I've never actually laughed so much it hurt while reading a book, but I certainly did with The Reluctant Vampire. Sands had the inner track on my funny bone this time around because I simply could not stop giggling and snickering and even the last chapter left me with a goofy smile on my face. How did she do it? Harper is this very uptight and Eeyore type of guy who has a strong need to help and to control. It was pure genius not to mention extremely entertaining and amusing. That girl is a delightful surprise and the cause of many a funny scene filled with racy and hilarious dialogue that spiced up the relationship tremendously.
Drina likes to be in charge herself so there is that dynamic to contend with. What I found really impressive was that when it first was revealed, both Harper and I were amazed, but as the story went on, a more down to earth interpretation was offered and I found that very enriching to read. I really liked how the author made it more personal and real to the characters. Folks, I have to tell you this. There is no way I want to ruin the surprise and sheer hilarity of the scene that had Alessandro freaking out but I can tell you that I re-read that whole scene three times.
I could not believe how funny and adorable it was and none of it would or could have worked without the extremely awesome writing job that Ms. Sands did to bring it all to life. I want to spill spoilers so bad because they're that good. I want to laugh with others about what is so great. This chapter, my dear readers, is a Water Cooler Moment! This is the type of thing that people would gather around to trade quips, quotes and parts they thought were better than others.
And just when you thought all it would be was more humor, like a boss coming around the corner scattering the workers from around the water cooler, a piece of the suspenseful conflict inserts itself seamlessly into the scene making it a clever mixture of what life actually does. Nothing is ever perfectly simple nor impossibly hard.
The conflict is a bit of a light thread. Their relationship is forefront for most of it. Secondary characters are a gem. There is a strong emotional element that makes a reader care about what happens to everyone. And I most certainly cared about Anders. I want to see that immortal fall on his butt in love. Okay, there was a somber part too, but the fun stuff is truly memorable.
Another aspect I enjoyed was when Harper and Drina finally get together. I had a great time watching them get so carried away that they forgot themselves — much to their embarrassment and my entertainment. The author was a bit creative here and there and it did much to keep their physical shenanigans fresh and interesting. The resolving of the threat was anti-climactic for me but it did its job. I happily just sat back and read nonstop until I was done. The ending was endearing, sweet, very optimistic and well earned especially after a visit from Uncle Lucian. Readers of the series know that a visit from him usually is something to fear and creates instant suspense.
The man is a walking conflict in whatever book he ends up in. What a great character. The Reluctant Vampire is a hilarious, madcap adventure in romance that had me laughing, cheering and feeling good until the very end. I think Harper and Drina were great together and the supporting cast of characters truly made this book shine. This book proved it once again. Sep 29, Amy Jacobs rated it really liked it Shelves: Another Argeneau Novel to quench my thirst for a little while.
I am a HUGE fan of this author. She knows I stalk her website and own every novel in the series including the ones with the original covers! I have begged and pleaded for her to make me the life mate of Bricker in one of her books. I have interviewed her several times on the blog and even hosted a reading challenge featuring her books. So it is no surprise that when the publisher sent me this book for review, I moved it to t Finally! So it is no surprise that when the publisher sent me this book for review, I moved it to the top of the pile to read first!
In the latest installment we get to meet Harper again. He has been keeping a low profile since the death of his first "life mate" Jenny. When Drina arrives to help watch over Stephanie, Harper finds himself attracted to her in a way he never felt with Jenny. Together they work together in trying to not only keep Stephanie safe, but also discover the second chance at love that Harper didn't expect. While I enjoyed the story, this is not one of my favorite books in the series. To be honest, Harper never really made an impact on me enough to be anxious for his story.
He was sweet and romantic, but he was just okay in the sex appeal department.
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Drina had a hot streak in her that could put a Jalapeno pepper to shame! She is not one that is going to take Harper's pity party lying down! She is excited to have found a life mate and she intends to make sure Harper knows it as well! Even though they were a good fit together, I just couldn't connect with their romance like I have done with the others.
I didn't like the forced feel to it that the author brought this time around. I did enjoy seeing familiar faces again though in this book. We get to see Anders, Beau, Tiny and even Teddy again. Lucien even makes an appearance and steals the small scene that he is in with his bossy, yet sexy, personality.
I love when an author brings back past characters and reminds us that they still have some story to tell long after their book is over. The author also brings her usual witty and laugh out loud humor to the book that quickly made me a fan of her writing. Overall, I felt this book to be a good book to pass the time with. Not much happens story wise, but the characters were fun to read about.
Still a great book to read if you are a fan of the author and the series. Not one to miss if you are looking to continue reading the Argeneau series. Now, if you will excuse me, I really must go back to stalking the authors web page and emailing her about Brickers book which includes me as his life mate. Harper lost his lifemate during the turn and has become secluded and nursing his depression and his pain. Those two couples just left for their honeymoons but they left young Stephanie McGill a new edendente a sane no fanger who just came to live at the bed and breakfast because she can't go back to her old life because Leo the no fanger who took her wants her back to use as a broodmare to replace t This is my FAVORITE Lynsay Sands book!
Those two couples just left for their honeymoons but they left young Stephanie McGill a new edendente a sane no fanger who just came to live at the bed and breakfast because she can't go back to her old life because Leo the no fanger who took her wants her back to use as a broodmare to replace the sons he lost in kidnapping her and her sister.
But Lucien was sending two other rouge hunters to Port Henry to take place of Tiny and Beau who were wrapped up in each other. One of them was Anders and the other Drina. Drina was a rouge hunter in Spain whom Harper has never meet before, but is Lucien's niece. But Drina has a secret that only Stephanie who seemed to be able to have the uncanny ability to read anyone's mind knew.
Drina had really been sent to Port Henry not only by Lucien but also Marguerite. It seemed Marguerite had her feelings that Drina would suit Harper and well after Drina tried to read Harper she found out Marguerite was right. But he problem was that Harper was punishing himself for Jenny's death and if she blurted or at first meeting that she couldn't read him that he'd avoid her.
So Drina worried about how to approach Harper about their being lifemates without making him run. But it turns out Stephanie had a plan! After Harper caught Drina trying to Hotwire a car so she could by boots and warmer clothes it is February in Canada he offered to take them shopping. Well Stephanie used that time while shopping to make Harper think about nothing else but having sex with Drina. Then she continued to manipulate Harper into taking Drina out dancing.
Well while Harper was in Toronto with Drina he discovered they were lifemates and did exactly what Marguerite told Drina what would happen, he was avoiding her. However, the usually quiet and uncommunicative Anders had a word or two to say to Harper. While Harper was dealing with his own guilt and Drina was trying to figure out a way to make sure he was willing to accept her as a lifemate, problems started to arise.
It seems that Leo might have possibly tracked down the girl after all! May 29, WildAboutBones rated it it was amazing. This may be the sexiest, most sensual of all the Argeneau books and is Drina and Harper's story. Set in Port Henry again, where most of the mortal residents know about and love their vampires, fans of the series will be glad to know that Jackie's partner, Tiny, and Mirabeau are back as is Teddy, Allesandro, Stephanie, Anders and many more of the usual gang. If you are new to the series, no worries, each of these books is so well written you can start with any of them and not be lost.
Marguerite had mentioned she thought he might be her lifemate. Harper, guilt-ridden and morose much of the time since losing his lifemate a year and a half ago, finds himself intrigued by Drina. Precocious Stephanie delights in torturing him with talk of Drina's body and having sex with her all in an attempt to get him thinking about being with Drina instead of agonizing over the death of his lifemate. When Harper finds himself in a heavy petting session with Drina outside a restaurant and then almost takes her up against the wall in the alleyway during a blizzard while waiting for his car, he is shocked at himself.
Then when they further engage in provocative foreplay in the Night Club , he decides to test his theory in front of hallway mirror in his apartment foyer while he undresses and pleasures Drina. There are several "pee in your pants" funny scenes involving what Allesandro calls a smelly cat. Don't read this books before bed because you'll never get to sleep from all the laughter. Sands is such a talented writer, she makes the reader feel a part of what is happening.
Mixing hysterical banter and situations with sensual action, she has once again created a not to be missed paranormal romance. Nov 09, Mercedes rated it did not like it Shelves: Started this book, just barely got into it when I accidentally left it at the park. Oct 26, Marilyn Rondeau rated it liked it.
by Lynsay Sands
In this case Sands inserts a smidgeon of mystery as to how that could be possible. What I found to be the most amusing parts were the very special abilities Stephanie had that were extremely puzzling to the many people in this story. Of course, being a teenager Stephanie used this information to egg on our two protagonists resulting in some very hilarious scenes.
Consequently, this was a good read, but not fantastic. Mar 16, Julia rated it it was amazing. Reviewed by Mona at RexRobotReviews. Aunt Marguerite is at it again with her match making tendencies. But what do you do when you encounter a reluctant vampire? Harper, who has already buried one life mate, is not looking for another. But Drina shows up he just can not seem to keep his mind or his hands off her. With a little nudge from their charge, romantic havoc is in the air. As a major fan of Lynsay Sands, I must say that I am so pleased that The Reluctant Vampire runs true to her form with just the right amount of mystery, romance and danger all rolled up into another great novel!
Her tongue in cheek humor as well as her fast moving action will keep you enthralled and at the edge of your seat through the entire book. This story is well written and very entertaining, you will find her characters easy to relate to and just as enjoyable too. Such an engaging read that you will find hard to put down.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a satisfying adventure with just the right amount of humor in their romance! May 15, Julia rated it really liked it Shelves: Jumping into a long running series with book 15 is risky, but I certainly enjoyed myself. The relationship between the hero and heroine was effective as a stand alone and smoking hot.
Details about the Argeneau vampires were sprinkled at intervals in the story, and I never felt lost. There'd were some details about Stephanie's plight and Leonius's actions that could have been clearer, but that just further motivates me to go back and enjoy the previous books in the series. As a Paranormal roma Jumping into a long running series with book 15 is risky, but I certainly enjoyed myself.
As a Paranormal romance, Sands did a phenomenal job balancing chemistry and character development. The dance club was hot, hot, hot, and a realistic balance of sexual attraction and first date "getting to know you" conversations which are pretty fascinating between immortal creatures. Even the skunk scene was a lovely blend of mundane and romantic and Alessandro's vehement reaction to the "smelly cat" had me cracking up.
Full review at All Things Urban Fantasy. May 30, Heather C rated it really liked it Shelves: I'm still liking this series! Probably one of the funniest characters in the entire series. Man, there was some thick sexual tension and all their sex scenes were steamy, steamy; they were doing it all over the place Plus, learned more about what happens with the nanos during the turn. Never saw that coming. Although, to be honest I wasn't really trying to figure it out.
Overall, I loved the comedy and romance, but didn't much enjoy the mystery. A really sweet addition to the Argeneau series! Very hilarious, as usual Jun 21, Christine Seybolt rated it really liked it. Even a Vampire gets the blues. Harper Stoyan still blames himself for his lifemates death. Thankful that his friends Tiny and Mirabeau have brought Stephanie McGill is, a young newly turned immortal in need of protection from a mad-no-fanger named Leonus is just the distraction he needs.
Things are work pretty well when Anders and Drina Argenis Argeneau show up to help protect the vamp in training.
The Reluctant Vampire
Harper finds himself attracted to the beautiful Spanish hunter. Bored and a little home sick Stephanie decides to play match maker for Drina and the reluctant Harper. But, really how hard can it be with one newly turned teenage vampire and a crazed no-fanger on the hunt and someone out to kill the sparks that have suddenly ignited between Drina and Harper. She is spunky and fire.
Stephanie is a newly turned vampire. I adored the fact that Ms.
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Readers are going to enjoy watching all the antics this little cupid pulls out from her arsenal to bring these two lifemates together. There are so many laugh out loud moments with this character that I recommend you have a box of Kleenex hands to wipe the tears away. For the legions of fans that are very familiar with Ms. But the characters that you will fall-head-over fangs for are the happy reluctant couple themselves…. Oh well reader, you have to love a man who torments himself over something he had no control over just like a man.
His lifemate Jenny died during her turning and Harper just cannot shake that if he had not given into her that she would be alive living happily ever after…not. Things start to become way too confusing for this damaged vamp when Drina Argenis appears and he is feeling more, his taste buds have revved up and the lifemates sexual bond has his overload. Gosh, I love a confused vamp. It makes me all warm and toast inside. Drina Argenis is just as apprehensive as harper but in a completely I-know-I-am-you-lifemate kind of way.
Drina is a take charge spitfire of a girl. Drina still holds back.
In the end I had a laugh out loud adventure with Drina and Harper. The theme that was predominating throughout the story was trust. Several of the characters had to let go over their self-contained control and trust in each other. Everyone came together to help him through the transition. I admit that sense of family bond really touched my heart. I love fiction more than fact. This is why we keep coming back for more. But if you were to strip that all away what you have is a damn intense good story about a loving family that takes care of their own, protects their young and will move heaven and earth to prove they love you.
As a reader I could not ask for more. Aug 17, Fangs for the Fantasy rated it it was ok. Now that so many immortals have been paired with their lifemates, they need time off from their roles as enforcers to take their honeymoons. That means that the enforcers will be down a few hunters. Cue Aunt Marguerite, who never seems to miss an opportunity to set immortals up with their lifemates.
Marguerite decides to arrange to send Drina Argenis from the Spanish side of the Argeneau family to help guard the young edentate Stephanie. Drina is eager to meet Harper but nervous because he is Now that so many immortals have been paired with their lifemates, they need time off from their roles as enforcers to take their honeymoons. Drina is eager to meet Harper but nervous because he is in still deep mourning after losing his last lifemate less than two years ago.
Somehow, Drina has to convince Harper that they are meant to be together while protecting Stephanie from the evil no fanger Leonius. If I had to use only one word to describe The Reluctant Vampire it would be forced. The whole thing just felt crammed together and at times awkward and uncomfortable.
Stephanie and Drina decide to trick Harper into a little shopping trip to Walmart.
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There they set about tempting Harper by showing him the bra and panties Drina is buying and naturally picturing his lifemate in these things causes him to have to take deep breathes and gulp. Then there's his whole astonishment regarding FM shoes. It all just felt forced. Considering how young Stephanie is, I can understand that this is her version of helping the two lovers get it on, but it does not make sense that Trina played along.
Trina has had a long interesting history which completely captivated me. She is quite different than the modern working women who have been featured as lifemates for the Argeneau men. Trina has been a gladiator, a pirate, a madam and even controlled a small country by controlling its leader for a time. Trina has spent all of her life pushing back against the limitations women have faced throughout history, determined to live her life freely.
The problem however ensues when she meets Harper. I learned about what kind of woman Trina is from her backstory but somehow it all got lost in her relationship with Harper. Instead, Trina is decidedly motherly towards Stephanie with no hint of the hardness it must have taken to dress as a man and become a pirate.
In terms of Harper, I found him to be extremely unlikeable. Too much of his thought pattern seemed to be about avoiding being emasculated which for him meant being thought of as one of the girls. The thought was rather dismaying. Being considered one of the girls was damned lowering. It was a bit lowering. Fortunately, I never had that kind of interest in my friend, Jackie. The one who is flying in at the end of the week to help oversee your turn? The big man had called Jackie last night to tell her he would be turning soon.
Then there was the comment about Trina making good breeding stock. Yep, this love interest is a winner all right.
Oct 20, S. I was quite surprised when I found I rather enjoyed this story. I originally overlooked it because I wasn't sure I'd care to read it; Lynsay Sands stories are all hit or miss, in my opinion.
Well, I wound up getting it anyways, just for shits and giggles. Again, I was quite surprised that I ended up enjoying this story. By the back cover blurb, I wasn't sure I would. The storyline didn't s I was quite surprised when I found I rather enjoyed this story. The storyline didn't seem to snag me. However, the story itself drew me in rather quickly, and I did find myself instantly connecting to both the hero and heroine.
Now in saying this, I will also point out that as my saying goes from other reviews, the story is well written with a few miss-typed words. But other than that, I have no complaints about the writing style. I think Lynsay Sands was simply looking for a way to throw in a chunk of background data without making an info-dump, and I believe she felt she succeeded by making it as "dialogue".
Still, it was quite boring, this segment. She could have cut about half the detail of the history and focused solely on the parts that would play into this story. Just give a few key points, but don't paint the whole scenario for the reader. It's too much and boring, and yeah, it may interest your date if you talk over dinner about your life experiences, but it's more like something you'd find at a bar those poor bartenders.
I had no idea! I think Lynsay Sands wrote it in a way that it left out his race simply to ensure people don't pull the race card--which is completely, and utterly, stupid. The only people who pull the race card about somebody being called black in a story is somebody who's racist to begin with, and racist people usually don't have good ammo to go on. The only thing that told me Anders was black in this book was when a customer at a gas station called Anders a Nigger--which is another racist term.
Up until that moment, I had no idea he was anything but what I imagined him. You can't be afraid of describing a character's nationality; Kerrelyn Sparks makes sure people know Freemont and Phineas are black in her stories--and not just by the way they talk, even I know white people who talk like they're black--it's called Wiggas. If there's one thing I know I can trust Lynsay Sands to bring to the table, however, it's good hot sex. I was not surprised by the sexual tension she built up, but I wished she'd have more scenes after the sexy bar scene.
It really fired up my own libido. All in all, this story basically taught me one valuable lesson: Because I knew Lynsay Sands writes hot sex whenever you get to it , I gave this story a shot, but had it been an author I'd have never read, I probably wouldn't have. The back cover still doesn't interest me, but believe me when I say, it is indeed a good story. Apr 14, Nicole rated it liked it Shelves: Review originally posted here: May 31st, How I got this book: NetGalley Sands is back with the 15th book in her Argeneau Series!
Many times when authors carry out a series like this for so long, the books can get old and repetitive, however Sands has a way of keeping each book somewhat new and fresh. Drina is a Rogue Hunter from Spain, and has been called over to help out with bodyguard duty for a newly turned teenage vampire Review originally posted here: Drina is a Rogue Hunter from Spain, and has been called over to help out with bodyguard duty for a newly turned teenage vampire.
But since Harper just lost his previous love, he is hesitant to move forward with Drina. When the danger heats up and a rogue begins pursuing them, they take the chance at being together, regardless of the potential consequences. What kind of cold-blooded vampire woman could resist a bite of that?
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Gregory Hewitt recovers from the shock of waking up in a stranger's bedroom pretty quickly - once he sees a gorgeous woman about to treat him to a wild night of passion. But is it possible for the good doctor to find true love with a vampire vixen, or will he be just a good meal? That's a question Dr. Greg might be willing to sink his teeth into. Lissianna has been spending her centuries pining for Mr. Right, not just a quick snack, and this sexy guy she finds in her bed looks like he might be a candidate. He could only turn one human in his lifetime, and most of his kind created a life mate.
If he turned this stranger…. But what choice did he have? He had to help Rachel Garrett. The beautiful coroner had saved his life. To save hers, he would make her immortal. Roundhouse Publishing editor Kate C. Lucern Aregeneau tended to be oddly delayed, but this time his response was quick and succinct. New York hotels cost an arm and a leg, and Terri had flown from England to help plan her cousin's wedding.
The new in-laws offered lodging. But they were a weird bunch. There was the sometimes chipper, sometimes brooding Lucern, and the wacky stage-actor, Vincent. She couldn't imagine Broadway casting a hungrier singing-and-dancing Dracula.
The Reluctant Vampire: Argeneau Vampires, Book 15 (Unabridged)
And then there was Bastien. Just looking into his eyes, Terri had to admit she was falling for him. Never get involved with someone who won't be there for you when the sun comes up. Once bitten, twice shy, and sexy PI Jackie Morrisey wasn't going there again. Vincent Argeneau may be the hottest guy she's ever met, living or dead, but she's here to stop a killer from turning this vampire into dust, not to jump into bed with him.
One minute Leigh is walking home in the early hours of the morning, and the next a vampire is sinking his teeth into her neck. Turns out it was a rogue vampire marked for termination, but it does Leigh little good because the damage's already been done. She's become one of them Lucian Argeneau, hunter of rogue vampires, has been alive for over 2, years, and there's very little to excite him anymore. Food has become tasteless, sex is ordinary. Then Leigh drops into his life. Ever since an accident turned her into a knockout vamp, Elvi Black's been catching her z's in a coffin, staying out of the sun, and giving up garlic.
She knows there's more to being undead than what she saw in Dracula, but she can't very well ask her mortal friends about proper biting etiquette. But when her neighbors placed a personal ad for her in the local paper, she never imagined she'd meet Victor Argeneau, a vampire who could have his pick of any woman - dead or alive. Inez Urso is beginning to have her doubts.
Her business associate Thomas Argeneau has some interesting traits, like an allergic reaction to the sun, excellent night vision, and not much of an appetite for food. And to top it all off, he just tried to bite her neck If so, she'd be happy to experience more, despite her determination not to mix business with pleasure. He's been waiting forever for a woman like her After years of life, Marguerite Argeneau finally has a career. Well, the start of one, anyway.
She's training to be a private investigator, and her first assignment is to find an immortal's mother. It seemed simple enough, until Marguerite wakes up one evening to find herself at the wrong end of a sword. Now she realizes she's in way over her head. Samantha Willan is a workaholic lawyer.
Then she meets her irresistible new neighbor. Is it just her imagination, or are they locked on her neck? Even vampires need a vacation. Nicholas Argeneau was once a successful hunter who went after rogue vampires who broke the immortal law. Except no one has mentioned his name in the last fifty years, not since he turned into a rogue himself. But once a hunter, always a hunter.