Beautiful Thing

Specimen-One #1

by Ever Nightly

Book 1 of 3

Just out of college, I'm recruited for a top-secret linguistics job. Easy, right? Translate for a few foreign prisoners and I'm home free. But when I arrive at Area 51, I'm swept into a world of secrets and lies. And the prisoner? Yeah, he's not even human. His name is Specimen-One and he's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. But he's an alien, so not exactly boyfriend material. I'm not sure he agrees, though. He wants something, and I have a sinking feeling that something is me...

Genres: Aliens, Science Fiction, Science Fiction Romance, Spicy, Fantasy, Forced Proximity, Paranormal Romance

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 7, 2021

Reviews

[Mary Kirkland · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ava is recruited for a secret, mysterious job that she isn't told much about. Only that the job will take about six weeks and will pay her a really good amount of money. So she and another woman are taken to Area 51 where they find out that they will be working with what the others are calling Specimen One. She finds out that three years ago an alien space craft crashed on Earth and they have held one of the aliens at their underground facility all that time.

Ava finds out that S1 as they like to call him, has an unusual effect on some women and they aren't sure why. it might be his alien pheromones that attract the women and make them go crazy if they can't be around him. Ava turns out not to be effected as much by him in that way and an be around him without going crazy.

S1 hasn't shown any interest in any of the women or any of the researchers as they have tried to talk with him as well as tortured him by doing medical experiments on him. But when he spots Ava, his interest is peaked and he speaks with her but at first only she can hear him. S1 was a great alien and I really liked how these two got along when they are thrown together. But this book ends on a serious cliffhanger with nothing at all resolved.

I should have read the reviews for this before reading because I would have seen that people were complaining that this ends on a cliffhanger and I wouldn't have wasted my time on this. This should have been an entire book with a beginning, middle and real ending, but it was not. I really wish authors would stop ending their books on cliffhangers like this because it makes me less likely to read any of their other books.

[Amy Imogene Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

It started strong and I was interested enough to finish it. That’s pretty much what this novel’s got going for it, sadly. The main character was unbelievable—as in, I did not see the believability in her thought processes—and the blatant foreshadowing mixed with a barely there logic to the romance pairing just got on my nerves. Agh. But I finished it…and immediately downloaded the second one on KU so what does that say about me I suppose.

[Cara Bristol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava, a linguist, is recruited out of college by the government and sent to Area 51, where she is tasked with trying to communicate with Specimen One, an alien captured after his ship crashes on Earth. When he seems to be drawn to her and no other, she's granted special access to him.

I found this sci-fi romance to be fast-paced and steamy, well crafted and realistic. The government acts exactly as you would expect them to. The ending packs a punch. I bought book 2!

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars ⭐️

What a fantastic story. I was captured from the start. The intrigue of who S1 is never abates. A mystery that will keep you wondering, right to the final cliff hanger ending. Who the hell is S1? Is he still alive? What will happen to Ava now? This is a 3 book deal, so be prepared. But I have to say, this is a well written love story that will capture you, and leave you wanting more.

[Margaret · Rating 2 out of 5]

Coming back here to review after finishing the series. Book 1 I had initially rated as a pretty decent 3-star, but I've downgraded and don’t think I’d recommend after seeing how it’s all wrapped up. Some things to note:

- First book ends on a big cliffhanger (which I guess isn’t a big deal since the next one is ready to go on KU, but just FYI if this annoys you).
- Second book feels very interstitial, and there’s almost no contact between the FMC and MMC. I think they might kiss once?
- Third book ends fairly abruptly, with a lot of threads not feeling particularly resolved. I was kind of surprised to go back and see this listed as Book 3 of 3 and not 3 of 5 or something.
- All three are riddled with typos — your standard it’s/its kinda things, characters whose names change spelling on the same page, etc; but then also some funny ones (“coy fish” in a pond lol) and this double negative that really packs a punch:

“This,” he says. “Signifies my tie to you. It cannot be unbroken.”

Ouch!

On the plus side, they’re all very short (each is maybe ~1.5-2 hours to read?) so it’s not the biggest time investment if you’re enjoying the plot/vibe in Book 1.

[Grey Story · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm annoyed at myself for not DNFing this. It ends on a cliffhanger but part 2 and 3 are novella length and sound like they do not remotely redeem this story.

This started off okay and I foolishly thought despite having poor characters (no depth or personality whatsoever for anyone), bad to non-existent communication, mediocre setting, bad pacing and timing that makes no sense (meeting starts at 7am, spend 20 minutes in a room, and suddenly it's the end of the day?), and absolutely no emotional depth/connection, it was reading like a fun, lighthearted story. I could forgive all of these things for the right adventure, I thought. For the first probably 150ish pages, I thought the story was fun enough to keep reading (my mistake) despite the book clearly needing a beta reader, proofreader, and editor but was rapidly disappointed during the latter half of the book.

All those "minor" annoyances I was ignoring or forgiving in the first part of the book just got so much worse as the book went on. In the last 50-75 pages, the author tries to ram in a lot of events and action towards the very end and the already poor pacing goes haywire on top of the weird time and other inconsistencies and errors. It's just a hot mess of a book and I'm annoyed with myself for wasting my time.

[Sadie Forsythe · Rating 3 out of 5]

You know, sometimes you dive into a book knowing it's gonna be all sorts of bonkers. But you do it anyway because you want a little bit of silly fun. That was me and Beautiful thing. I knew the story wouldn't be deep, the plot complex, or the events believable. But I figured it be a fun Sci-Fi romp. And I was right.

Ava enters what is supposed to be a high security military facility, but it's run with a laissez faire I'd be surprised to find in the academic back halls of a community college. Which means ridiculous things are allowed to happen that no serious reader would believe. It's also very clear what they want and why Ava is there, but she's somehow oblivious to it. Which would be impossible to believe it I was meant to take it seriously. The romance is of the insta sort. But none of it takes itself too seriously. So, the reader isn't expected to either. Which is why it's fun.

There were some formatting inconsistencies that pulled me out of the story on occasion. For example, sometimes Specimen One was referred to as S1 and sometimes as S-1. Sometimes telepathic communications were italicized, sometimes they're weren't. Which meant I had to stop and figure out from context what I was reading—that sort of thing. It could have easily been cleaned up. It is also a cliffie of the sort so common these days. It ends in the middle of dramatic scene. I know it's not just this book or author. It's basically the industry standard now. But I cannot emphasis how tired I am of books that don't end, just stop. *sigh* But I have book two. So, I'll continue.

[Zvezdana_whatwhymeagain · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok, if a bit simplistic. It ended on a cliff hanger, but there are books 2 and 3. I'm in the middle of book 2 and it feels like a filler, there aren't enough worldbuilding and plot details for my liking.

[Grrr 4 Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

This is an entertaining book, not good but not bad,, Different….
What really erks me is that she calls him S1.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.
Read somewhere it’s a wattpad story turned into a book and that says it all right there (no offense).

[Marcy L Byler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cliff hanger.....I hate cliff hangers.

The book was a bit interesting but the heroine struck me as naive and a bit self absorbed. There were several times I literally rolled my eyes at her. Hero is still a mystery to me as there really is not a whole lot of detail on him and the h doesn't ask any pertinent questions. Too busy getting him in bed, I guess.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid book with a lot of story. Did not expect the ending bit, I had already had it written in my head (I do that) on how it was going to play out. Surprised and that is sometimes hard to do in this genre. There were some problems I found as a reader but again, it was a really solid book. I plan to come back and read the next in series.


SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT






I would say I wish the author had spent a bit more time on why she wasn't communicating more with him telepathically. Plenty of opportunities to "talk" telepathically because they were sleeping in the same room but they never really did. She is making all these attempts to communicate with him in her language but he doesn't.... he just scoops her up to bang it out, constantly. Like maybe it was hard to do so (her to "speak" his language), just like S1 seemingly was having a hard time learning hers. S1 shut her down a few times but she never gave any real push back but she also didn't ask any personal questions either, other than for his name. She couldn't pronounce or put that into words, his name, so she just kept referring to him as S1 or thing???? That was weird.

There were a few repetitive phrases and we didn't really learn much about S1. I get that to a point but as a reader I felt like it was a bit too guarded, so you didn't connect them as a couple in a way that would make their love make sense. It was a bit like a caveman read in that way. Which is weird because this is not set up in that way, also not a huge fan of that type of book. I'm REALLY hoping the author focuses much more on S1 in the second book. I really just think the author was too sparing with how much information she gave the reader in regards to him.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

hate cliffhangers

Another cliffhanger that wasnt told in advance, as much as i liked this book, i wont be continuing with the rest

[Kim Lowery · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a lot to like about this alien romance. It’s very different from most for one, it takes place on earth. Nobody is abducted. In fact, there’s actually voluntarily turning in. Relinquishing self? You get it. Anyway, that’s a little thing. Another huge difference is that there is practically no actual communication between the H and h. There is no such thing as a “universal translator” in this world. And that’s true for the entirety of three books. There’s feelings and bare bones telepathy. That’s it. So don’t expect any soul-deep revelatory speeches.

The hero has a name nobody can pronounce. So he’s known simply as S1. Yep. Just S1. He crashed three years before the book starts. And has been in a room for that long just waiting. Sorry, but three years is a long time for nobody to conduct experiments. And if it took that long to somehow all the heroine to the program… again, that’s a long time. They’re also astounded he could have a written language - a people with the ability to space travel. But at least, “My God, there’s a lot of interspecies fucking happening.”

The heroine Ava is okay. Just. She kind of slow on the uptake. I don’t mind this normally. But her Failure to Realize the Obvious did contribute to this stretching out to three books. She thinks she has “…really strong intuition. Not about people, but about situations.” But she really does not. She, in fact, has really crappy intuition all around. It isn’t until 81% in that she has this revelation:

“I do have some periphery knowledge about exolinguistics, and even wrote a blog about it. But nothing that would qualify me for this level of top-secret work.”

We also don’t have a fated mates situation. Not strictly speaking. Instead we have pheromones. And they work on everyone, to their detriment often. Forgive me but is an alien a hero when he knows he can attract on purpose and uses it to his advantage - often harming the human women involved? Ehhh…debatable.

Then there’s the mind control, invasion, control… “I feel something in my mind crack, a fissure that slowly widens, splitting open. My psyche resists, but I can’t hold it together.” Ouchies. And the fainting is a lot. “Do you usually pass out this much?” she asks, rubbing her elbow. “This is what, the second time? Third time?”

Errors:
“And as of now, there’s been zero scientific evidence that telecommunication is actually a thing.” — telepathic communication; telecommunication actually does exist.
“Oh, I say, thanks,” I say. — just one “I say”

This is an interesting story, that’s very different. It can be frustrating and arguable jumps the shark at the end. But it did keep me engaged enough to finish the three book arc, despite the Roswell tv series (first incarnation) vibes.

Interesting use of quote:

““‘When the enemy is relaxed, make them toil. When full, starve them. When settled, make them move.’” She glances around, looking for recognition. Everyone just looks confused. “Sun Tzu, The Art of War. No?”

[Ka'Lynn Paz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought this on my Kindle for like three bucks and honestly if I have found it for free somewhere else or even on Kindle I probably would not have finished it because of how stupid the female main character is. She ruined the whole story for me from start to finish her lack of survival instincts or just common sense in the environment that she was in was incredibly frustrating.

The fact that she's at a government facility in area 51 and is just walking around all relaxed while she fucks the alien ( under the governments care) it's just so freaking annoying because like her co-workers, all of them are clearly out to get her. She knows they're out to get her and it's like she does nothing proactive to fix her situation.

Then the climax of the story hits towards the end and once again she's like 'oh my God like what the hell everyone like turned against me?' and I'm like 'yeah you knew they would like why are you shocked? you the dumbest woman ever!'

And then on top of it to make matters worse as if she was wasn't dumb enough when it came to her colleagues she's also incredibly stupid when it comes to the alien himself. like she does this whole 'does he like me or does he not like me' thing like back and forth the whole time. I just scream at the phone like who cares like what does it matter if the alien likes you are not? Like he clearly has something going on with you and whether or not you know it's biological or if he's done it with other women or you know that whole mystery factor like the fact is you need to you now put yourself at a distance.You should have been like more restrained, more in control, instead she just lets herself go with everything and it backfires on her every turn.

And what really makes this book on my lower end of the rating scale besides the completely dumb characters was the fact that it ends on a cliffhanger and you have to read the next book in the series in order to continue with the story. And since it ends on cliffhanger, like most series, I'm assuming it's going to just kind of be like a bland beginning again and I really I can't do that you can't have a climax hit right at the end of the story and then when your next book comes along they kind of like just tuck it under the rug because it makes it more mysterious to the reader and it's like sometimes a mystery isn't even worth it. The end is just infuriating and it was like all this mystery all these questions all these doubts and it's like for nothing like I very much dislike stories like that and I can tell this is just how it's going to go.

in my opinion it's not worth three bucks or even just the browsing of a read and I definitely would not recommend it.

[Maari · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm about 75% though with this one and knew since the start that the story ends only in later volumes. My impression so far is that this is a suspense-paced, highly intensive novel with a plot featuring nightmarish, feverish air to it and a lot of conspirational thinking. I do consider several aspects about the story to be out of line.

The FML in this one is turned from a linguist student to a de facto government-held prisoner expected to exchange intimate favours with an alien captive for information. I personally find this a pretty sick setup. The FML is being taken advantage of at every level at her place of temporary work. The very contract she unknowledgably signed in equals to slavery at work and deceit. Her working conditions are non-existent, as she is in unsafe at her job. She is also exposed to unclear amounts of potentially health-threatening chemical disbalance (pheromones) and her mental wellbeing is in jeopardy.

As for her dynamics with the test subject/captive, she literally has to take breathers outside the room where she has to live together with the captive (the MML) and finds herself often relieved when she manages to escape the room, to step out. It's this level of crazy. The constant advances she is being subjected to and bombarded with from the side of the MML are that relentless.

The MML's character, although tragically captured and having to endure torture, also does tick the arrogant type, alpha, possessive, in control, superior, masc-dom vibes. Even more problematically, the novel is dub-con, featuring sealing a fated bond w/o the FML's consent, straight out lieing by omission, constant sexual advances turned harrassment, etc. The MML is demanding and needy. This isn't an equal relationship, it's some sort of mania.

In general, I find that this restless atmosphere which spirals to doom basically isn't what I'm looking for but I do definitely credit the author for being able to create such an air with her text. The story reads pretty smoothly in that regard. However, I'll be discontinuing this now. Dnf.

[Kimberly K · Rating 2 out of 5]

cliffhanger

I am not here for cliffhangers. Hea only. If I’d realized this would just end (not even a true cliffhanger) in the middle of a battle, I’d have never wasted my time.

But also there are mistakes. On pg 199 I had to keep rereading this part about finding a photo of her badge and not mentioning it. Words scribbled in the margins. This did not happen. I searched. It’s not there.

The. The same first line is repeated two paragraphs apart with different sentences after.

And there’s lots of other repressive things too.

Okay fine. I can let a lot go. But I was sort of getting into the story just for it to stagnate. Boring. We never really get to know S1. He doesn’t even get a name. And Ava is just kind of dumb half the time.

So yah. Unless you love stories that don’t end properly, then skip.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ava is going to Area 51 to work as a linguist. She doesn't know her job, but it becomes apparent when she arrives. She needs to get Specimen #1 to talk. Others have tried and failed, some have died, some have gone insane. So what makes people think she holds the key to unlocking S1? Ava ends up bunking with him. Only they do much much more than talk. S1 claims her as his. Marking her. Nothing can separate them now. NOTHING.

There are some grammar issues with the book. I felt like there were too many main people in this story. I didn't like anyone really, not even S1. What kept me going? The steamy moments. The questions of what is up with Ava and her blood? Who is her dad?

[Kayla · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.2/5 Grammatical and spelling errors, smut is meh. Not really attached to the characters and don’t fully understand the story so I’m not entirely invested. Also there’s no real proof of an emotional connection besides “when we touched it was electric” like boogie Woogie woogie but fuck off, what else?? Also there are repeated paragraphs, clearly no one edited this book properly. She uses “beautiful thing” too much. And it doesn’t make sense that he “doesn’t understand the language” but can speak plain English in her mind?? What?? Will probably read the entire trilogy anyway. I take it back. Just finished and will not be finishing the trilogy. The next book is only 185 pages, absolutely not.

[Jean Stillman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It lost a star because there were more than 10 errors noted in the book. But that aside, I enjoyed the story of a young linguistics student, fresh out of college, working for the government in Area 51. Well, you just know there will be an Alien I this one, right? Enter S1: Specimen One. So this story is an Instalove story about S1 and Ava. It is well written, with an excellent plot and a very steamy relationship between S1 and Ava.

This book does end in a cliffhanger, and I immediately clicked on Book 2 of the series, BEAUTIFUL LIES.

[Roo · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m 75% through with this book and thoroughly enjoying the story, despite many grammatical errors. I don’t think I’ll be finishing it though bc I just realized it ends in a cliffhanger. Further reviews indicate book 2 is just filler.

My bad, I should’ve read the negative reviews before starting this freebie. . First and last by this author for me. There are just too many completed books on my TBR .

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐
It was a pretty alright book?
Very meh
The cliffhanger annoyed me though - just alot of confusion then books finished.
I really dislike cliffhangers - especially when there great ones. This one just isn't amazing and I don't feel compelled to continue the series especially after reading some reviews.
If this was a whole book and wasn't split I would recommend it - but it just seems alot for a book thats just fine.

[Christine Johnson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nice but Not

I hate that I was suckered into getting a book that is not complete. The story was okay, if not predictable. I was just starting to get into it when right when things are starting to get interesting I am informed that if I want to know what happens to get the next book in the series. I DO NOT THINK SO. Last time I fell for that I had to buy a new book every six chapters. Once bitten twice shy. Sorry I am done.

[DeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straight Through Read

But there's a cliffhanger, because this is one story in three parts. The author did a great job splicing in just the right place to draw the reader back to the story, and yet gave us a complete romance in the first book. Basically, it's captured alien falls in love with scientist, and then he saves her, but not quite. You'll have to read to find out what is what.

[Holly Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful thing

This book is awesome. Ever nightly has created a masterpiece here. A human female linguist is brought in on a top secret experiment, trying to communicate with an alien being kept in area 51. She is the only one able to communicate with him, and they of course fall in love. She becomes pregnant, and the scientists find out and try to separate her from her mate. Then all hell breaks loose. I can't wait for the second book.

[Susan Saltos · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the book to be a page turner. It had a good story that kept me interested and kept me “on the edge of my seat”, wanting to know what was going to happen next. There was too much sex though and not enough of the two main “love interests” getting to know each other. The story ended on a cliffhanger, which should have been disclosed in the book’s synopsis so that readers would be aware of that fact. I’m looking forward to reading what happens in book 2.

[Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect Alien Romance

Followed this book from Wattpad and you won’t find a better one. Ava, the main character is completely relatable and lovable and there’s just something about a strong silent male alpha. There’s so much depth to the story and you just want to know more. Dying to read book 2!

[B. Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌶 and Sci-fi

Jumping into this book I didn’t expect a whole lot. I was pleasantly surprised to find the writing is good, the pacing was great, nothing seemed to fast or too awkward. The only drawback was a few typos and a few instances where the speech isn’t in italics but it in no way detracts from the story. Was a fun and quick read.

[bookwormmekenzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was okay!

So… I really wish there was more of like a building in Ava and s1 relationship. It just went from like oh yeah he leaks hotness to boom love and there was no cute moments of building love. No funny language errors, or like foreplay to love. Like they never really talked and bonded it was just… odd? It just seems like this story needed beefing up.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun, fast paced and eager to read the next one

Quite a fun afternoon read! Lots of editing errors and there may have been a plot hole left uncorrected at the beginning, but I look forward to reading the next one!