Ansel’s help, she figures out what she really wants and explores who she really is – a sensual risk taker. Ansel – he’s the perfect blend of sweet and filthy;) He may have his head in the clouds at times like his friends suggest, but that’s what makes him so endearing. He’s quirky and romantic as well as commanding, which makes him absolutely swoon worthy. Mia can talk to him, which isn’t something she’s used to being able to do, so that says a lot about the type of man Ansel is. Ansel offers Mia a way to break free from the pressures back at home, and Mia gives him a chance to truly win her heart and break free of a past that, most of the time, consumes him.
What I loved most about this book is that its focus is on how the two main characters grow both individually and as a couple. Of course there are a few complications and bit of angst, but it’s not over the top or dragged out. What also adds to the text are the secondary characters; they are beyond awesome. The kind of relationships that Mia has with Lorelei and Harlow is something extraordinary. They definitely know when to push each other and when to pull back, and Mia’s two best friends allow her to find what truly makes her happy without judgment. And, I for one can’t wait to see how Mia plans to help out her two besties when it comes to Finn and Oliver.
Sweet Filthy Boy is a definite must read for any Christina Lauren fan as well as any reader who loves sexy, romantic, feel good stories. Bring on Finn and Harlow’s book!
A complimentary copy of the text was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 poison apples
Christina Hobbs (but you’ll always hear Lo call her PQ) used to spend her days in a junior high counseling office surrounded by teenagers. Married to the cutest boy in school, she has a thirteen year old daughter, is an unapologetic lover of boy bands and glitter, and also likes to steal Lo’s shoes.
You can follow their shenanigans at:
@lolashoes (Lauren) & @seeCwrite (Christina) on Twitter. On Tumblr! where we post kissing gifs and writerly stuff and Wattpad for short stories and sneak peeks!
For official information about their books, events, interviews, movie news and more, follow @beautifulbastrd.
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