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Midnight Liaisons #1
Beauty Dates the Beast
WANTED
Single human female to join charming, wealthy, single male were-cougar for a night of romantic fun—and maybe more.
Me: The tall, sensuous, open-minded leader of my clan.
You: A deliciously curvy virgin who’s intimately familiar with what goes bump in the night. Must not be afraid of a little tail. Prefer a woman who’s open to exploring her animal nature. Interest in nighttime walks through the woods a plus.
My turn-ons include protecting you from the worst the supernatural world has to offer. Ready for an adventure? Give me a call.
Vampires and doppelgangers need not apply.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 25, 2011
68 people are currently reading
3690 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Sims
19 books744 followersJessica Sims lives in Texas. She hates writing a bio, so something cool will undoubtedly go here later when she actually thinks of something interesting to write. She has some cats, but what writer doesn’t? She plays video games and confesses to reading comic books. And she likes writing, but that one was pretty obvious.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 463 reviews
December 15, 2011
Author blurb for Jill Myles from the author profile for Jessica Clare:
After devouring hundreds of paperback romances, mythology books, and archaeological tomes, she decided to write a few books of her own - stories with a wild adventure, sharp banter, and lots of super-sexy situations. She prefers her heroes alpha and half-dressed, her heroines witty, and she loves nothing more than watching them overcome adversity to fall into bed together.
If you are wondering why I'm quoting Myles' author blurb and why it exists on Jessica Clare's author profile and why it's applicable to a Jessica Sims' book then congratulations - it worked. It worked because for some reason I purchased this book and you might have too. I read the author bio for Jessica Sims which says some shit about owning cats and playing games. What it doesn't say is that Jessica Sims in a nom de plume for Jill Myles and so is Jessica Clare.
I feel absolutely cheated. I'd already read Gentlemen Prefer Succubi, and disliked this author's writing intensely. I never would have bought this book if I'd known that she wrote it. I don't know why three pen names are necessary in the same genre and why two of those pen names are even in the same subgenre!
It's enough to say that nothing about the writing has improved. At all. If anything, the characterization has degraded. The blurb might lead you to believe that the writing is full of intelligence and research. It might make you think that the dialogue is smart, witty and sharp. You might think that the romance heroes are sexy and the heroines are strong but funny. It's all a lie. One big fucking lie.
Once again the plot was pathetically simple and juvenile. I honestly feel that the writing is cheap and sloppy as hell.
And the characters.
Fuck my life.
There is nothing witty about them. Nothing. Bathsheba is a capitulating moron who has no sense - common or otherwise. Beau is an obsessive, controlling psychopath. From the moment he meets her he controls everything about her. Their first date is nothing but creepy, gross sexual innuendo. Just a few hours after meeting her he has drugged her and kidnapped her to his hotel (for her own safety, of course). Within days he's kidnapped her again and dragged her to a remote location where he puts her completely within his control. This doesn't stop. The entire book continues like this.
I'm sure some will dismiss this as a caring man, concerned about his woman and taking care of her. My response would be to tell them to go volunteer at a woman's shelter at some point because that's exactly where Bathsheba would wind up one day.
When is the picture of what's sexy and appropriate going to change? This is not sexy. Abusive isn't sexy and Beau shows ALL the signs of an abuser. Spend three months helping a woman escape her abusive, controlling husband and come back and tell me this shit is still okay. Hear her cry on the phone night after night while he's in the shower because she's terrified for her life but physically can't leave. She can't leave because he controls her money, so she has to secretly work over time and squirrel the money away. She can't just take her passport and banking stuff. No. She has to pretend to be clearing out the study and she has to secret her documents away. Spend THREE MONTHS storing things for a terrified woman who is agonizingly working, inch by inch for moving day. I can not express the amount of thought and planning that goes into those moving days. Some of them will haunt me forever.
When we all have to show up but can't park in front of the house in case he drives by so we end up carrying boxes two blocks away to where our cars are. Where we have to board her cat and secretly arrange a garage for her car to stay in and keep plane tickets hidden in her name. Live those three months with the knowledge that ONE WRONG SLIP and he'll track her down and beat the shit out of her, kill her or worse - force her back to him. Something forgotten at home meaning an early return, a call to work where a careless coworker reveals she didn't come in, him accidentally stumbling on a clue to her plans beforehand.
Do all this and then come back to me and tell me it's alright to write this kind of relationship. I don't think there's anything that's going to convince me that Beau's characterization was harmless and just a sexy break from reality. It's a fucking tragic reality for far too many women. And it isn't romantic.
This review can also be found on my blog:
After devouring hundreds of paperback romances, mythology books, and archaeological tomes, she decided to write a few books of her own - stories with a wild adventure, sharp banter, and lots of super-sexy situations. She prefers her heroes alpha and half-dressed, her heroines witty, and she loves nothing more than watching them overcome adversity to fall into bed together.
If you are wondering why I'm quoting Myles' author blurb and why it exists on Jessica Clare's author profile and why it's applicable to a Jessica Sims' book then congratulations - it worked. It worked because for some reason I purchased this book and you might have too. I read the author bio for Jessica Sims which says some shit about owning cats and playing games. What it doesn't say is that Jessica Sims in a nom de plume for Jill Myles and so is Jessica Clare.
I feel absolutely cheated. I'd already read Gentlemen Prefer Succubi, and disliked this author's writing intensely. I never would have bought this book if I'd known that she wrote it. I don't know why three pen names are necessary in the same genre and why two of those pen names are even in the same subgenre!
It's enough to say that nothing about the writing has improved. At all. If anything, the characterization has degraded. The blurb might lead you to believe that the writing is full of intelligence and research. It might make you think that the dialogue is smart, witty and sharp. You might think that the romance heroes are sexy and the heroines are strong but funny. It's all a lie. One big fucking lie.
Once again the plot was pathetically simple and juvenile. I honestly feel that the writing is cheap and sloppy as hell.
And the characters.
Fuck my life.
There is nothing witty about them. Nothing. Bathsheba is a capitulating moron who has no sense - common or otherwise. Beau is an obsessive, controlling psychopath. From the moment he meets her he controls everything about her. Their first date is nothing but creepy, gross sexual innuendo. Just a few hours after meeting her he has drugged her and kidnapped her to his hotel (for her own safety, of course). Within days he's kidnapped her again and dragged her to a remote location where he puts her completely within his control. This doesn't stop. The entire book continues like this.
I'm sure some will dismiss this as a caring man, concerned about his woman and taking care of her. My response would be to tell them to go volunteer at a woman's shelter at some point because that's exactly where Bathsheba would wind up one day.
When is the picture of what's sexy and appropriate going to change? This is not sexy. Abusive isn't sexy and Beau shows ALL the signs of an abuser. Spend three months helping a woman escape her abusive, controlling husband and come back and tell me this shit is still okay. Hear her cry on the phone night after night while he's in the shower because she's terrified for her life but physically can't leave. She can't leave because he controls her money, so she has to secretly work over time and squirrel the money away. She can't just take her passport and banking stuff. No. She has to pretend to be clearing out the study and she has to secret her documents away. Spend THREE MONTHS storing things for a terrified woman who is agonizingly working, inch by inch for moving day. I can not express the amount of thought and planning that goes into those moving days. Some of them will haunt me forever.
When we all have to show up but can't park in front of the house in case he drives by so we end up carrying boxes two blocks away to where our cars are. Where we have to board her cat and secretly arrange a garage for her car to stay in and keep plane tickets hidden in her name. Live those three months with the knowledge that ONE WRONG SLIP and he'll track her down and beat the shit out of her, kill her or worse - force her back to him. Something forgotten at home meaning an early return, a call to work where a careless coworker reveals she didn't come in, him accidentally stumbling on a clue to her plans beforehand.
Do all this and then come back to me and tell me it's alright to write this kind of relationship. I don't think there's anything that's going to convince me that Beau's characterization was harmless and just a sexy break from reality. It's a fucking tragic reality for far too many women. And it isn't romantic.
This review can also be found on my blog:
October 23, 2012
Allow me to start out by saying that I was prepared to like this book. I was looking forward to a fun, supernatural romance with a spunky heroine and a sexy hero. I was even prepared to overlook the fact that the heroine is named Bathsheba (although admittedly, I cringed with increasing intensity every time he calls her “Sweet Bathsheba” – actually, I might have thrown up in my mouth a little just then).
But I might have managed to enjoy the book, if the heroine was not so excruciatingly idiotic. Allow me to paraphrase for you (some spoilers ahead):
“Hi, I’m Bathsheba.
I have committed myself to protecting and looking after my dear little sister Sara... She’s a werewolf, you see. Trouble with a nasty ex-boyfriend. But I have sworn to protect and look after her always, despite the fact that she can turn into a wolf with claws and teeth and my biggest talents include falling down a lot and giggling.
I promised myself I would always look after her, but a girl’s gotta eat, you know? So I’ve found us both jobs. And since Walmart wasn’t hiring, I decided to go with the next best thing. We’re working at the only supernatural dating agency in town.
I’ve sworn to protect her and hide her secret so that the other, evil and abusive werewolves don’t get to her so, of course, working at a dating agency where all sorts of supernaturals and were-creatures are constantly passing through is a totally brilliant idea.
I’m not worried that they’ll smell her out – I’ll just make sure she covers herself in perfume every day. That won’t seem suspicious at all.
And as for the fact that she frequently loses control when shapeshifters swing by the office and turns into a wolf unexpectedly…. Well, I’ll just make her hide in the back room. No one will even notice.
Oh, hey! There’s a really hot were-cougar who is completely into me – and by into me, I mean he wants to have lots and lots of sex with me.
Have I mentioned that I’m a virgin? You know, because throughout all of my sister-protecting duties, I haven’t had time to have sex with anybody.
So, we’ve gone out on a date and he’s totally hot. Oh – the were-cougar just saved my life from …. Something. Not sure what it was. Oh, well. Have I mentioned how hot he is?
And here comes his friend ... you know, the huge, intimidating beefy guy who won’t say two words to me? Anyway, his friend is offering me some little pills. He said that the were-cougar told me to take them. I guess they look harmless enough...
Ok, so it turns out that the were-cougar has drugged me and kidnapped me. But it’s all for my own good. He’s kidnapping me for my own protection. And so he can have lots and lots of hot sex with me. Oh, and he’s had his big, beefy friend kidnap my sister. And he won’t tell me where she is. Or where I am.
But it’s ok. Because he told me she’s completely safe. And even though I’ve known this man less than a week, I think I’m just going to relax and stop worrying about my sister so that I can have lots of crazy hot sex with him.
After all, she’s got that big beefy friend of his looking after her. And I would totally trust the guy who drugged me with my sister’s safety, so we’re all good. Have I mentioned how hot my were-cougar is?”
Ok, so that’s about all I’ve got, but suffice it to say that Bathsheba continues on in this vein, falling into icy rivers to retrieve blankets and rushing idiotically into danger without letting anyone know where she’s gone (or even confirming that the person she’s gone to save is, in fact, in danger).
And because I find her level of stupidity hard to swallow, I find the were-cougar’s interest in her equally unfathomable. What is so attractive about this woman? I find it difficult to believe that any intelligent, self-made businessman (as he is portrayed) would find any interest at all in such a twit. I also find it difficult to believe that all of a sudden, in under a week, these two have fallen madly, inseparably in love.
Maybe I’m just being bratty – tons of other people seem to like this book. Maybe you should go ask one of them. But in the meantime, thanks for taking the time to read my long-winded rant of a review.
But I might have managed to enjoy the book, if the heroine was not so excruciatingly idiotic. Allow me to paraphrase for you (some spoilers ahead):
“Hi, I’m Bathsheba.
I have committed myself to protecting and looking after my dear little sister Sara... She’s a werewolf, you see. Trouble with a nasty ex-boyfriend. But I have sworn to protect and look after her always, despite the fact that she can turn into a wolf with claws and teeth and my biggest talents include falling down a lot and giggling.
I promised myself I would always look after her, but a girl’s gotta eat, you know? So I’ve found us both jobs. And since Walmart wasn’t hiring, I decided to go with the next best thing. We’re working at the only supernatural dating agency in town.
I’ve sworn to protect her and hide her secret so that the other, evil and abusive werewolves don’t get to her so, of course, working at a dating agency where all sorts of supernaturals and were-creatures are constantly passing through is a totally brilliant idea.
I’m not worried that they’ll smell her out – I’ll just make sure she covers herself in perfume every day. That won’t seem suspicious at all.
And as for the fact that she frequently loses control when shapeshifters swing by the office and turns into a wolf unexpectedly…. Well, I’ll just make her hide in the back room. No one will even notice.
Oh, hey! There’s a really hot were-cougar who is completely into me – and by into me, I mean he wants to have lots and lots of sex with me.
Have I mentioned that I’m a virgin? You know, because throughout all of my sister-protecting duties, I haven’t had time to have sex with anybody.
So, we’ve gone out on a date and he’s totally hot. Oh – the were-cougar just saved my life from …. Something. Not sure what it was. Oh, well. Have I mentioned how hot he is?
And here comes his friend ... you know, the huge, intimidating beefy guy who won’t say two words to me? Anyway, his friend is offering me some little pills. He said that the were-cougar told me to take them. I guess they look harmless enough...
Ok, so it turns out that the were-cougar has drugged me and kidnapped me. But it’s all for my own good. He’s kidnapping me for my own protection. And so he can have lots and lots of hot sex with me. Oh, and he’s had his big, beefy friend kidnap my sister. And he won’t tell me where she is. Or where I am.
But it’s ok. Because he told me she’s completely safe. And even though I’ve known this man less than a week, I think I’m just going to relax and stop worrying about my sister so that I can have lots of crazy hot sex with him.
After all, she’s got that big beefy friend of his looking after her. And I would totally trust the guy who drugged me with my sister’s safety, so we’re all good. Have I mentioned how hot my were-cougar is?”
Ok, so that’s about all I’ve got, but suffice it to say that Bathsheba continues on in this vein, falling into icy rivers to retrieve blankets and rushing idiotically into danger without letting anyone know where she’s gone (or even confirming that the person she’s gone to save is, in fact, in danger).
And because I find her level of stupidity hard to swallow, I find the were-cougar’s interest in her equally unfathomable. What is so attractive about this woman? I find it difficult to believe that any intelligent, self-made businessman (as he is portrayed) would find any interest at all in such a twit. I also find it difficult to believe that all of a sudden, in under a week, these two have fallen madly, inseparably in love.
Maybe I’m just being bratty – tons of other people seem to like this book. Maybe you should go ask one of them. But in the meantime, thanks for taking the time to read my long-winded rant of a review.
December 26, 2016
*** 3.5 ***
¡Me gustó mucho!
La verdad no esperaba que me gustara tanto pero toda la historia de cambiantes y esas cosas me mantuvo pegada hasta que no pude parar.
El género paranormal es algo que me fascina y si viene con toques de humor... me vuelve loca. ❤️
Beau FUE maravilloso, sexy, encantador... un pícaro protector que me tenía babeando y Bath fue un poco tonta la verdad pero bueno, era una mujer acostumbrada a estar sola y a protegerse a ella y a su hermana contra todos.
Además ya muero de ganas por leer a Sara y ver si me gusta tanto como Bath. Me voy a buscar el otro pero ya...❤️
¡Me gustó mucho!
La verdad no esperaba que me gustara tanto pero toda la historia de cambiantes y esas cosas me mantuvo pegada hasta que no pude parar.
El género paranormal es algo que me fascina y si viene con toques de humor... me vuelve loca. ❤️
Beau FUE maravilloso, sexy, encantador... un pícaro protector que me tenía babeando y Bath fue un poco tonta la verdad pero bueno, era una mujer acostumbrada a estar sola y a protegerse a ella y a su hermana contra todos.
Además ya muero de ganas por leer a Sara y ver si me gusta tanto como Bath. Me voy a buscar el otro pero ya...❤️
January 21, 2019
Todavía ando en el mood paranormal. 🙇
Por eso decidí empezar a leer esta serie y es perfecta para mi mood porque es ligera, divertida y rápida de leer y nada densa como suelen ser las series de este tipo.
La verdad es que aunque no es cosa de otro mundo me gustó y está muy entretenida.
Los protagonistas, en especial Beau me gustaron mucho, él es sexy y demasiado divertido además que es bien lindo 😍
Y Su lado romántico ❤💕.
Both aunque me gustó a veces tuvo sus actitudes bien tontas y me desesperaba.
Un libro divertido y sexy para pasar el rato
Por eso decidí empezar a leer esta serie y es perfecta para mi mood porque es ligera, divertida y rápida de leer y nada densa como suelen ser las series de este tipo.
La verdad es que aunque no es cosa de otro mundo me gustó y está muy entretenida.
Los protagonistas, en especial Beau me gustaron mucho, él es sexy y demasiado divertido además que es bien lindo 😍
Y Su lado romántico ❤💕.
Both aunque me gustó a veces tuvo sus actitudes bien tontas y me desesperaba.
Un libro divertido y sexy para pasar el rato
August 17, 2016
★★★½
Last month, I started this series out of order. I wanted to try it out so I picked up the second installment to test out because it was the one with the highest goodreads ratings. I could tell there was a backstory I was missing out on but it wasn't too bad. It earned a shiny four stars from me and I knew it was a series I wanted to continue. So, now I'm starting in proper order. Yay!
Beauty Dates the Beast is the first installment in Jessica Sims's adult, urban fantasy series titled: Midnight Liaisons. Midnight Liaisons is the name of a paranormal dating service (matchmaking not escort) that brings together all kinds of romance-seeking members of the supernatural community. Humans are definitely not included. However, awkward circumstances bring together our werecougar hero and very human heroine. Romance ensues, also a little mystery, a lot of suspense, some unnecessary drama (IMO), and a crazy horror-filled ending that brings everything together. All in all, Beauty Dates the Beast is a strong series starter that I'm glad I didn't miss. It sets up for book two beautifully and I might just have to re-read that one again...you know, to make sure I get them all ;)
My favorite quote:
"I like women. Soft, curvy women." I rolled my eyes. "That doesn't count." "Why not?" "Because it's a given - like if I said I liked men with large packages." I reached over for a cheese fry. "That's like saying that you like breathing, or eating." "Sounds like we're a match made in heaven," he said lazily. "I like to eat, love to breathe" -he leaned over the table - "and I have a very large package."
Last month, I started this series out of order. I wanted to try it out so I picked up the second installment to test out because it was the one with the highest goodreads ratings. I could tell there was a backstory I was missing out on but it wasn't too bad. It earned a shiny four stars from me and I knew it was a series I wanted to continue. So, now I'm starting in proper order. Yay!
Beauty Dates the Beast is the first installment in Jessica Sims's adult, urban fantasy series titled: Midnight Liaisons. Midnight Liaisons is the name of a paranormal dating service (matchmaking not escort) that brings together all kinds of romance-seeking members of the supernatural community. Humans are definitely not included. However, awkward circumstances bring together our werecougar hero and very human heroine. Romance ensues, also a little mystery, a lot of suspense, some unnecessary drama (IMO), and a crazy horror-filled ending that brings everything together. All in all, Beauty Dates the Beast is a strong series starter that I'm glad I didn't miss. It sets up for book two beautifully and I might just have to re-read that one again...you know, to make sure I get them all ;)
My favorite quote:
"I like women. Soft, curvy women." I rolled my eyes. "That doesn't count." "Why not?" "Because it's a given - like if I said I liked men with large packages." I reached over for a cheese fry. "That's like saying that you like breathing, or eating." "Sounds like we're a match made in heaven," he said lazily. "I like to eat, love to breathe" -he leaned over the table - "and I have a very large package."
March 30, 2020
Adorably cute story... Felt like a cheesy 80's movie.
I do look forward to more of the series with sexy were-cougars!
I do look forward to more of the series with sexy were-cougars!
February 23, 2012
Okay story but the heroine did some dumb stuff, like running straight into danger and not trusting the hero at all. She was frustrating. I wish we would have had the hero's point of view, I didn't get a good read of his feelings for her.
July 4, 2015
Beauty Dates The Beast was cute, fun, and sexy with some action an mystery laced in. I really enjoyed it because I assumed it was going to be another basic retelling of Beauty and The Beast, but it wasn't.
The Beauty in the story happens to be Bathsheba , and the Beast is Beau. Now, Bathsheba is a regular ol' human woman in her mid-twenties just trying to keep herself and her little sister safe. Bathsheba and her sister work at the Midnight Liaisons Agency, which is a dating service for the paranormal. Beau is a sexy cougar on the prowl for a date after being stood up by another, little does he realize he's about to get far better than what he lost.
There's a lot of fun dialogue and teasing that goes on between Bath and Beau because they're both good-natured people with a sense of humor. Bath even uses my favorite phrase "balls to the wall", which earned her major brownie points. The romance is definitely a slow building one with a lot of sparks and sassiness. What I really liked was that Bath kinda took the lead and decided when she was ready to move forward because Beau was trying to be respectful and understanding.
The villains in this story were horrible and totally deserved their fate in the end. I totally cringed when they were introduced or had any dialogue because they were just so sick and twisted. One of the villains doesn't really appear or act villainous so when it comes out their nuts, it's a bit surprising!
Bathsheba and Beau have different ways of handling these evil folks, and that's what keeps the story moving. Bash wants to handle everything on her own because she's use to being the protector, so Beau trying to help her elicits funny reactions.
Overall, I enjoyed the story because the romance was the focus, but there were other things going on that helped bring these two together. I felt like the story was very cohesive and the plot was strong, specially when it came to describing the monster lurking around looking for Bath. Thanks to Miss Angela for suggesting this one and the rest of the series:D!
The Beauty in the story happens to be Bathsheba , and the Beast is Beau. Now, Bathsheba is a regular ol' human woman in her mid-twenties just trying to keep herself and her little sister safe. Bathsheba and her sister work at the Midnight Liaisons Agency, which is a dating service for the paranormal. Beau is a sexy cougar on the prowl for a date after being stood up by another, little does he realize he's about to get far better than what he lost.
There's a lot of fun dialogue and teasing that goes on between Bath and Beau because they're both good-natured people with a sense of humor. Bath even uses my favorite phrase "balls to the wall", which earned her major brownie points. The romance is definitely a slow building one with a lot of sparks and sassiness. What I really liked was that Bath kinda took the lead and decided when she was ready to move forward because Beau was trying to be respectful and understanding.
The villains in this story were horrible and totally deserved their fate in the end. I totally cringed when they were introduced or had any dialogue because they were just so sick and twisted. One of the villains doesn't really appear or act villainous so when it comes out their nuts, it's a bit surprising!
Bathsheba and Beau have different ways of handling these evil folks, and that's what keeps the story moving. Bash wants to handle everything on her own because she's use to being the protector, so Beau trying to help her elicits funny reactions.
Overall, I enjoyed the story because the romance was the focus, but there were other things going on that helped bring these two together. I felt like the story was very cohesive and the plot was strong, specially when it came to describing the monster lurking around looking for Bath. Thanks to Miss Angela for suggesting this one and the rest of the series:D!
October 26, 2011
More like 3.5 stars. I rounded up, because I really did enjoy this book, even with the issues I discuss below.
This was a fun, light, fast read. The funny back cover copy and a recommendation from an author I trust were enough incentive for me to give it a shot, and I'm glad I did.
The story was interesting and fast-paced, and I have to admit that I stayed up well past my normal bedtime to finish the book in one sitting. It's been a while since a book captured me that well.
I did have a couple issues with the story. While they are only minor spoilers, I'm going to put them in the spoiler tag, so read at your own risk.
Disclaimer: I tend to gloss over the good and really hit the things that annoyed me in my reviews, so take my list of issues below with a grain of salt.
This was a fun, light, fast read. The funny back cover copy and a recommendation from an author I trust were enough incentive for me to give it a shot, and I'm glad I did.
The story was interesting and fast-paced, and I have to admit that I stayed up well past my normal bedtime to finish the book in one sitting. It's been a while since a book captured me that well.
I did have a couple issues with the story. While they are only minor spoilers, I'm going to put them in the spoiler tag, so read at your own risk.
Disclaimer: I tend to gloss over the good and really hit the things that annoyed me in my reviews, so take my list of issues below with a grain of salt.
November 12, 2011
Bathsheba and her sister, Sara, both work at a dating service for supernatural beings called Midnight Liaisons. Beau calls looking for another date since his canceled and decides he wants Bathsheba. Only problem is that humans can't date supes....or can they?
Being a fan of Jill Myles and her Succubus Diaries series along with having already read the first chapter or so, I had a pretty good feeling that I would like this book and I did.
I loved Bathsheba...she was just sooo funny. I loved how she took care of her sister although I think she maybe took it to an extreme. Beau was exceptional. I think the whole being "in heat" thing was funny and reminded me of the guys in Black Dagger Brotherhood and Bella. I thought it was really sweet when Beau was trying to be romantic with the picnic date
I do have to say that I figured out the bad guy quite early on but his partner was a surprise!
The ending was really good and set up nicely for the next book although I really would've liked a bit more of Ramsey and Sara in this one. Guess I'll have to wait till November 2012!
Favorite line:
"Something slithered against my shoe and I recoiled. What the f*ck? Was that his tail?"
Being a fan of Jill Myles and her Succubus Diaries series along with having already read the first chapter or so, I had a pretty good feeling that I would like this book and I did.
I loved Bathsheba...she was just sooo funny. I loved how she took care of her sister although I think she maybe took it to an extreme. Beau was exceptional. I think the whole being "in heat" thing was funny and reminded me of the guys in Black Dagger Brotherhood and Bella. I thought it was really sweet when Beau was trying to be romantic with the picnic date
I do have to say that I figured out the bad guy quite early on but his partner was a surprise!
The ending was really good and set up nicely for the next book although I really would've liked a bit more of Ramsey and Sara in this one. Guess I'll have to wait till November 2012!
Favorite line:
"Something slithered against my shoe and I recoiled. What the f*ck? Was that his tail?"
April 25, 2016
Bathesheba and her sister Sarah work at Midnight Liaisons dating service which services the Supernaturals dating needs. When a client is stood up, Bathesheba has to fill in or risk the wrath of a very important client. In addition, Bathesheba couldn't anger her boss Giselle who was blackmailing her with information pertaining to Sarah, which would compromise Sarah's safety. What's Bathesheba to do when she's being pulled in so many directions?
I enjoyed this story. It wasn't too heavy and it wasn't overloaded with sex. Sheba and Beau were cute. Beau was consistent, loyal and sexy. He was a good shifter leader and he added integrity to the clan. I'm not sure why this is a retelling because Beau was handsome, rich and powerful. But it's supposed to be a Beauty and the Beast retelling.
October 9, 2019
I DNF‘d this book after approximately 45%. Normally I don‘t rate books I didn‘t finish or at least I read them to the 75 % line.
But this one is the bad trope of all existing bad tropes. I started this after I read book two in this series, which I also didn‘t like too much, because the characters and the plot were weak and shallow. But nevertheless, I decided to give this one a try, cause you know, according to book two, Bathsheba was the strong sister. How I fucking wish.
It already started off horrible. The Hero is forcing the heroine on a date, because otherwise she would lose her job. Then he lets her wait at the bar for twenty minutes, while watching her, because that is not a fuckboy move and creepy at all.
But since he is so utterly overwhelmingly hot, our VIRGIN - for fucks sake, I can‘t stop swearing in this review - heroine losses her breath and very few remaining braincells and forgets his asshole behaviour. While he is behaving creepily at the first date another man turns up and behaves horrible, to which the hero barely reacts.
So my mind already shut down, accepting this to be a brainless, but hopefully entertaining read, shit gets worse and I simply can‘t ignore it anymore.
We have a stupid as shit, weak doormat heroine, a harassing, controlling jerkface hero, a bitchy boss with a really bad character and a sister, I don‘t even want to describe her as a character, because there is nothing to say about her, but pathetic and almost non-existent.
Little reminder: do NOT go into a house, when someone broke into it! You run as fucking fast as you can and get help.
Second little reminder: do NOT take fucking meds from a complete stranger, because the Hero, whom you have barely known a few hours, says so.
After drugging her the „Hero“ manhandles her, kidnapps her sister and and lets his, of course, unbelievable beautiful but jealous, disgusting, insult spouting, bitchy ex treat her like fucking shit. No surprise, since he treats her like fucking shit himself. And since the heroine lets herself be treated like fucking shit, what can I say?
That was the point were I threw the book into the corner by the way. I like trashy romance, okay? My fiction doesn‘t always have to be perfect or even make sense to entertain me. I can turn off my brain and just enjoy a shallow, interesting story. But this was so ridiculously bad, I can‘t even ... Just no. Fucking no.
And what I read from other reviews, this shit is not getting better. I gets - unfuckingbelievable - even worse.
But this one is the bad trope of all existing bad tropes. I started this after I read book two in this series, which I also didn‘t like too much, because the characters and the plot were weak and shallow. But nevertheless, I decided to give this one a try, cause you know, according to book two, Bathsheba was the strong sister. How I fucking wish.
It already started off horrible. The Hero is forcing the heroine on a date, because otherwise she would lose her job. Then he lets her wait at the bar for twenty minutes, while watching her, because that is not a fuckboy move and creepy at all.
But since he is so utterly overwhelmingly hot, our VIRGIN - for fucks sake, I can‘t stop swearing in this review - heroine losses her breath and very few remaining braincells and forgets his asshole behaviour. While he is behaving creepily at the first date another man turns up and behaves horrible, to which the hero barely reacts.
So my mind already shut down, accepting this to be a brainless, but hopefully entertaining read, shit gets worse and I simply can‘t ignore it anymore.
We have a stupid as shit, weak doormat heroine, a harassing, controlling jerkface hero, a bitchy boss with a really bad character and a sister, I don‘t even want to describe her as a character, because there is nothing to say about her, but pathetic and almost non-existent.
Little reminder: do NOT go into a house, when someone broke into it! You run as fucking fast as you can and get help.
Second little reminder: do NOT take fucking meds from a complete stranger, because the Hero, whom you have barely known a few hours, says so.
After drugging her the „Hero“ manhandles her, kidnapps her sister and and lets his, of course, unbelievable beautiful but jealous, disgusting, insult spouting, bitchy ex treat her like fucking shit. No surprise, since he treats her like fucking shit himself. And since the heroine lets herself be treated like fucking shit, what can I say?
That was the point were I threw the book into the corner by the way. I like trashy romance, okay? My fiction doesn‘t always have to be perfect or even make sense to entertain me. I can turn off my brain and just enjoy a shallow, interesting story. But this was so ridiculously bad, I can‘t even ... Just no. Fucking no.
And what I read from other reviews, this shit is not getting better. I gets - unfuckingbelievable - even worse.
December 21, 2011
For some reason, the concept of this story reminded me of Gena Showalter's work, especially her earlier stuff. It was definitely lighthearted, and meant to be fun, with a curvy, virginal and supposedly quick-witted heroine - but the whole thing really came across as just plain cheesy IMO. I'm sorry to say it Jessica Sims (aka Jill Myles), but Showalter could have done this a whole lot better (and by that I mean in a way that at least made sense).
Pretty much right from the get go, this book had me going "huh?" So our heroine, Bathsheba, is a human working at a supernatural dating service by day, and otherwise protecting her younger sister who was turned into a werewolf several years ago, by night. A hunky alpha were-cougar (Beau) calls, whose setup date has canceled on him and coerces her into going out with him. Now, Bath has already informed the readers that dating service does not equal escort service via dealing with a perverted caller early on. BUT on her date, we learn that Beau is looking for a service provider because apparently, a she-cougar is going into heat soon and it'll "affect" him. So, I guess dating service really does in fact mean escort service. And... a question I had to ask myself was if he's so hunk-a-licious why does he need to be set up???? For some reason this question is never really answered. This was just one of the many plot devices used to drive the story forward that didn't make sense to me.
In the end I ended up pretty much skimming my way through the book looking for any redeeming juicy bits (unfortunately there weren't many) and sending up a hallelujah when I finished. It occurs to me I should really start a DNF shelf....
Pretty much right from the get go, this book had me going "huh?" So our heroine, Bathsheba, is a human working at a supernatural dating service by day, and otherwise protecting her younger sister who was turned into a werewolf several years ago, by night. A hunky alpha were-cougar (Beau) calls, whose setup date has canceled on him and coerces her into going out with him. Now, Bath has already informed the readers that dating service does not equal escort service via dealing with a perverted caller early on. BUT on her date, we learn that Beau is looking for a service provider because apparently, a she-cougar is going into heat soon and it'll "affect" him. So, I guess dating service really does in fact mean escort service. And... a question I had to ask myself was if he's so hunk-a-licious why does he need to be set up???? For some reason this question is never really answered. This was just one of the many plot devices used to drive the story forward that didn't make sense to me.
In the end I ended up pretty much skimming my way through the book looking for any redeeming juicy bits (unfortunately there weren't many) and sending up a hallelujah when I finished. It occurs to me I should really start a DNF shelf....
June 15, 2015
GAG! Not at all what I was expecting.
I liked the cynical attitude of the MC at the beginning. I thought that this was going to be funny, even though there were huge holes, blinking like a neon sign, in the mystery part of this. Then before the halfway mark, I understood, why the story was suffering like a mortally wounded animal....the author's "strength" (those are air quotes) wasn't the actual plot and its construction, but the trashy romance. UGHHHH.
I liked the cynical attitude of the MC at the beginning. I thought that this was going to be funny, even though there were huge holes, blinking like a neon sign, in the mystery part of this. Then before the halfway mark, I understood, why the story was suffering like a mortally wounded animal....the author's "strength" (those are air quotes) wasn't the actual plot and its construction, but the trashy romance. UGHHHH.
November 10, 2011
This was a really cute, funny and sexy paranormal romance! A very quick and light read. This was my first book by Jessica Sims aka Jill Myles and it won't be my last...the ending set things up for the next book which i'm definitely looking forward to!
November 13, 2011
This was a great first book in a series, and I really look forward to continuing it!
Bathsheba and her sister work at a dating agency especially for paranormal creatures. Enter Beau...were-cougar, sexy as hell bachelor, and head of the Alliance, an organization created for shifters who don't belong in "packs" like the wolves. He will be headed into heat in a week's time, and he needs a date to help him get through it. Although he is looking for a shifter, after speaking with Bath, he becomes enamored and wants only her, even though she is only human.
Their "courtship" is very cute and was enjoyable to read. And while Bath is as taken with him as he is with her, she tries to pull away because of her sense of duty to protect her sister and her secret. Nonetheless, Beau is smitten and doesn't take no for an answer (thank goodness!). One of my favorite moments between them, other than the really hot smexy time, was when he was trying to romance her during the heat. Hysterical!!
Along the way, it appears that someone, or some gawd-awful smelling creature is after Bath and/or her sister. Luckily, Beau does all be can to protect both Bath and her sister, Sara.
While I figured out who the bad guy was, there was still quite a surprise at the end as to who was helping him. I didn't see that one coming.
I really did enjoy this story, but there were a few times where I wanted to slap Bath upside the head for her poor decisions. I think there where quite a few holes in the story as well, that I would have liked more explanation for, or just some more detail. I would have liked to read more about the history of Beau and JT, more history and story about the Wendingo, more story about Beau and his ex, and what happened exactly when she left him, more backstory on the wolf pack and why Bath and Sara did everything in their power to avoid it, etc. Also, there were times when I thought Bath would have checked up on Sara more since protecting her was her goal in life, but instead, she glossed over it, and didn't question things the way I would have expected her, too. I was also very shocked when although Jason had accidentally drawn blood on Bath's shoulder with his claw, but Beau never smelt or noticed it that night. That seemed very odd to me since shifter senses are so in tune to everything, especially as Beau had "marked" her as his own.
Nonetheless, even with all those inconsistencies and lack of details, I really enjoyed the book, and I look very forward to reading Sara's story next. I just wish we didn't have to wait so long for it.
Bathsheba and her sister work at a dating agency especially for paranormal creatures. Enter Beau...were-cougar, sexy as hell bachelor, and head of the Alliance, an organization created for shifters who don't belong in "packs" like the wolves. He will be headed into heat in a week's time, and he needs a date to help him get through it. Although he is looking for a shifter, after speaking with Bath, he becomes enamored and wants only her, even though she is only human.
Their "courtship" is very cute and was enjoyable to read. And while Bath is as taken with him as he is with her, she tries to pull away because of her sense of duty to protect her sister and her secret. Nonetheless, Beau is smitten and doesn't take no for an answer (thank goodness!). One of my favorite moments between them, other than the really hot smexy time, was when he was trying to romance her during the heat. Hysterical!!
Along the way, it appears that someone, or some gawd-awful smelling creature is after Bath and/or her sister. Luckily, Beau does all be can to protect both Bath and her sister, Sara.
While I figured out who the bad guy was, there was still quite a surprise at the end as to who was helping him. I didn't see that one coming.
I really did enjoy this story, but there were a few times where I wanted to slap Bath upside the head for her poor decisions. I think there where quite a few holes in the story as well, that I would have liked more explanation for, or just some more detail. I would have liked to read more about the history of Beau and JT, more history and story about the Wendingo, more story about Beau and his ex, and what happened exactly when she left him, more backstory on the wolf pack and why Bath and Sara did everything in their power to avoid it, etc. Also, there were times when I thought Bath would have checked up on Sara more since protecting her was her goal in life, but instead, she glossed over it, and didn't question things the way I would have expected her, too. I was also very shocked when although Jason had accidentally drawn blood on Bath's shoulder with his claw, but Beau never smelt or noticed it that night. That seemed very odd to me since shifter senses are so in tune to everything, especially as Beau had "marked" her as his own.
Nonetheless, even with all those inconsistencies and lack of details, I really enjoyed the book, and I look very forward to reading Sara's story next. I just wish we didn't have to wait so long for it.
November 9, 2011
"I picked the laciest, sexiest bra and underwear and put them on under my jeans and sweater. Lingerie was ammunition in the war of the sexes, and I planned on loading my guns."
This was a quick, fun read. Sometimes silly, often sexy, it's just what you'd expect from Jessica Sims (aka Jill Myles, author of the Succubus Diaries).
The synopsis (which is hilarious) shows that this book is on the lighter side and suggests that it will be filled with sexual situations. So as long as you keep your expectations reasonable and have an idea of what you're getting into, then this will be a very hot and enjoyable read.
I loved the idea of Midnight Liaisons, a supernatural dating service where Bathsheba and her sister Sara are both employed. The company carries a very strict no-dating policy between the supernaturals and the humans who work there.
We're quickly introduced to Beau Russell, sexy clan leader and all-around alpha male. He forces Bathsheba to bend the rules by accompanying him on a date, a move that could potentially cause her to lose her job.. and virginity.
Although the concept of Midnight Liaisons was fun and original, the remaining story line was a little bland and predictable.
We paranormal romance junkies have read this a thousand times before - alpha male claims or marks protagonist, will do anything to have her, lots of growling (or purring) ensues, throw a couple of obstacles in the way, some steamy sex scenes and a fairly predictable ending.
Even though this story line has a "been there, done that" feel to it, I would still recommend it to anyone looking for some good old fashioned supernatural smut. Because let's face it, we all want to read something naughty and less thought-provoking every now and then.
And for anyone who hasn't read her other stories, I highly recommend Jill Myles Succubus Diaries series which begins with "Gentlemen Prefer Succubi".
An excerpt for the second novel in the Midnight Liaisons series is included at the end of this book, but no word yet about the release date.
This was a quick, fun read. Sometimes silly, often sexy, it's just what you'd expect from Jessica Sims (aka Jill Myles, author of the Succubus Diaries).
The synopsis (which is hilarious) shows that this book is on the lighter side and suggests that it will be filled with sexual situations. So as long as you keep your expectations reasonable and have an idea of what you're getting into, then this will be a very hot and enjoyable read.
I loved the idea of Midnight Liaisons, a supernatural dating service where Bathsheba and her sister Sara are both employed. The company carries a very strict no-dating policy between the supernaturals and the humans who work there.
We're quickly introduced to Beau Russell, sexy clan leader and all-around alpha male. He forces Bathsheba to bend the rules by accompanying him on a date, a move that could potentially cause her to lose her job.. and virginity.
Although the concept of Midnight Liaisons was fun and original, the remaining story line was a little bland and predictable.
We paranormal romance junkies have read this a thousand times before - alpha male claims or marks protagonist, will do anything to have her, lots of growling (or purring) ensues, throw a couple of obstacles in the way, some steamy sex scenes and a fairly predictable ending.
Even though this story line has a "been there, done that" feel to it, I would still recommend it to anyone looking for some good old fashioned supernatural smut. Because let's face it, we all want to read something naughty and less thought-provoking every now and then.
And for anyone who hasn't read her other stories, I highly recommend Jill Myles Succubus Diaries series which begins with "Gentlemen Prefer Succubi".
An excerpt for the second novel in the Midnight Liaisons series is included at the end of this book, but no word yet about the release date.
July 22, 2018
Esta es la historia de Bathsheba y Beau.
Bath (lo voy a escribir así porque el nombre completo es complicadisimo!) trabaja en una agencia de citas para el mundo sobrenatural. Es irónico que trabaje allí y más cuando intenta proteger a su hermana de ese mundo, y dado que su hermana también lo hace...
la última cita que su empresa ha asignado ha sido cancelada pero el cliente es importantísimo. Bath sabe que si su jefa se entera de que el cliente ha quedado insatisfecho la echara a la calle así que no le queda más remedio que ir ella a la cita.
Pero con esa cita los problemas de ella no harán más que empezar.
Me encanta Beau. En serio, yo también quiero un werepuma para mí 😏 es protector, cariñoso y monisimo!
Pero Bath... bueno ella es bastante cabezona. Conste que es de las protagonistas que más he aguantado, y sabéis que yo aguanto poco... jajajaja
Esta historia de cambiaformas está muy bien. La recomiendo mucho entre libros largos porque se lee muy rápido aunque no sea corta. O al menos a mí me ha parecido que la he devorado en nada!
Bath (lo voy a escribir así porque el nombre completo es complicadisimo!) trabaja en una agencia de citas para el mundo sobrenatural. Es irónico que trabaje allí y más cuando intenta proteger a su hermana de ese mundo, y dado que su hermana también lo hace...
la última cita que su empresa ha asignado ha sido cancelada pero el cliente es importantísimo. Bath sabe que si su jefa se entera de que el cliente ha quedado insatisfecho la echara a la calle así que no le queda más remedio que ir ella a la cita.
Pero con esa cita los problemas de ella no harán más que empezar.
Me encanta Beau. En serio, yo también quiero un werepuma para mí 😏 es protector, cariñoso y monisimo!
Pero Bath... bueno ella es bastante cabezona. Conste que es de las protagonistas que más he aguantado, y sabéis que yo aguanto poco... jajajaja
Esta historia de cambiaformas está muy bien. La recomiendo mucho entre libros largos porque se lee muy rápido aunque no sea corta. O al menos a mí me ha parecido que la he devorado en nada!
September 30, 2022
Ugh, why are werecats so fucking sexy.
October 20, 2011
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy
BEAUTY DATES THE BEAST, the first book in the Midnight Liaisons series by Jessica Sims (aka Jill Myles) is exactly what I hoped it would be based on the cover and description: super sexy, super fun, and full of super hot shifters.
Bathsheba is a human pencil pusher working at a paranormal dating service. She is fiercely protective of her younger sister Sara and has gladly sacrificed her own personal happiness in order to keep Sara safe from a werewolf pack that hunts them both. When a cancelled date puts her job and safety in jeopardy, Bath is forced to step in and ends up on a date with Beau, a were-cougar who made my Alpha loving heart race. Supernatural politics, past vendettas, and an unnatural paranormal danger threaten to extinguish the sparks that fly between these two, but Beau refuses to let go of what he wants, and Bath is finding it harder and harder to remember why she keeps running.
If you’ve read Jill Myles’s Succubus Diaries series, you know she excels at blending humor and romance in a way that elevates both. Under her new pseudonym, Jessica Sims, that same trademark blend shines throughout BEAUTY DATES THE BEAST but with a greater emphasis on romance. There is also a strong suspense element kept me up way into the wee hours of the night. Plus, I loved that the romantic tension started hot and stayed that way thanks to a very sexy twist on shifter mythology which I won’t spoil.
If you’re a paranormal romance fan you’re going to love BEAUTY DATES THE BEAST. This has all the ingredients that make up a classic romance novel, but with a paranormal twist that heightens everything. The future books in the Midnight Liaisons series will feature new characters and new romances. Based on the ending of BEATY DATES THE BEAST, I’m betting that Bathsheba’s sister Sara and a certain were-bear will be up next. Can’t wait.
Sexual Content:
Scenes of sensuality. A few graphic sex scenes. Sexual assault. References to rape
BEAUTY DATES THE BEAST, the first book in the Midnight Liaisons series by Jessica Sims (aka Jill Myles) is exactly what I hoped it would be based on the cover and description: super sexy, super fun, and full of super hot shifters.
Bathsheba is a human pencil pusher working at a paranormal dating service. She is fiercely protective of her younger sister Sara and has gladly sacrificed her own personal happiness in order to keep Sara safe from a werewolf pack that hunts them both. When a cancelled date puts her job and safety in jeopardy, Bath is forced to step in and ends up on a date with Beau, a were-cougar who made my Alpha loving heart race. Supernatural politics, past vendettas, and an unnatural paranormal danger threaten to extinguish the sparks that fly between these two, but Beau refuses to let go of what he wants, and Bath is finding it harder and harder to remember why she keeps running.
If you’ve read Jill Myles’s Succubus Diaries series, you know she excels at blending humor and romance in a way that elevates both. Under her new pseudonym, Jessica Sims, that same trademark blend shines throughout BEAUTY DATES THE BEAST but with a greater emphasis on romance. There is also a strong suspense element kept me up way into the wee hours of the night. Plus, I loved that the romantic tension started hot and stayed that way thanks to a very sexy twist on shifter mythology which I won’t spoil.
If you’re a paranormal romance fan you’re going to love BEAUTY DATES THE BEAST. This has all the ingredients that make up a classic romance novel, but with a paranormal twist that heightens everything. The future books in the Midnight Liaisons series will feature new characters and new romances. Based on the ending of BEATY DATES THE BEAST, I’m betting that Bathsheba’s sister Sara and a certain were-bear will be up next. Can’t wait.
Sexual Content:
Scenes of sensuality. A few graphic sex scenes. Sexual assault. References to rape
September 12, 2015
This review was posted at Under the Covers
If you are looking for a hot and funny paranormal to spark up your summer, then let me sell this book to you. In a nutshell, Bathsheba is a human female working for a paranormal dating agency. She takes the calls, meets with clients, sets up dating profiles and tries to arrange dates. Her job description might have to extend to dating them when Beau calls in and his arranged date fell through and he needs someone stat. After a few minutes on the phone with Bathsheba he decides he wants her...for a week. Why? Because he's a were-cougar going into heat! Oh but of course the craziness in Bathsheba's life doesn't end there because her sister was turned into a werewolf a while back and she's been hiding that fact from others. Now the werewolves want that lone wolf female and Beau might be her only protection. Sound fun?
It was extremely entertaining and a pretty short read, actually. I liked the fact that there was plenty of humor, even when it was a bit over the top. And of course I can't help but mention the fact that Beau was pretty sexy and very controlling and possessive alpha male, which worked well for me.
Bathsheba might not be my favorite kind of heroine but I have to give it to her for doing everything in her power to protect her sister, even if that meant putting her whole life on hold and giving up on the one man she actually really wants to be with.
To be together they have to overcome some obstacles and learn to trust each other, but I can't complain about the getting there process either. With plenty of things happening around them, lots of bad guys after them and plenty of sparks flying. Had a great time reading it!
If you are looking for a hot and funny paranormal to spark up your summer, then let me sell this book to you. In a nutshell, Bathsheba is a human female working for a paranormal dating agency. She takes the calls, meets with clients, sets up dating profiles and tries to arrange dates. Her job description might have to extend to dating them when Beau calls in and his arranged date fell through and he needs someone stat. After a few minutes on the phone with Bathsheba he decides he wants her...for a week. Why? Because he's a were-cougar going into heat! Oh but of course the craziness in Bathsheba's life doesn't end there because her sister was turned into a werewolf a while back and she's been hiding that fact from others. Now the werewolves want that lone wolf female and Beau might be her only protection. Sound fun?
It was extremely entertaining and a pretty short read, actually. I liked the fact that there was plenty of humor, even when it was a bit over the top. And of course I can't help but mention the fact that Beau was pretty sexy and very controlling and possessive alpha male, which worked well for me.
Bathsheba might not be my favorite kind of heroine but I have to give it to her for doing everything in her power to protect her sister, even if that meant putting her whole life on hold and giving up on the one man she actually really wants to be with.
To be together they have to overcome some obstacles and learn to trust each other, but I can't complain about the getting there process either. With plenty of things happening around them, lots of bad guys after them and plenty of sparks flying. Had a great time reading it!
January 17, 2025
Bathsheba, works for a company that sets up dates for paranormal beings of every kind. Although she is human, she knows that she must never date the clients. When a certain prestigious client, Beau. needs a date for the evening, when his date cancelled on him, she goes out with him against her better judgment. Then when sparks fly between them, she knows she is in deep trouble. Because not only is it forbidden to date Beau when it could easily get her fired from her job, and after having to protect her sister, she knows its very dangerous to get involved with Beau....but sometimes the way of the heart can get in the way of logic and reason...Beauty Dates The Beast is the first in the Midnight Liasons series, and the first book by this author. I was at the bookstore...and the title just drew me especially since I have a weakness for shifter romances and I was thrilled after reading this book....definitely a high rater for me!!!! I think I loved pretty much everything about this book and I can hardly wait for the sequel. From the first few pages I was drawn completely into the story, and fell in love with Bethsheba and her sister, very endearing characters, and then the moment we see Beau....I think I fell in love with this hero.....breakthtaking and full of sensual promises and thrilling adventures....the plot was full of ups and downs and unexpected twists and turns that will take you on a breathtaking journey, and a beautiful love story that will pull at the very heart strings of every romance lover!!!! A MUST DIE FOR READ!!!!!
May 8, 2016
This is book one in the "Midnight Liaisons " series. This was somewhat violent toward the end, so I just wanted to let you know in case that was a issue for you. It wasn't for very long but just making note of it.
Bathsheba is somewhat on the run with her sister but they have been working at a paranormal dating company. Bathsheba is a human and has been trying to protect her younger sister who was bitten by her abusive boyfriend. Her sister even though she is can turn into a wolf she is afraid of them and does not want to join a pack. So they go on the run to try to get away from the wolf pack. Bathsheba had killer her sister abusive boyfriend so that is another reason they are on the run. Beau who calls into the dating site to report his 'date' has canceled and he wants a replacement. Of course Bathsheba answered the phone and Beau finds that he likes her right off the bat. So Beau insist that she be his fill in date. Beau is also a shiftier and this puts off Bathsheba because she is scared that he will smell her sister wolf sent on her. But she is also scared to loose this job. So she meets up with Beau and that starts a chain of events that they have to overcome to be together.
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Bathsheba is somewhat on the run with her sister but they have been working at a paranormal dating company. Bathsheba is a human and has been trying to protect her younger sister who was bitten by her abusive boyfriend. Her sister even though she is can turn into a wolf she is afraid of them and does not want to join a pack. So they go on the run to try to get away from the wolf pack. Bathsheba had killer her sister abusive boyfriend so that is another reason they are on the run. Beau who calls into the dating site to report his 'date' has canceled and he wants a replacement. Of course Bathsheba answered the phone and Beau finds that he likes her right off the bat. So Beau insist that she be his fill in date. Beau is also a shiftier and this puts off Bathsheba because she is scared that he will smell her sister wolf sent on her. But she is also scared to loose this job. So she meets up with Beau and that starts a chain of events that they have to overcome to be together.
Please follow more reviews at the below sites:
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1... http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sally.mae.39...
http://booklikes.com/
https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
May 28, 2012
More like 2 and half star actually. Things get interesting nearing the end, that's why I added 1/2 stars rather than a weak 2 stars.
My first read by this author, and I'm not impressed!
My review might be bias, since I read this when I'm so tired. But I'm got more tired with a "familiar" paranormal trope and virginity things in this book. Add it with "hero-complex" and "TSTL moment" that the heroine has, make me irritated a lot. Even I know she got her name from Bible, "Bathsheba" is a kind of weird name that make me almost giggling entire time. Next time use an easy-to-pronounce name, please!!
The savior in this book is Beau Russell. You know how to write a likable (or lickable) alpha hero, Ms Sims. But I don't know if I want to read the next book. If her Jill Myles books like this one too, maybe I'll pass it.
And after read my friend's review about her "Jessica Clare" book, called The Girl's Guide to (Man) Hunting ,that you can see at here, I will pass it too. Seems like this author just not for me.
My first read by this author, and I'm not impressed!
My review might be bias, since I read this when I'm so tired. But I'm got more tired with a "familiar" paranormal trope and virginity things in this book. Add it with "hero-complex" and "TSTL moment" that the heroine has, make me irritated a lot. Even I know she got her name from Bible, "Bathsheba" is a kind of weird name that make me almost giggling entire time. Next time use an easy-to-pronounce name, please!!
The savior in this book is Beau Russell. You know how to write a likable (or lickable) alpha hero, Ms Sims. But I don't know if I want to read the next book. If her Jill Myles books like this one too, maybe I'll pass it.
And after read my friend's review about her "Jessica Clare" book, called The Girl's Guide to (Man) Hunting ,that you can see at here, I will pass it too. Seems like this author just not for me.
July 17, 2013
Human Bathsheba knows all about shifters, as the office manager to a shifter internet dating site, she is well aware of the habits and threats of shifters. Choosing this job was purposeful, Bathsheba is protecting her sister who was unwillingly changed and now a target for fellow wolf shifters because she is a rarity.
When another date is canceled, Bathsheba finds herself playing the role of date to Beau Russell, who is a clan leader. He does not seem phased that she is human, in fact shifters don't date humans unless they acquire a special visa, which he has.
Beau want Bathsheba as his mate, he just needs to keep her from running from him every time he gets close. As the heat is quickly approaching, Bathsheba has to decide if she is willing to be Beau's but as much as she thinks she knows about shifters, there are still some facts she is completely in the dark about.
Highly enjoyable. I can't really say what one thing I enjoyed about it but I was completely absorbed into the story. Beau is a charmer, he was pure sizzle on each page.
When another date is canceled, Bathsheba finds herself playing the role of date to Beau Russell, who is a clan leader. He does not seem phased that she is human, in fact shifters don't date humans unless they acquire a special visa, which he has.
Beau want Bathsheba as his mate, he just needs to keep her from running from him every time he gets close. As the heat is quickly approaching, Bathsheba has to decide if she is willing to be Beau's but as much as she thinks she knows about shifters, there are still some facts she is completely in the dark about.
Highly enjoyable. I can't really say what one thing I enjoyed about it but I was completely absorbed into the story. Beau is a charmer, he was pure sizzle on each page.
October 27, 2011
Bathsheba and her sister, Sara, work for Midnight Liaisons, a high-class dating service for paranormals. Bathsheba is the office manager, while Sara follows up with clients and makes sure all dates go according to plan. While Bathsheba is a human, Sara was attacked six years ago by a werewolf, which infected her. After Bathsheba killed the man who changed her sister, Sara has no desire whatsoever to go live with the werewolf pack, which is violent. So, she has been hiding who she is for the past six years. The pack knows there is a female shifter out there and they want her back. Bathsheba has dedicated her life to keeping her sister safe.
But things become complicated when head of the Russell clan and cougar-shifter Beau calls up Midnight Liaisons in need of a date. After the woman he was supposed to date through Midnight Liaisons cancels, Beau is in a bind. Bathsheba can't get a hold of her boss and knows if this client doesn't get satisfaction, things could go south for her job quickly. Although it is against rules for humans to date paranormals, Bathsheba offers to go out on a date with Beau as long as everyone keeps it a secret.
But after she meets the very attractive were-cougar, she is going to find it much more difficult to go on only one date. When a very scary, unknown type of shifter starts hunting her sister, they will need the help of Beau and his clan to fight.
Beauty Dates the Beast has a very strong beginning. I immediately liked the heroine, Bathsheba. She is funny, and not perfect, and becomes all flustered when she meets Beau. Her main goal in life is to keep Sara safe, something she is willing to sacrifice everything for. But it all starts to get muddled when she can't shake the attraction to Beau. No matter how much she likes him, though, she refuses to give up Sara's secret to him. One thing I had to question in the beginning is that the shifters have a superior sense of smell. So Sara applies heavy doses of perfume when around other shifters so they don't pick up on her scent. But wouldn't a shifter realize this trick? Wouldn't they figure anyone wearing that much perfume is obviously trying to hide who they are? So that tactic didn't always make sense to me.
But the first half of this book is still very strong. We get really nice tension between Beau and Bathsheba. She happens to be a virgin, so she doesn't give up the goods right away. That makes it a little more exciting, because Beau is affected by a nearby cougar who's going into heat, so his sexual appetite is more out of control. Watching him trying to control himself around Bathsheba is amusing. There are some very cute parts in the first half.
I think things falter a little in the last third of the book. Beau is the head of the Russell clan, and while we see the growly, dominant side of him in the beginning of the book, it doesn't really come through toward the end. I mean, we are told that all he has to do is snap his fingers and everyone obeys, but we never really see it. I also became frustrated with Bathsheba keeping so many things from Beau (who never gave her a reason to not trust him). And at the end when the big conflict comes to a conclusion, I think Bathsheba runs out into danger without really going through her options. If Beau really does have his entire clan at his beck and call, she should have turned to him – and not taken on things by herself.
Overall, though, I enjoyed this one. Beau's second-in-command, Ramsey, who is a were-bear and never has much to say, really intrigues me, and his book is next. And he is a virgin! *ahem*
I think Jessica Sims (who also writes as Jill Myles) has a fun, sexy world starting.
Rating: C+
But things become complicated when head of the Russell clan and cougar-shifter Beau calls up Midnight Liaisons in need of a date. After the woman he was supposed to date through Midnight Liaisons cancels, Beau is in a bind. Bathsheba can't get a hold of her boss and knows if this client doesn't get satisfaction, things could go south for her job quickly. Although it is against rules for humans to date paranormals, Bathsheba offers to go out on a date with Beau as long as everyone keeps it a secret.
But after she meets the very attractive were-cougar, she is going to find it much more difficult to go on only one date. When a very scary, unknown type of shifter starts hunting her sister, they will need the help of Beau and his clan to fight.
Beauty Dates the Beast has a very strong beginning. I immediately liked the heroine, Bathsheba. She is funny, and not perfect, and becomes all flustered when she meets Beau. Her main goal in life is to keep Sara safe, something she is willing to sacrifice everything for. But it all starts to get muddled when she can't shake the attraction to Beau. No matter how much she likes him, though, she refuses to give up Sara's secret to him. One thing I had to question in the beginning is that the shifters have a superior sense of smell. So Sara applies heavy doses of perfume when around other shifters so they don't pick up on her scent. But wouldn't a shifter realize this trick? Wouldn't they figure anyone wearing that much perfume is obviously trying to hide who they are? So that tactic didn't always make sense to me.
But the first half of this book is still very strong. We get really nice tension between Beau and Bathsheba. She happens to be a virgin, so she doesn't give up the goods right away. That makes it a little more exciting, because Beau is affected by a nearby cougar who's going into heat, so his sexual appetite is more out of control. Watching him trying to control himself around Bathsheba is amusing. There are some very cute parts in the first half.
I think things falter a little in the last third of the book. Beau is the head of the Russell clan, and while we see the growly, dominant side of him in the beginning of the book, it doesn't really come through toward the end. I mean, we are told that all he has to do is snap his fingers and everyone obeys, but we never really see it. I also became frustrated with Bathsheba keeping so many things from Beau (who never gave her a reason to not trust him). And at the end when the big conflict comes to a conclusion, I think Bathsheba runs out into danger without really going through her options. If Beau really does have his entire clan at his beck and call, she should have turned to him – and not taken on things by herself.
Overall, though, I enjoyed this one. Beau's second-in-command, Ramsey, who is a were-bear and never has much to say, really intrigues me, and his book is next. And he is a virgin! *ahem*
I think Jessica Sims (who also writes as Jill Myles) has a fun, sexy world starting.
Rating: C+
October 1, 2017
I have to say that I'm absolutely astounded at how many 4 star reviews this book got. Astounded! The best I can say for it is that it seems to have had some decent line editing. There were no egregious typos or continuity errors in the couple of chapters I managed to get through. But then, one could say the same about a decent dictionary.
Let’s discuss suspension of disbelief. In order to enjoy any fiction at all, one must be prepared to accept some level of “that could never happen”. This is especially true, I think, in SFF and paranormal romance. I can accept that. What I can’t accept is none of the plot nor any of the characters’ actions making any sense at all. I feel like my intelligence was so severely underestimated by this book, that I want to know who to sue for slander.
We’re in a world where supernatural beings - the usual western weres, vampires, harpies, etc. - exist but are hidden. Now, if one posits such a universe, one would have to include some pretty stringent rules regarding secrecy, right? Not in this book.
Our protagonist and her sister work for a paranormal (henceforward shortened to PN) dating agency. They’re (theoretically) normal humans. As are the other employees. There is no mention made about how any employee is kept from spilling this huge secret.
The supposedly normal sister, isn’t. She was bitten by her wolf boyfriend and turned without permission (and not taught how to shift safely). Then taken by him to live in his pack, where she’s abused (and not taught how to shift safely) by him until rescued by her older sister. Easy Peasy.
The two of them are now hiding out from the wolves so she doesn’t get taken back. In a PN dating agency.
People can only sign up in person. In other words, they have to come into the office. Where there’s a werewolf hiding out. (Still with me?)
The owner of said agency takes a lot of (undisturbable) time off. Guess who’s left to deal with the clients while the owner is away. If you came up with Bathsheba, the completely human office manager and sister of the secret werewolf, well, unfortunately, you’re right.
So let’s re-cap: PNs exist, but they’re hidden, but shifters bite (and turn) people willy nilly without negative consequences. There’s a PN dating agency employing human office staff, often left to their own devices in dealing with the clientele. The office manager is working there with her (secret) werewolf sister in order to hide said sister from the PN community(?!). Oh, and for whatever reason, there’s a shortage of women in the PN community, but the (female) office staff of the dating service is forbidden from dating the clientele. Because they’re human. Even though they already know PNs exist, since they work in the agency. There is absolutely no explanation given for the humans and the agency to have found each other, given the fact that PNs existing is a deep secret.
None of this, not one thing, makes any sense! And this is basically all in the first chapter. It’s possible that some explanation for something may be given later in the book, but you know what? I no longer care.
Let’s discuss suspension of disbelief. In order to enjoy any fiction at all, one must be prepared to accept some level of “that could never happen”. This is especially true, I think, in SFF and paranormal romance. I can accept that. What I can’t accept is none of the plot nor any of the characters’ actions making any sense at all. I feel like my intelligence was so severely underestimated by this book, that I want to know who to sue for slander.
We’re in a world where supernatural beings - the usual western weres, vampires, harpies, etc. - exist but are hidden. Now, if one posits such a universe, one would have to include some pretty stringent rules regarding secrecy, right? Not in this book.
Our protagonist and her sister work for a paranormal (henceforward shortened to PN) dating agency. They’re (theoretically) normal humans. As are the other employees. There is no mention made about how any employee is kept from spilling this huge secret.
The supposedly normal sister, isn’t. She was bitten by her wolf boyfriend and turned without permission (and not taught how to shift safely). Then taken by him to live in his pack, where she’s abused (and not taught how to shift safely) by him until rescued by her older sister. Easy Peasy.
The two of them are now hiding out from the wolves so she doesn’t get taken back. In a PN dating agency.
People can only sign up in person. In other words, they have to come into the office. Where there’s a werewolf hiding out. (Still with me?)
The owner of said agency takes a lot of (undisturbable) time off. Guess who’s left to deal with the clients while the owner is away. If you came up with Bathsheba, the completely human office manager and sister of the secret werewolf, well, unfortunately, you’re right.
So let’s re-cap: PNs exist, but they’re hidden, but shifters bite (and turn) people willy nilly without negative consequences. There’s a PN dating agency employing human office staff, often left to their own devices in dealing with the clientele. The office manager is working there with her (secret) werewolf sister in order to hide said sister from the PN community(?!). Oh, and for whatever reason, there’s a shortage of women in the PN community, but the (female) office staff of the dating service is forbidden from dating the clientele. Because they’re human. Even though they already know PNs exist, since they work in the agency. There is absolutely no explanation given for the humans and the agency to have found each other, given the fact that PNs existing is a deep secret.
None of this, not one thing, makes any sense! And this is basically all in the first chapter. It’s possible that some explanation for something may be given later in the book, but you know what? I no longer care.
November 1, 2011
Now when I finished this book I thought it was a 4 star book but in retrospect I am thinking 3 stars. But still I am going to give it 4 stars!
Confused?
Me too.
This book is what it is and I think in hindsight I am trying to turn it into something else. This book IS a PARANORMAL ROMANCE. Yes it is also a little bit urban fantasy but it is paranormal romance first and foremost. So as a PNR it is a 4 star book but as a UF book it is 3 stars.
The world the characters live in is your normal were, vampire, fae world where people "know" about supernaturals but they are still very much shrouded in secrecy. The main character works at a dating service for supernaturals to meet and date other supernaturals. She meets a were through the agency and ends up dating him as an absolute last resort.
Well of course from here that means they can only fall in love, realize they are perfect together, come across some problem that prevents their being together, have a near death situation a time or 2, overcome said problem, survive said situation, and spend the rest of their lives having sex and loving it. (And omg the sex - lordy - I need a fainting couch.)
Predictable? Yes.
But it has what so few books are able to capture these days and it is a sense of humor.
This book had one liners left and right, fantastic banter between the 2 lead characters, and enough dry wit to make even a Brit crack a smile. This book was recommended by Ilona of the amazing Ilona Andrews duo whose sense of humor is the best I have ever read, so when she said it would be funny I took her word for it, and she was not lying. I totally found myself laughing out loud at times.
So read it. It's funny, it's definitely hot, and its satisfying. I will definitely be reading more from this author!
Confused?
Me too.
This book is what it is and I think in hindsight I am trying to turn it into something else. This book IS a PARANORMAL ROMANCE. Yes it is also a little bit urban fantasy but it is paranormal romance first and foremost. So as a PNR it is a 4 star book but as a UF book it is 3 stars.
The world the characters live in is your normal were, vampire, fae world where people "know" about supernaturals but they are still very much shrouded in secrecy. The main character works at a dating service for supernaturals to meet and date other supernaturals. She meets a were through the agency and ends up dating him as an absolute last resort.
Well of course from here that means they can only fall in love, realize they are perfect together, come across some problem that prevents their being together, have a near death situation a time or 2, overcome said problem, survive said situation, and spend the rest of their lives having sex and loving it. (And omg the sex - lordy - I need a fainting couch.)
Predictable? Yes.
But it has what so few books are able to capture these days and it is a sense of humor.
This book had one liners left and right, fantastic banter between the 2 lead characters, and enough dry wit to make even a Brit crack a smile. This book was recommended by Ilona of the amazing Ilona Andrews duo whose sense of humor is the best I have ever read, so when she said it would be funny I took her word for it, and she was not lying. I totally found myself laughing out loud at times.
So read it. It's funny, it's definitely hot, and its satisfying. I will definitely be reading more from this author!
December 13, 2011
I wasn't really expecting to like this one... werecats tend to be a little too precious and full of themselves for my taste in 'shifter romances (gee, sort of like cats), and the werewolves are kinda cast as the enemy in this book (not too surprising, but I LIKE werewolves, dammit... ah well, maybe they'll get a better rap in the next book). However, Beau is INCREDIBLY sexy and charming (although, yes, annoyingly high-handed), and both he and Bathsheba are fun and likeable characters. The book has just the right amount of humor to keep things moving, too. (We have GOT to meet that harpy escort at some point. Maybe she could date the naga!)
My quibbles were, for the most part, fairly small. The supporting cast gets kind of short shrift, and some of them seemed like REALLY interesting characters... hopefully we'll be seeing more of them in later novels. (I'd like a little better understanding of 'shifter-human politics and interspecies dating, too, but it felt appropriate to be confused about them since Bath was, too.) My only major quibble was with the mysterious enemy, and the ending... I felt that could've been worked into the story a bit better, with maybe a few more hints of why Bath was being stalked, and by what. As it was, the climax of the action (no, not THAT climax, that happens earlier) came a bit out of left field for me. It was exciting and all, but... after ALL of Bath's history we're given, I was like... really? THAT's why? Well... uh.
This book ended in a kind of odd place for me, also, but the teaser for the next novel did a nice job of providing a little more closure. Oh, and it looks like I'll get my wish-- the next book in the series will be about Bath's sister and the werewolf pack.
I will *definitely* be picking it up.
My quibbles were, for the most part, fairly small. The supporting cast gets kind of short shrift, and some of them seemed like REALLY interesting characters... hopefully we'll be seeing more of them in later novels. (I'd like a little better understanding of 'shifter-human politics and interspecies dating, too, but it felt appropriate to be confused about them since Bath was, too.) My only major quibble was with the mysterious enemy, and the ending... I felt that could've been worked into the story a bit better, with maybe a few more hints of why Bath was being stalked, and by what. As it was, the climax of the action (no, not THAT climax, that happens earlier) came a bit out of left field for me. It was exciting and all, but... after ALL of Bath's history we're given, I was like... really? THAT's why? Well... uh.
This book ended in a kind of odd place for me, also, but the teaser for the next novel did a nice job of providing a little more closure. Oh, and it looks like I'll get my wish-- the next book in the series will be about Bath's sister and the werewolf pack.
I will *definitely* be picking it up.
October 27, 2011
I love the Succubus Diaries series by Jill Myles so I had to pick up her first book written as Jessica Sims. Beauty Dates the Beast is the first in the Midnight Liasons series and cracked me up from page one. It was funny, sexy and though predictable at times, I really enjoyed the concept. A dating service for those of the supernatural persuasion? It's genius really and I'm surprised I haven't seen more books like this.
I liked the characters. Beau is a super hunky alpha werecougar who has a little problem on his hands and needs a date rather quickly. Bathsheba is human and though it's against company policy for her to date clients, she feels like she has no choice and goes out with him. Who knew one little date could cause so many problems in the supernatural community?
This book was a fun, quick read and quite steamy at times. There were a couple of moments I wanted to smack Bath upside the head for being an idiot but she doesn't trust easily and will do anything and everything to protect her werewolf sister.
As much as I liked this book and the main characters, my favorite character in the book was Ramsey, werebear and Beau's right hand. There's someone about the huge, quiet, grouchy type that totally does it for me. I look forward to learning more about him in future books and am excited that the next book is about Sara.
I liked the characters. Beau is a super hunky alpha werecougar who has a little problem on his hands and needs a date rather quickly. Bathsheba is human and though it's against company policy for her to date clients, she feels like she has no choice and goes out with him. Who knew one little date could cause so many problems in the supernatural community?
This book was a fun, quick read and quite steamy at times. There were a couple of moments I wanted to smack Bath upside the head for being an idiot but she doesn't trust easily and will do anything and everything to protect her werewolf sister.
As much as I liked this book and the main characters, my favorite character in the book was Ramsey, werebear and Beau's right hand. There's someone about the huge, quiet, grouchy type that totally does it for me. I look forward to learning more about him in future books and am excited that the next book is about Sara.
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