Afrodyt's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews 
 3.5 Stars 
 In this much anticipated installment of the Beautiful series, the only expectations I had coming in, was that the characters would be intelligent, witty and unconventional. That's what has made this series stand out from the crowd. Christina Lauren have a knack for writing situations and stories that are easy to place yourself in but also keep the fantasy alive. In this they do not disappoint. With Niall and Ruby, we have the typical story of the fresh faced intern crushing on the hot, older guy from work. However, when fantasy meets reality it doesn't necessarily live up to the expectations, which is very believable. Their journey takes twists and turns that definitely left me hot and bothered. 
 Beautiful Secret is an exploration in just how delicious flirtation and anticipation can be. The entire novel was like a slow boiling pot that I watched getting closer and closer to spilling over the side. I love how Niall and Ruby explored their intimacy and took the time to forge an authentic connection when it could have been so easy to get swept away by passion. As a reader it made their coupling sweeter and ultimately more gratifying. Romance novels have a rhythm that, for me, is comfortable and predictable. Girl meets boy, instant attraction. Playful or contentious banter ensues. Sexy encounters follow. Then hot sex, repeat, repeat, repeat. Relationship derails by either internal or external factors. Angst and heartache, reconciliation and HEA. Almost every author in this genre follows this loose formula because, Hey! It works. This story was heavy on some things and woefully light on others. 
 Christina Lauren are an incredible team and the writing is smart and funny and well done overall. That being said, this novel has a different tone than the others in the series. It stimulates the mind and heart, but your girly parts have to be patient. Word of caution: This novel is a slow, controlled burn. 
 Review copy provided for an honest review.