Erotica Review: Beautiful Bastard

I did not have high hopes at first for Christina Lauren's Beautiful Bastard. I heard the book summarized at San Diego Comic-Con as, "Like 50 Shades of Grey, but better."  That interested me, because I have been on the search for a good erotic novel with some rougher bones--some Dom/sub, BDSM romance--and 50 Shades was one of the most disgusting disappointments I've ever wasted time on. With some unapologetic roughness right up front in its title, Beautiful Bastard seemed a bit more promising.

Masquerade, Pt 5

“Do you always make friends this fast, Senator?” I murmured as our lips parted.  The champagne—or maybe it wasn’t the champagne at all—was making me a little bit dizzy.

“Usually not,” he replied, still holding me close.  “I’d say this is somewhat of a unique circumstance.”

Masquerade, Pt 4

<<<Pt 1  <<Pt 2  <Pt 3

I had made an impression, that was clear to see.  Andrew and his audience had all fallen silent—they were a sea of approving grins as they took in my sparkle and satin.  If the charming senator ever suspected the pretty creature in front of him was the same practical, efficient, no-nonsense woman who held down the desk outside his door, he gave no indication of it.  Instead, he gave his usual campaign-winning grin—God, it was even sexier behind the striking tuxedo pattern of his mask—and tipped his glass to me.

“Well, I’ve been told my dancing skills are mostly up to par,” he chuckled modestly.  “Of course, I’ve never had the opportunity to measure them up against a Cirque du Soliel star before.”

Masquerade, Pt 3

<<Pt 1  <Pt 2 | Pt 4>

On the night of the charity gala, I called Andrew and told him there had been an unexpected delay, and that I would have to meet him at the party later.  As usual he was kindheartedly understanding—my heart even fluttered a teeny bit at the warm, welcoming sound of his voice over the phone as he told me not to worry and to take my time. 

As I hung up the phone, I caught a glance of myself in the mirror.

Masquerade, Pt 2

<Pt 1 | Pt 3> Pt 4>>

A friend of mine involved in the local community theater suggested PolkaDotz Costumes and Party Favors to me, when I mentioned my little plan for the charity event.  I had been planning to drop by the nearest Party City for some cheap and easy supply and frankly, that’s what I expected of the store she sent me to, as well.  To my surprise, PolkaDotz wasn’t nearly the corner party store I expected.

The storefront was reminiscent of an antique’s shop: heavy, weathered wooden furniture dominated the display windows, occupied by opulently dressed mannequins in distant, nonchalant poses.  An odd curtain of fabric and hanging theater paraphernalia—black rubber Halloween bats, lacy strips of dusty white fabric, even various brands of old toy model airplanes—draped down over the rear of the displays, giving only a small glimpse of the dimly lit, crowded floor within.  Huddled clothing racks featuring all manner of costumes stood beyond, waiting patiently, quietly.

Masquerade, Pt 1

Pt 2>  Pt 3>>  Pt 4>>>

I have a confession to make: I am in love with my boss.

If you knew him, you’d understand.  Andrew’s quite a charmer.  I’ve been his personal assistant for six years and every morning he’s in with a smile, blue eyes sparkling, greeting everyone by name… on Fridays he treats the whole office to coffee and pastries.  I suppose it only makes sense, though: he’s a senator, after all.  It’s practically his job to be charismatic and approachable.  Even so, I can’t help it… I’ve definitely fallen under his spell.

Commentary: Masquerade

 

Masquerade is a fun and flirty romance, a story which holds a special place to me because it is one of my best friend's favorites.  It's not my usual NC-17 erotica, though I had toyed with the idea of turning it into a bit of a lustier, longer piece, and still might.  It will be posting in 5 parts this week, Monday through Friday, so I can take a little bit of a breather and hopefully put together something new and sexy for this weekend.  I'm hoping to be able to keep up a Friday-Saturday-Sunday new update schedule after this week.  However, I am trying to give precedence to my novels, so short stories will technically post as I am able to finish them within that preference.

Thank you for reading and enjoy Masquerade!