Ruthless Bastard. White Knight.But I just call him “boss.”Thomas Goldstone.A man of billion dollar deals in custom-tailored suits, he demands more than your best.He’s scary. Driven. Haunted by inner demons that have taken him to the brink.But beneath the arrogant, controlling façade lies a heart of gold.It makes me want to solve him one growly, messy piece at a time.To be the only one who sees … growly, messy piece at a time.
To be the only one who sees the truth of the man.
But I’m . . . me.
A pink-haired, anime-loving, data-crunching geek with an office in the basement of Goldstone HQ.
My chances with the big boss? Statistically insignificant.
His burning gaze and clenched jaw say otherwise though. Gives me hope and ignites a flame so hot my glasses fog up.
I shouldn’t mix business with pleasure.
Shouldn’t tempt the beast upstairs.
Shouldn’t keep wondering . . .
Do fairy tales really come true?
From USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post Bestselling Author Lauren Landish comes Beauty and the Billionaire. Your favorite fairy tale with a side of . . . dirty. Prepare for twists you’ll never see coming and loads of alpha goodness that will make your heart, and your kindle, melt.
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DNF at 24%
Slow pacing with uninteresting characters. The insta-lust was in overdrive. Not for me
4.5 stars for Beauty and The Billionaire by Lauren Landish. This is a dirty fairytale and book one in the Dirty Fairy Tales series. I am a big fan of Lauren Landish, and I am a big fan of Beauty and The Beast. I enjoyed the characters of Mia and Thomas. This is a book about how opposites attract, and they can be great for each other.
Mia is a geek and she embraces that she is different from others. Many do not know how to take her, but that soon changes when she is sent to work on a team with the man in the charge. The Ruthless Bastard as he is called by many. Soon she learns he may not be what everyone else sees. Thomas does not get close to anyone, and never lets anyone see who he really is. He may be ruthless in business but is that who he really is.
I am telling you this is a book you will want to read. I loved Thomas from the very beginning, even his ruthless side. “I tell myself that everything in the universe is in balance. For every dark, there’s a light. For every luxury, there is a sacrifice. And for every beast . . . there is a princess. And I just say what I think my princess would like to hear.”
This book has romance, steamy scenes, and suspense, all the makings of a great story. I wanted to know more about these characters. I read it all in one sitting. Another great book by Lauren Landish.
This Beast is more like a teddy bear
Well, maybe a rabid teddy bear! His bark is definitely brutal and it seems some people like his bite.
Beauty and the Billionaire is a romance with a bit of intrigue. Enjoy solving the mysterious man and fall for the big bad billionaire!
4*
Thomas isn’t known as the easiest boss to work for he’s fair but seeks the best. When Mia is requested to work on a project the attraction is instant. Will Thomas let Mia into his life & expose the guilt he feels & why?
A great story captured me from the start.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Thomas Goldstone. A billionaire driven to succeed but haunted by demons from the past, he demands the best from his employees to the point where he is known to them as the Ruthless Bastard.
Mia Karakova is a quirky, anime loving, data analyst whose office is located at the basement of Goldstone HQ. Two less likely people meet each other and realize that they complete each other’s souls.
From the time he lost his mom, Thomas fought hard to feel worthy of his father’s love. Instead, he was ridiculed, abused–blamed for his mother’s death, of which he had no control as a child.
Thomas’ drive to succeed and prove himself worthy caught the eye of a bitter rival who was hellbent on bringing him to ruin, and it would take Mia’s love and facing his demons for him to realize that he deserves to find peace and happiness, with Mia in his arms.
Lauren Landish has become one of the authors I one-click without blinking. Beauty and the Billionaire is no different, because, as usual, she crafted a story which caught my emotions.
Some might say that Thomas was a weak character, and that Mia was, as well. The thing is, his portrayal of a man tortured by his demons–imposed upon him by the death of his mom–was spot on. That he showed weakness when he cried, well, would anyone really want a man with a heart of stone in real life? Plus, I for one think that Mia’s nerdy flaws was the Thomas’ turning point towards acceptance at the end.
Like Stan said to Thomas:
“Where you’re at right now is beyond your control, but who you are? That’s your choice, today and everyday. Make the right choices and ultimately, you’ll get to be where you want to be too.”
Thank you for that gem, Lauren Landish.
Arc review For honest review. Awesome story 10 stars Mia works for goldstones as a data analysis . Tomas goldstones the ruthless bastard has a lot of baggage from his past, but when someone is sabotaging his company Mia helps him in so many ways.
Tormented Beast…
One of my favourite stories to read is about an alpha male, plagued with inner monsters, but also has a kind heart. Thomas Goldstone is such a man. Ruling the roost of his billionaire dollar company, he has a reputation for being a beast, a driven hard task master. He is plagued by an afflicted past that haunts him to be driven whatever the consequences. He has a heart of granite that no one has been able to chisel through with one exception Mia Karakova. Mia works her magic in the basement of Thomas’ company, where she chooses to work with no distraction. Mia is quirky, offbeat and totally the opposite of Thomas. She is smart as a whip and her knowledge of data analysis is undeniable.
Mia’s brilliant skills do not go unnoticed and she is brought into a special project that is being lead by Thomas. The chemistry between the two is instant and immediate. The pairing of these opposites was a delight to read but also gut wrenching as we see Thomas try to transition from the fallen angel that he is to try and be a better man for Mia.
Mia Karakoram, computer geek, data analyst guru who is employed by the Beast self made billionaire Thomas Goldstone. Thomas has haunting demons, but finds a soft spot for Mia and her healing, loving, charismatic ways.
This story has intrigue, espionage, suspense and steamy hot sex scenes. Most of all was the healing love geeky Mia instilled in her often misunderstood Tommy.
Tor Thom thank you for sharing this wonderful story, along with Lance Greenfield and Carly Robins fantastic narration.
Beauty and the Billionaire
A Dirty Fairy Tale
By: Lauren Landish
Narrated by: Tor Thom, Lance Greenfield, Carly Robins
Anything beast related and I want to listen to it. Lauren Landish has created Thomas Gladstone, wealthy business man, all business all the time, hard exterior…beast. When he sees Mia, one of his employees, he is captivated, but what she brings to him, is totally unexpected. Mia is a data analyst, video gamer and animae lover, in other words geeky girl. Her attraction to “Tommy” is strong and it’s not about his money. When I started this story, I expected the typical format of the original fairy tale. Landish gives a little of that, but I found the emotion, heartache and growing love so much deeper that it drifted me away from my stereotype. We get a good look inside Thomas, the psychological trauma to a young child and the effects it has on a person as they grow. It’s beautifully written, includes steamy love scenes, a little mystery and the growth of a wonderful relationship. I loved the listen.
Narrated from 3 points of view, we have an extremely talented team bringing this dirty fairy tale to life. Carly Robins is amazing, giving Mia that geeky feel in the beginning and a loving, supportive partner. Lance Greenfield is a perfect choice for Thomas. His raspy, alpha sound gives Thomas that authoritative growl, yet he has the ability to tone him down to the hurt and vulnerable man he is. Tor Thom as Blackwell has that sinister baritone. You can hear the evilness and plotting in the inflection of his voice. I can’t wait to see what he will do next with Isabel!
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This was the first book I have read by Lauren Landish and I totally fell in love with this story! Thomas and Mia both had suffered similar losses early in their lives but had very different upbringing because of it. The trauma, abuse, and mental demons that Thomas had to endure and still did broke my heart. Mia was a free spirit that lived life to the fullest and was the best thing that ever happened to Thomas. The steamy scenes between these two burned up my kindle, they were that hot!
To watch these two interact and see the changes evolve in their relationship was heartwarming but the angst that was constantly present kept everyone in a turmoil. Someone was trying to take down the company by sabotaging the deals and Mia and Thomas were working together to find out who.
With a complete surprise they finally got their HEA, but now we need to get the next book, The Fallen Angel to find out what happens with Izzy!
I smell a new series! Beauty and the Billionaire is about CEO Thomas Goldstone and data analyst Mia Karakova. I did feel their coupling was quick but Thomas was a man used to making people cower. Mia showed strength by not shrinking while he reamed her out and he was taken with her. It appears someone is out to ruin Thomas. Can Mia help or will she become part of the fallout? This story has romance, intrigue and a hook at the end to snag you into the next book that I can’t wait for. It connects part of the storyline from this book to the next. I think my new favorite word is clitorference! This is a voluntary review of an advance reader copy.
I love Lauren’s modern twist on an old favorite. Beauty and the Billionaire is a modern date Beauty and the Beast. It revolves around Mia and Thomas who is the CEO of Goldstone. This book brings the passion and the intrigue. It’s hooking from the beginning to the end. This is definelty a must read. It’s packed with a lot of twist and turns and there is some monkey business going on at Goldstone. You will have to read it to find out. Bravo Lauren for another great read.
Great plot, wonderful characters…4.5
Mia Karakova has worked for Goldstone Inc. for years but has never met her boss, Thomas Goldstone. Well, it’s pretty hard when her office is in the basement of Goldstone building. Her unorthodox work mode of rocking out to techno music and screeching Russian profanity at the top of her lungs while geeking out on her computer doing metadata trendspotting scares most of her co-workers. Yup, her genius knows no limits when her geekdom is let loose. Ms. Landish brings us a wonderfully charismatic and colorful heroine in this story. We are introduced to her besties, Charlotte and Izzy, they add a lot of interest and depth to the story.
When Mia is asked to join a task force on a special project she goes toe to toe with Thomas Goldstone, a billionaire entrepreneur. She’s not a female to back down when Thomas gives her his special “blast” of humiliation. Not when she’s secure in the knowledge her data is spot on. Thomas is intrigued and turned on by this woman who is an enigma and unlike any he’s known. Mia and Thomas act on their attraction and the connection is electric. Lots of emotions, chemistry, and sizzle. I love the fact Mia is good for Thomas helping him deal with his demons. She’s his angel and savior. Your heart will ache for Thomas once you learn about his childhood and emotional and physical hurdles he’s had to overcome. He hides behind a mask of a hard driving and harsh man that he shows to everyone. Except for Mia.
The story unfurls with several plot twists that set up the next books in the series. Beauty and The Billionaire is the first book in the series. There’s an evil rival out there that wants to crush the empire Thomas has built in Roseboro. We’ll learn more in the next couple of books and I can’t wait. Great job, Ms. Landish. I voluntarily received and reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
I am voluntarily reviewing an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Once you get past the first 2-3 chapters, this book was a solid 4 star read!! Thomas and Mia were well written, compelling characters, with smokin’ chemistry. I love quirky, sassy women who melt the heart of stiff, rigid men and these two are perfect for each other. The book had great flow, was a page turner, and a few surprises along the way. Lauren Landish has another winner!!
It has been a while since I read a book by Lauren and I have to say I loved this story. Mia is such a great character. She made me laugh and sigh and hope for the best for her and Thomas. She is a wonderfully strong character. Then you have Thomas. He is a mess. Everything that happened to him as a child is still with him. But Mia is his total opposite. She is his light to his dark and hopefully will make him see what he is missing out on.
But while they are finding and fighting for their love will someone in the background be sabotaging everything they know and love? You will have to read the book to find out!
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. And I can’t wait to see where Lauren takes us next.
This author does it again with another great read that got me hooked from page one. Tommy is a ruthless billionaire with a dark side that keeps everyone away, but he is a great business man. Mia is the company geek, who loves her anime and video games. When Mia is selected to be on one of the teams to analyze for a huge deal, she’s ecstatic and nervous and when she finally meets the Beast Billionaire, she’s drawn to him. Thomas also notices Mia and he wants her and he always gets what he wants, but the voices in his head, his past, his father, and a saboteur may ruin the happiness and peace he has found with Mia…what will he do.
An amazing read with steam, a ruthless billionaire with a heart of gold and a fun loving quirky woman. These two were opposites but clicked in a way that was perfect. I loved how Mia slowly draws Tommy out and brings out his good side and I loved how hard Tommy tries to be good for her and be a better man. I didn’t like it so much how she ran away and abandoned him when the rumour started, and what happened before was kind of her fault and I thought she would have made the first move. But even with that, I couldn’t give it less than 5 stars as the story and writing flowed beautifully and I can’t wait for the next one, especially how it ends has me wanting Izzy’s story.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
This was just okay for me. I usually get right into the story when I read this author, but I had to push myself to read this one. I just couldn’t get into it. Now, the scenes between Thomas and Mia are good, they have great chemistry when they’re together. It’s the rest of the story that brought it down for me. They both have a lot of baggage, but Thomas’s constant belittling himself in his thoughts was too much. There was some suspense to this story as well. These characters eventually get their HEA, and the ending was good.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
THIS IS ONE FOR THE MOTHERLAND!!!
I love Mia Karakova…she’s quirky, nerdy, likable, beautiful (although she doesn’t seem to know it….and she’s an extremely intelligent data analyst for Goldstone, and Thomas Goldstone is a hot headed, gorgeous, dirty billionaire and a ruthless a$$…..and they are perfect for each other….the chemistry is all there, and, now, he needs someone as smart as Mia to find out who is trying to steal his company…..Good book!!!
This book rocked me to my core. There is so much emotion in these characters as well as mystery lurking in the background. Thomas Goldstone is known as a monster, he runs his billion dollar company with an iron fist and expects perfection out of all his employees. His past has made him into the cold, lonely, man he is or what he portrays on the outside and he doesn’t see any changes in his near future. Along comes Mia Karakova, perky, quirky, genius data analyst that works for Thomas. With her dyed pink hair and loud music and her obsession with anime and video games she goes through life to the beat of her own drum. Tomas is fascinated with Mia and must have her but the voice in his head reminds him he isn’t worthy of her love. Is Mia strong enough to tame the beast? Can she find out who is trying to hurt Thomas and ruin his business?
This book is a replay on an old fairy tale but in a revised sexy way. In some ways Thomas is a beast but he is so much more and I fell for him immediately. Mia is amazing, she is her own person and lives life to its fullest even though she has suffered her own hurts in the past. She shows Thomas there is more to life than he has allowed himself and he gives his all to her.
This is definitely a 5 star book and I highly recommend it. I received an early copy to read and review. I loved it so much I bought a copy as well, it is one I will re-read and will want the audio when it releases as well. So well written, great emotion, mystery, lots of heat, and heart.
Beauty and the Billionaire by Lauren Landish is another awesome read from this author. Thomas a billionaire with demons and Mia a nerdy data analyst make for an amazing story of suspense, pain, romance and healing that will not let you put the book down. I really loved this book and highly recommend it.