Swoony Boy of the Month - Ansel from Sweet Filthy Boy

Swoony Boy of the Month is our new feature where we spotlight a favorite swoony boy from the books we have read.

For this month swoony boy we are going French. Ansel Guillaume in Sweet Filthy Boy by the awesome writing duo Christina Lauren. Ansel sold us with his accent and the way he fell head over heels in love with Mia. Let's swoons on Ansel.

“He’s the guy who’ll do a ridiculous robot dance to make you laugh, who’ll lick the tip of your nose, make a fool out of himself for a smile. I’m sure if I tried to wrestle him to the ground, he’d let me win. And enjoy every minute.” - Christina Lauren, Sweet Filthy Boy

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“Mmpf. You’re so heavy. Do you have bricks in your pocket? Get off me.”
“But you’re so warm,” he whines. “And soft. And you smell so good. Like woman and sex and me.” - Christina Lauren, Sweet Filthy Boy

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“What you feel, Cerise? I feel it, too. Fuck, Mia, I feel everything for you.” - Christina Lauren, Sweet Filthy Boy

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“You just implied you’re banging me tonight.” His grin gets bigger as his hands snake around my waist.
“Play your cards right.”
“I forgot my cards … But I did bring my penis.” - Christina Lauren, Sweet Filthy Boy

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“I’m not sure I ever made a woman come with my mouth before I met you,” he admits. “I love kissing you there. And I love your ass, it’s perfect.” With this, I feel his length stir against my stomach as his hands squeeze me. “I like any kind of sex with you, but I prefer being on top of you . . . You make missionary feel dirty the way you grab and move under me.” - Christina Lauren, Sweet Filthy Boy

Sweet lord Ansel is one hot frenchman. Isn't he swoony??

Review: Wicked Sexy Liar by Christina Lauren

Wicked Sexy Liar
(Wild Seasons #4)
Author: Christina Lauren
Release Date: February 2, 2016
Publisher: Gallery Books
Source: Gallery Books
Review by: Jenn

For two people ambivalent about dating and love, they sure get naked around each other an awful lot . . .

London Hughes is very content to surf daily, tend bar, hang out with her group of friends, and slowly orient herself in the years after college. Everything’s going great and according to the non-plan.

But when a wave knocks her for a loop one morning, then Luke Sutter’s flirtatious smile knocks her for another that evening, she veers slightly off course…and into his path. Sure, he’s a total player, but theWhy not—it’s only one night is a persistent voice in her ear.

For his part, Luke’s been on hookup autopilot for so long that he rarely ever pauses to consider what he’s doing. But after an amazing time with London, he realizes that he hasn’t been moving on from a devastating heartbreak so much as he’s been drifting to wherever—and whomever—the current takes him. With London he wants more.

Every relationship involves two people…plus their pasts. And as much as she enjoys her fling with Luke, when London learns about his past—more specifically, who’s in it—everything becomes the brand of complicated she strives to avoid. It’s up to Luke then to change some things in order to try and ensure he’s not something she’ll outright avoid as well.

4 stars out of 5 stars

I enjoyed Wicked Sexy Liar so much more than I did the last Wild Seasons book and, just like London, it was such a breezy, laid back easy read. When I read the synopsis of this book, I knew I recognized Luke's name from somewhere but I couldn't pinpoint from exactly where. Once I realized where Luke comes to us, I was super excited to see where this story took us.

Luke is sexy and totally adorable because he just lets the women in his life run him and he just goes along with their shenanigans. Reading London and Luke story was such a fun time but I'll be honest, I liked reading Luke's character more than London's. I can't quite put my finger on why I feel that way but being in his head was a lot more fun. I'm not sure why I feel that way, considering I can relate to London on some level. I think the problem might be is that she reminded me a lot of Lola and I wasn't the best of fan of Lola's and Oliver's book.

This being a Christina Lauren book, we got to see how our favorite characters from the previous books are doing and to be honest, that always my favorite part. But my favorite part of this book? Not-Joe! We get to see him some more and actually learn of his real name! Like always, Christina Lauren gave us exactly what we were expecting in their book which is some flirty, sexy banter, with some flirty, sexy times, and a happily ever after.

Waiting on Wednesday (#141)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Morning swooners!

This week pre-publication "can't wait to read" selection is:

Wicked Sexy Liar by Christina Lauren

Expected Release Date: February 2, 2016

Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads

Synopsis:

Dating a friend’s ex is supposed to be off the table. But sometimes what’s really, really wrong is actually really, really right. Book Four of the Wild Seasons series.

For two people ambivalent about dating and love, they sure get naked around each other an awful lot . . . London Hughes is very content to surf daily, tend bar, hang out with her group of friends, and slowly orient herself in the years after college. Everything’s going great and according to the non-plan.

But when a wave knocks her for a loop one morning, then Luke Sutter’s flirtatious smile knocks her for another that evening, she veers slightly off course…and into his path. Sure, he’s a total player, but theWhy not—it’s only one night is a persistent voice in her ear.

For his part, Luke’s been on hookup autopilot for so long that he rarely ever pauses to consider what he’s doing. But after an amazing time with London, he realizes that he hasn’t been moving on from a devastating heartbreak so much as he’s been drifting to wherever—and whomever—the current takes him. With London he wants more.

Every relationship involves two people…plus their pasts. And as much as she enjoys her fling with Luke, when London learns about his past—more specifically, who’s in it—everything becomes the brand of complicated she strives to avoid. It’s up to Luke then to change some things in order to try and ensure he’s not something she’ll outright avoid as well.

I can't wait to jump back into the Wild Seasons world! It will be great to catch up with old characters, and finally get to read more about London!

What are you "Waiting on?"

Review: Dark Wild Night by Christina Lauren

Dark Wild Night
(Wild Seasons #3)
Author: Christina Lauren
Release Date: September 15, 2015
Publisher: Gallery Books
Source: Gallery Books
Review by: Jenn and Nahomi

WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS STAYS IN VEGAS

BUT WHAT DIDN’T HAPPEN IN VEGAS SEEMS TO FOLLOW THEM EVERYWHERE

Lola and Oliver like to congratulate themselves on having the good sense to not consummate their drunken Las Vegas wedding. If they’d doubled-down on that mistake, their Just Friends situation might not be half as great as it is now.

. . . Or so goes the official line.

In reality, Lola’s wanted Oliver since day one—and over time has only fallen harder for his sexy Aussie accent and easygoing ability to take her as she comes. More at home in her studio than in baring herself to people, Lola’s instinctive comfort around Oliver nearly seems too good to be true. So why ruin a good thing?

Even as geek girls fawn over him, Oliver can’t get his mind off what he didn’t do with Lola when he had the chance. He knows what he wants with her now . . . and it’s far outside the friend zone. When Lola’s graphic novel starts getting national acclaim—and is then fast-tracked for a major motion picture—Oliver steps up to be there for her whenever she needs him. After all, she’s not the kind of girl who likes all that attention, but maybe she’s the kind who’ll eventually like him.

Sometimes seeing what’s right in front of us takes a great leap of faith. And sometimes a dark wild night in Vegas isn’t just the end of a day, but the beginning of a bright new life . . .

Jenn's rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars

Nahomi's rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars

Our Overall rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars

*We received an ARC of this title from the publisher but it did not influence this review in any way.*

Jenn:
There is something about Christina Lauren's book that just hook you. I will always gravitate to their books because I just know that reading their words will make me happy, even if it just for a few moments. Dark Wild Night provided a wonderful distraction and it reminded me how much I enjoy being in the Wild Seasons world.

Dark Wild Night is Lola and Oliver's story. Having met them in the previous books, Sweet Filthy Boy and Dirty Rowdy Thing, I was curious to see how their story would play out. My favorite aspect of the story is how both Lola and Oliver are such nerds and how their love of comic books and graphic novels are so entwined with their careers, friendship, and later on, relationship. They built the foundation of friendship before falling into bed with each other, unlike their best friends did, but that is not to say that their sexual chemistry wasn't palpable to everyone around them. Their unresolved sexual tension was off the charts and I related to not-Joe, a favorite character of mine throughout the Wild Seasons series, in wanting Lola and Oliver to bang in the back office just to get it over with already.

Like any Christina Lauren books, the humor and characters of the story are always fleshed out and real. I can always count on them to make me laugh out loud and wishing I could be part of the Wild Seasons squad. Especially if I could be around Harlow and Finn from Dirty Rowdy Thing. Harlow has been my favorite character of the series and it was great to see what she and Finn have been up to since their book. We did get more time with Mia and Ansel from Sweet Filthy Boy and it really did feel like old times, hanging out with longtime friends.

I do have to admit that I didn't completely feel head over heels in love with this book and after finishing the books a few weeks ago, I still can't pinpoint the exact reason why. I enjoyed Lola and Oliver's story. I found Oliver to be extremely attractive and I felt like I could relate to Lola on certain things BUT I just don't feel like this book is like the other books from Christina Lauren. Maybe it just me and how I went into reading the book and maybe I just didn't click with story. It just a personal preference.

However, I can't wait for more words from Christina and Lauren. Their next book is Wicked Sexy Liar and a continuation with Will and Hanna story in Beautiful Boss.

Nahomi:
After Dirty Rowdy Thing I couldn't wait to get my hands on Dark Wild Night. I really enjoyed reading about Lola and Oliver in the previous two books, and was really excited to jump back into the Wild Seasons world again. I love the Christina Lauren books, and can always count on them to suck me into the story and take me for a wild ride.

There are several aspect of this story that I loved! Lola and Oliver's friendship however charged with sexual tension, comes across as genuine and rooted in their love of comics. I love how Oliver is so in tune with what Lola needs and is always observing. He is extremely good-looking and his accent... well, just does it for me. I liked how Lola is clueless about relationships and social cues but is on point with her career. Together Lola and Oliver are great if they can just get to understand each others needs. I can always count on not-Joe for his random comments and comic relief. I really enjoyed that there was more of him in this story.

However much I enjoyed catching up with the gang and reading Lola and Oliver's story Dark Wild Night is not one of my favorite Christina Lauren books. I've thought about it and discussed it with Jenn and I just can't put my finger on whats missing for me. As I was reading the story I kept waiting for that moment where I usually become obsessed with their story and it just didn't come.

Although it wasn't one of my favorite Christina Lauren stories I am still looking forward to reading more from them. I can't wait to get my hands on Beautiful Boss and Wicked Sexy Liar!

Waiting on Wednesday (#109)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Morning Swooners, 

This week pre-publication "can't wait to read" selection is:

Dark Wild Night (Wild Seasons #3)

By Christina Lauren

Expected Release Date: September 15, 2015

Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads

Synopsis:

Now that they’re only friends, kissing Lola is all Oliver can think about. Trying to forget her with a wild, anonymous hookup, he’s simultaneously thrilled and torn: Is this his chance to get over her? Or will this new stranger only pull him in deeper?

I just can't wait to get my hands on this book! I absolutely loved Dirty Rowdy Thing and can't wait to see what Lola and Oliver's story has in store for us!

What are you "Waiting on?"

Review: Dirty Rowdy Thing by Christina Lauren

Dirty Rowdy Thing (Wild Seasons #2)
Author: Christina Lauren
Release Date: November 4, 2014
Publisher: Gallery Books
Source: ARC provided by publisher
Review by: Jenn & Nahomi

Despite their rowdy hookups, Harlow and Finn don’t even like each other...which would explain why their marriage lasted only twelve hours. He needs to be in charge and takes whatever he wants. She lives by the Want-something-done? Do-it-yourself mantra. Maybe she’s too similar to the rugged fisherman—or just what he needs.

Jenn's rating: 5 stars out of 5 stars

Nahomi's rating: 5 stars out of 5 stars

Overall rating: 5 stars out of 5 stars
*We received an ARC of this book from the publisher but it did not influence this review in any way.*

Jenn:
I don't know how they do it, but Christina Lauren have managed to knock it out the park again with Dirty Rowdy Thing. I was completely sucked into the story and I couldn't read fast enough. Harlow and Finn kept me on my toes and had me LOLing. They were the perfect pair and I just love them together.

I really love getting to know Harlow and learning how much her close knit of people mean to her. In a way, I can relate to her. She's the kind of person that keep people at arms length until she knows you. But once you've become part of her life, she would do anything for them. She makes it her mission to do anything in her power to make her friends and family happy. Which is something that Finn is not exactly used to and brings me to my next point. Finn is used to taking care of everything and being in control. So being around Harlow made things a little difficult for Finn. Since they are alike in that way, they had to learn to give and take. There was an occasion in the story where there was a misunderstanding that bothered me but I did enjoy how it was resolved in the end.

Being a Christina Lauren book, you know that the smexy times had to be AMAZING, right? Well, they were. There were so many times that just left me speechless and I'm so jealous of Harlow because HOLY.CRAP is Finn Roberts one talented man. There were so many times where I was fanning myself and wondering where I can find myself a Finn of my own.

This was amazing, funny, sweet, hot read. The characters kept me laughing and the story kept turning pages and I love the little glimpse into the other characters' lives that we got. I can't wait until the next book. The wait might just kill me. At least I can console myself that we get more of Christina's and Lauren's words in April as we return to the Beautiful Bastard world again. Can't wait!

But seriously, where can I get Finn? I have something that I need for him to, uh...do. Ahem. Go buy this book, trust me. It's AMAZING.

Nahomi:
Well said Jenn, I agree with all of the above. But I would like to add a few more things that I really enjoyed. Besides Finn and Harlow's relationship I really liked Harlow's family dynamic. Her relationship with her parents and especially dad really caught me off guard; I really love their interaction.Christina Lauren did a phenomenal job integrating family into this novel. I loved being able to see the world through Harlow's perspective and felt I could really identify with her on a lot of different levels.

The only thing I really had an issue with was the ending just because I really wanted to see what happened after they made up. I was dying to get an epilogue but just because I wanted stay in Harlow and Finn's world a little longer. I can't wait to see what is coming next for the gang of the Wild Seasons!

Favorite Friday (#14) - Dirty Rowdy Thing by Christina Lauren

Have a favorite book? Series? One that you've just read or are currently reading? Favorite Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Books and Swoons where we spotlight some of our Favorite Reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on the linky or leave us a comment!

This weeks pick is: Dirty Rowdy Thing by Christina Lauren

Despite their rowdy hookups, Harlow and Finn don’t even like each other...which would explain why their marriage lasted only twelve hours. He needs to be in charge and takes whatever he wants. She lives by the Want-something-done? Do-it-yourself mantra. Maybe she’s too similar to the rugged fisherman—or just what he needs.

They did it again! I absolutely love this book, it's witty, sarcastic, and funny! The sexy scenes are amazing and I love the chemistry between Harlow and Finn.  

About the Author:

Lauren Billings (but everyone calls her Lo) has a Ph.D. in neuroscience and before she made writing her full-time job, would spend her days doing nerdy research-type things wearing a lab coat and goggles. She is silly Mommy to two littles, wife to one mountain biking homebrewing scientist, bestie to a shoe-stealer, and an unabashed lover of YA and romance.

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.

I hope you can join us in sharing and talking about some of your favorite reads. Book talk always make me happy.

What are some of your favorite reads?

Blog Tour Stop: Review - Sweet Filthy Boy by Christina Lauren

Sweet Filthy Boy
(Wild Seasons #1)
Author: Christina Lauren
Release Date: May 13, 2014
Publisher: Gallery Books
Source: Gallery Books
Review by: Jenn and Nahomi

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.

But after a crazy Vegas weekend celebrating her college graduation—and terrified of the future path she knows is a cop-out—Mia Holland makes the wildest decision of her life: follow Ansel Guillaume—her sweet, filthy fling—to France for the summer and just…play.

When feelings begin to develop behind the provocative roles they take on, and their temporary masquerade adventures begin to feel real, Mia will have to decide if she belongs in the life she left because it was all wrong, or in the strange new one that seems worlds away

Jenn's rating: 5 stars out of 5 stars

Nahomi's rating: 5 stars out of 5 stars

Our average rating: 5 stars out of 5 stars

*We received an ARC of this book from the publisher as part of blog tour but it did not influence this review in any way.*

Jenn:
I loved this book, LOVED ÍT. I know I say this after I read one of Christina Lauren's books, but I think it may be my favorite of their work so far. I was super excited when I got my hands on Sweet Filthy Boy because I've been hearing a lot about Ansel and how he compared against the Beautifuls men. After finishing up SFB, I maaaaaay have made a switcheroo in my list of favorites.

In Sweet Filthy Boy we meet Mia who is on her way to Vegas with her best girlfriends right after their college graduation. She happens upon Ansel  across a restaurant and some hot and flirty banter are exchanged along with some stuff that I will not spoil for you. At the end of their trip, not wanting to say goodbye to Mia, Ansel invites her to Paris for the summer.

I have to admit that at first I was a little apprehensive about that. I was charmed by Ansel, how can I not be, but all my rational side could think was "You've known this guy for a weekend, Mia. What are you doing flying across the country and across the Atlantic to spend the summer with a guy you barely even know?" But I didn't have to worry for long. Ansel is a French sweetheart with a filthy mouth. The way he is with Mia and his friends made it very easy to like him. Some of the stuff he would say to Mia, HO-LY.SHIT. I wouldn't even be able to form response aside from "Uhhh..dskhdckjckj." The sexy times between Mia and Ansel were definitely hot. Their chemistry and banter made the foreplay almost as hot as the actual event. There were plenty of time when I muttered how much of lucky girl Mia is because damnnn...

Mia is struggling with the decision of what she wants to do and what her father wants her to do. Being around Ansel really forces her to think about what it is that she wants out of life and what makes her happy. The way they both make each other be the best person they can be and how great they get along was so well done and made them a more relatable couple.

I loved that Mia decided to purse her dreams and that Ansel pushed her towards them. Even though they knew that pursuing her dreams might separate them, they still went forward with it. I can't wait to see how their relationship grows and progresses in the next book. Christina Lauren really outdid themselves with Sweet Filthy Boy. I loved every second of it and I can't to see what next for Harlow and Finn in Dirty Rowdy Thing.

Nahomi:
I was a little nervous when I started reading this book. I am a big fan of the Beautiful Bastard series and couldn’t for the life of me think of a way Christina Lauren could top that series. OH Man was I wrong; they have completely out done themselves with Sweet Filthy Boy! I absolutely love this story! By the second page I was hooked, Mia, Lola and Harlow’s easy banter is funny, and made me want to get to know them.

The story line completely took me by surprise; to be honest I hadn’t read the synopsis because I will pretty much read anything by Christina Lauren. I love their writing style, characters and their ability to make me feel invested in them. I was so totally immersed in Mia’s and Ansel’s story that I was useless for the past day or so it took me to read this book because I just couldn’t put it down. Vegas and Paris were the perfect backdrops for this story.

I was living vicariously through Mia…man she is one lucky lady. Ansel had me drooling for the first moment he came into the picture. Each and every moment after he just kept winning me over again and again and now I’m a big mush ball for Ansel. I can’t even describe the chemistry between these two but I will say that I love that they had to figure out a way to make things work between them. It wasn’t the usual insta-chemistry we normally see. I agree with Jenn in that I like that they were both able to do want they wanted even though what that meant for their relationship.

I don’t really want to give any spoilers because I couldn’t do this book justice with a summary. I will say this: Sweet Filthy Boy is one wild and exciting ride! The sex scenes are sooo hot that they make an active volcano seem like Antarctica in comparison. There were times when I seriously had to think of saggy old people bottoms, just so that I could cool myself down. Christina Lauren did a wonderful job writing this story. I am so excited about the rest of this series; I totally having Mia and Ansel withdrawals at the moment. This is definitely my new favorite of mine. Sweet Filthy Boy is a must read!

About the Author:

Lauren Billings (but everyone calls her Lo) has a Ph.D. in neuroscience and before she made writing her full-time job, would spend her days doing nerdy research-type things wearing a lab coat and goggles. She is silly Mommy to two littles, wife to one mountain biking homebrewing scientist, bestie to a shoe-stealer, and an unabashed lover of YA and romance.

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.