HUNGRY FOR YOU by Lynsay Sands

An Argeneau Novel
Publisher: Avon
Date published: December 2010
ISBN: 9780061894572
Paranormal Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Pam
Obtained by self purchase


Cale Valens is ancient vampire who has given up on finding his life mate. His friends and family, especially Marguerite, have not given up. Cale leads a busy life and owns several lucrative business’s in France. He earns enough to wear designer clothes and travel when he feels like it. Cale hides his elation about having found a life-mate, in case it all goes wrong.

Alexandra Willan is a very busy chef, especially now she’s preparing to open a second restaurant. The chef at her first restaurant has handed in his notice, asking for a very large pay rise to make it worth staying on. Many other things have gone wrong in the past week. The paint, tiles, furniture and carpeting have all been wrong, leaving her with too many bills and a clashing color scheme.

When Cale comes along wanting to help, she falls for his charms, but doesn’t know he hasn’t eaten in a couple of thousand years, let alone cooked any food.

HUNGRY FOR YOU is yet another of Ms Sands books with a very amusing story. They leave this reader feeling happy, as there are always so many funny scenes.
I’ve enjoyed every one I’ve managed to find and they’ve made me smile each time. The characters are so well written, they become your friends long before the end.
The characters from previous tales often pop in to cause the hero or heroine extra problems.

The background of a professional kitchen, made this tale a lot different, with more interaction with mortals. There is always chaos in kitchens as the orders come in fast and for Cale, a time when he found himself floundering.

Alex also has problems when the chef tries to come back, then an ex really does try to put her out of business. A fast paced story, with great sex scenes and plenty of interference from friends and relatives.

This reviewer found this to be well written and descriptive enough to be able to put pictures in my head.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

BORN TO BITE by Lynsay Sands

An Argeneau Novel #13
Publisher: Avon Books
Date published: August 2010
ISBN: 978-0-06-147432-3
Vampire Murder Mystery
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Tammy
Obtained via: publisher


It’s a vampire love story and a murder mystery with a bite. So it must be Lynsay Sands latest Argeneau novel, BORN TO BITE.

Armand Argeneau’s wives keep dying and now his son Nicholas is on trial for his life for a murder he is accused of committing 50 years ago. Eshe d’Aureaus is assigned the task of unraveling the mystery surrounding all these deaths and to hopefully clear Armand of any wrongdoing. Armand thinks she is staying there because she needs a safe place to hide from a rogue out for revenge. But when Eshe discovers that she can’t read Armand’s mind and it becomes apparent that he is her life mate, what’s a girl to do?

BORN TO BITE picks up where Renegade Hunter left off. Armand’s brother Lucien, as a Council member, has sent Eshe in to investigate the mysterious deaths of Armand’s past wives.

Lynsay Sands’ Argeneau books are generally very well written and humorous. They are laced with engaging characters and amusing storylines. And while this story had all of those elements present, for this reader, it just wasn’t the page turner that the other books have been. Perhaps, the reason lies in the way Eshe and Armand instantly fall into bed as soon as they discover they are destined to be life mates. There really wasn’t any big romance. They just didn’t spark. As soon as the symptoms started showing up, the desire for food, the inability to read each others’ minds, it was like they both decided sex was inevitable so why fight it? And yet, the very reason that Eshe is investigating Armand is the reason he gives for not getting emotionally close to Eshe. His wives have all died under mysterious circumstances and he doesn’t want to see Eshe end up that way. Frankly, if I were sent to investigate a possible serial murderer, I would be a little leery about jumping into the sack with the possible murderer.

On the other hand, the Argeneau’s are all interesting, sexy and well worth the bite. The mystery element of the story and where it leads are excellent storytelling. And most importantly, we don’t see the final reveal coming half way through the book.

So, if you are looking for a love story with a little mystery thrown in, this book will probably disappoint. However, if what you are looking for is a good mystery with a little bite, than give Lynsay Sands’ BORN TO BITE a chance. It’s a good introduction to the Argeneau books and answers questions raised in prior books.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

BORN TO BITE by Lynsay Sands

An Argeneau novel
Publisher: Avon
Date published: August 2010
ISBN: 978-0-06-147432-3
Paranormal Romantic Intrigue
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Pam
Obtained from the publisher


Armand Argeneau has vowed never to take another wife, after three have died under strange circumstances. He farms diligently and tries hard to forget them, whilst not wishing to open his heart to such pain again. When Lucien the head of the vampire clan comes visiting he brings Eshe d’Aureus.

Eshe is an enforcer who delights in flouting the rules, but when Armand learns he can’t read her mind, he tries to keep his distance. Leather clad and riding a motor-cycle she makes Armand’s life very interesting, as neither can read the others mind meaning they are soul mates. She’s secretly going to investigate the wives deaths, as another vampire was a suspect, but Nicholas wasn’t guilty as he had an alibi. Now they have to investigate where Armand was when his wives died.

As usual, Ms. Sands has written an intriguing tale with interesting characters and plenty of laughs. Eshe and Armand fight their attraction to each other, as they investigate who could have murdered the three women. When they become caught up in the rogue vampire’s life, it becomes very interesting. As the story unfolds humor abounds, as does some hot sex scenes, and refreshingly funny dialogue.

These are vampires with a difference, although having to take bottled blood whenever they are out and about leads to some strange happenings. As they follow leads they find being a sleuth can become quite dangerous as they close in on the killer.

If you enjoy vampire books with a sense of humor and inventive story lines, you’ll enjoy Armand and Eshe’s story as much as I did..

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

TAMING THE HIGHLAND BRIDE by Lynsay Sands

Publisher Avon
Date published February 2010
ISBN 9780061344787
Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Obtained via: Publisher
Reviewed by Susan




Merewen Stewart is known to all as the “Stewart Shrew”. It is a title given to her due to her actions toward her family. She is looking forward to leaving her family and finding happiness with her betrothed, Alexander d’Aumesbery but Merry is dismayed that he may be just like her father and brothers.

If you like your heroines with a backbone, then Merry fits the bill. Merry comes across as a strong and smart heroine. Her family situation has forced her to take on responsibilities that should have fallen on her father and brothers. She shoulders it all but can’t wait to get away from it all – who can blame her? Her first impression of Alex is not positive. He has to spend an inordinate amount of time trying to convince her that he is not a drunk. Alex and Merry do have chemistry together. The sparks do fly when they meet and the attraction builds as the story progresses. They have some very funny scenes together. Ms. Sands is known for the humor in her books and this one is no different.

TAMING THE HIGHLAND BRIDE was a solid historical romance featuring a likable lead couple. The author takes us for a ride as we follow Merry and Alex’s path to happiness. This includes a mystery to solve as Alex’s health takes a downturn. We watch them tackle this and know that their relationship is on solid grounds. TAMING THE HIGHLAND BRIDE is the second book in this trilogy and we look forward to The Hellion and the Highlander, the last book in this series.


This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

THE RENEGADE HUNTER by Lynsay Sands

Publisher: Avon Books
Date published: September 2009
ISBN: 978-0-06-1474316
Romantic Urban Fantasy/Vampire
Mass Market Paperback
Obtained Via: Publisher
Reviewed by Tammy


Vampire romance writer Lynsay Sands is back again with the vampire hunting Argeneau family in THE RENEGADE HUNTER, an unusually funny vampire mystery.

Nicholas Argeneau comes from a family of vampire hunters tasked with policing those who break immortal laws. Fifty years ago, he turned rogue and became one of the hunted. But when human Josephine Willan is attacked by a vampire, Nicholas immediately comes to her rescue, and ends up getting caught when he puts himself at risk to steal a kiss. Though Jo’s memory of the attack and meeting Nicholas is wiped out, she slowly regains the memories and helps him escape. When the hunters decide to use Jo as bait to recapture Nicholas, Jo decides to do some research into why Nicholas became rogue in the first place and set things right.

Lynsay Sands has a real talent for writing vampire mysteries that are both romantic and humorous. Nicholas Argeneau’s story is one that fans of Ms. Sands books have been waiting for. Nicholas used to be a great hunter for his family, but became one of the hunted when he himself became rogue. He is dark, mysterious, wounded and can’t believe he has found a lifemate in the spunky human woman he saves one night while tracking a rogue vamp. Wanting to keep her yet wanting to keep her safe proves very difficult for a vamp on the run. Frustration, thy name is Nicholas.

As luck would have it, Jo’s sister just happened to be looking for a nice vampire to mate with her sister. Of course, she hadn’t expected that vamp to be a rogue. The interaction between Jo and her sister, her sister and her mate, and Nicholas and his family blends humor into the mix as only Lynsay Sands can do. Add to that Jo’s determination to unravel the mystery of why Nicholas doesn’t remember committing the crime that made him rogue; and the resulting story is one fast-paced, witty and imaginative vampire romance that will keep readers coming back for future Argeneau family stories time and time again.

Kudos to Ms. Sands. THE RENEGADE HUNTER, coming out at the end of September with publisher Avon Books, is a crowd pleaser for all vampire fans that enjoy a little bite to their mystery.

THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF THIS BOOK. THIS IS AN OBJECTIVE UNBIASED REVIEW.

Welcome to Lynsay Sands' guestblog!

How did you celebrate your first release? Do you have a special ritual for celebrating a book release?

I believe I jumped up an down and swuealed a lot on the first book. That was pretty much it. I was poor as a church mouse and couldn't celebrate really. I still usually don’t. I know that sounds strange but I generally only celebrate after I finish writing a story and sometimes, if it hits the New York Times list. And the way I celebrate is either dinner out, or by taking a few days off work and just relaxing. Usually it’s the latter.



How did your family react to fact that you write romance novels? Have your family read your books?

Well, I have always had my nose in a book possibly even before I could walk and I’ve been writing since I was twelve so I doubt it came as much of a surprise to my family. And many members of my family do read them. Not all, but many.



You write paranormal as wells as historical romance, which genre to you prefer to write in?

I have been asked this numerous times by readers. Really, I don't have a preference. To me, they don't differ much except for the background, but that isn't what's important to me when I'm writing them, it's the characters. The setting and background are just like the plate you put a dish on, it can change the look of the meal, but not the flavor. I will admit though that it gets harder and harder to write the Argeneaus. Writing a series is more difficult than writing a standalone story. As it progresses and the characters get more complex and more numerous, there is more and more to keep track of and that can be a pain and hard to keep up with. Though I must admit that I do enjoy the advantages that my immortals have and how these ‘advantages’ tend to complicate their lives. It’s like having a family of supermen/superwomen in my back pocket to write about.



Where do you get the inspirations for your books?

From every day life and every day people. Some of the most ludicrous parts of my stories come from news articles I may have read or from historical research I had done. It’s funny as the bits of my stories that are based in reality are often the ones that readers complain about being utterly absurd and unbelievable. LOL. Also many of my characters are based in part on people I know or have known.



What is your favorite book from the books that you have written so far? Who are your favourite hero and heroine, and why?

I guess my favorite book will always be Single, White Vampire. It was my first Argeneau story published and I had a lot of fun with Lucern and Kate. I could relate to them, being a writer and all. And my favourite character would have to be Lucian. I like the grumpy guys with big hearts.



If you could change places with one character from your books, who would it be and why?

Well… that’s a new question. I love Marguerite but honestly, I don’t think I would have the patience to meddle as much as she does. I think it would just get too complicated! Hmm… I guess I would have to go with Elvi. I am a small town girl at heart and would want to be as open as I could be about my existence, immortal or not. And I like Victor a LOT… wicked grin.



I am huge fan of your vampire books, how many books do you planned for the Argeneau series?

I don’t have plans to end them anytime in the near future. Whether I keep writing stories about the Argeneaus will depend on whether my readers continue reading them or not. . . and whether I keep having ideas. If either the readers stop wanting them or I run out of ideas, the series will end.



Big congrats to your newest release "The Renegade Hunter". Can you please tell us something about it?

Other than the synopsis, which is on my website, I would have to say I had a lot of fun with this story. The chemistry between Nicholas and Jo was surprising and the suspense even kept me on the edge of my seat. I had no idea where these two would end up! Besides, I love dogs so Charlie really added something to the story for me.

THE IMMORTAL HUNTER *A Rogue Hunter Novel - Argeneau Vampires* by Lynsay Sands

Publisher: Avon
Date issued: March 2009
ISBN: 978-0061474309
Vampire romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Valerie


Dr. Danielle McGill and her sister are kidnapped by some very unsavory characters. When Decker Argeneau shows up and saves her, she doesn’t know if she can trust him. One of the kidnappers got away with her sister, another person is following them. It looks like she has to stick with Decker for now as he seems to be the only one who can find her sister. She’s wondering if he hasn’t maybe lost a few marbles as he’s talking about life-mates, and she overhears him talking about not eating in over a hundred years and not having had any sex in eighty years. She’s also wondering about the passion he seems to have awakened in her. But will they be able to find her sister before it’s too late, and can she imagine being together with a man who is immortal?

This is a fantastic story. From when Decker meets Danielle to its climactic end, I guarantee you will be holding onto your seat. The characters are fantastic and we meet many from the former Argeneau Vampire books, too. I personally loved Justin, who gave the story a good dose of humor. I often laughed out loud at some of his comments and the reactions from the others. The sexual tension is high and the love scenes are hot! I know there are many fans following this series and I am sure they have all already devoured this story. I just want to say to those of you who have never picked up a Lynsay Sands Vampire book, you’d better get cracking before the backlist becomes too big! Although the main story is closed, there is something left opened that will be addressed in the next book....and I can’t wait!!

DEVIL OF THE HIGHLANDS by Lynsay Sands

Publisher: Avon
Date published: January 2009
ISBN: 978-0-06-134477-0
Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Valerie


Since her father died, Evelinde lives virtually as a slave for her step-mother. A step-mother who seems to take joy in making her feel as miserable as possible. So, when she finds a husband for Evelinde, Evelinde sees the opportunity to get out from under the maddening woman. Her step-mother has chosen the most notorious laird of Scotland. A man who is called The Devil of the Highlands and has a terrible reputation, even being accused of murder. But Evelinde sees behind the rumours and finds a man she can love. Cullen, Laird of Donnachaidh doesn't care about the rumours. He only wants what is best for his clan. He needs a wife and sons. He also wants his woman to obey him, but he finds Evelinde spirited, stubborn and surprisingly refreshing. Before he knows it, he is falling in love. If only Evelinde wouldn't put herself in danger by trying to find out the truth behind the rumours.

After having not read an historical in a while, I highly enjoyed this latest from Lynsay Sands. It made for easy reading with a loveable heroine and a hunk of a hero. Both have a lot to learn and compromises to make. I enjoyed the added mystery and how these two characters got to know each other and grew closer. Lynsay Sands cleverly draws her reader into the past as she delves into the lives of a Scottish Laird and his clan. The secondary characters added depth and diversity to the story. I had to always chuckle when Cullen was exasperated with his wife and often asked her what she was doing and called her daft. But Evelinde is not put off and Cullen comes to respect her more and more. Ms Sands writes sensuous, sultry love scenes that will make you sizzle and tingle. I'm sure you will be wishing for a highland Laird yourself.

DEVIL OF THE HIGHLANDS by Lynsay Sands

Published: Avon
Date published: February 2009
ISBN: 978-0-06-134477-0
Historical Medieval Romance
Paperback
Reviewed by Pam



Lady Evelinde d’Aumesbery would do almost anything to get away from her evil stepmother Edda, but when Edda announces she’s arranged a marriage to the Devil of Donnachaidh, Evelinde realizes how much the woman hates her. She takes her horse for a ride, hoping to get the idea of what it means from her head, but it is the stranger who kisses her who takes her worry away. When she discovers the stranger is the Devil, she begins to think, perhaps marriage to him wouldn’t be too bad.
Cullen is surprised to find the woman he met beside the stream is his future bride. His idea of marriage had been only for the sake of begetting an heir, but the chemistry between them was instant, pleasing him. He is worried about her not obeying his orders, but finds her intriguing and comely, plus feisty in bed.
He doesn’t talk much and she wants to know more about him, especially about the deaths in his family. When she begins asking too many questions, strange accidents start to happen around her, making Cullen and the guards assigned to her nervous.

Lynsay Sands has managed to make an un-communicative hero, into a romantic knight of old. The Devil is courageous, handsome, a romantic and knows how to please a woman. His heroine Evelinde, is beautiful, nosey, determined and delightfully naïve. Woven into this delightfully different romance is a murder mystery that creates a dark suspense, as the reader waits for the murderer to jump out of the shadows. The only flaw was a hero who hardly ever talked, as for this reviewer he was a little too quiet for the romance to be woven in as part of the tale.
With such a garrulous, intelligent heroine, his inability to talk with her spoilt the love scenes as we don’t learn how he feels from grunts. He needed a shake up early in the book, it made the book feel more like a suspense/murder than a delightful romance most of the time.
The characters were all well drawn, although I must confess to hoping Tavis with his womanizing ways would get his come-uppance. But perhaps he’s to be in another story, which I shall look forward to reading.

DEVIL OF THE HIGHLANDS by Lynsay Sands

Publisher: Avon Books
Date published: January 27th, 2009
ISBN: 978-0-06-134477-0
Historical Romance
Mass Market paperback

Reviewed by Dawn



Evelinde is just about to scream…her evil step-mother has decided she's to be married to the “Devil of the Highlands”, Laird of Donnachaidh. She only has heard rumors yet when she meets him for the first time, she finds something that draws her to him and inspires a passion so consuming it will blaze out of control with his touch. Can she find a way to capture this fierce Scottish Laird’s heart…before tragedy hits them in the most unlikely of ways?

DEVIL OF THE HIGHLANDS is a wonderful historical from author Lynsay Sands. Get ready for a rollicking fun time as Ms. Sands delivers a heroine who charms the Devil even as he tries to deny his heart to her. With a fast pace, tight writing and interesting characters, the DEVIL OF THE HIGHLANDS is an intriguing blend of humor, wit and a rising passion amid the backdrop of the Scottish Highlands. If you enjoy this author’s other books, you will be captivated by her latest story, DEVIL OF THE HIGHLANDS.

Meet Evelinde, a woman who knows nothing but cruelty since her father died at the hands of her stepmother. When she finds out that her stepmother made a match with the “Devil of the Highlands”, she finds herself agreeing to wed him because, really…anything is better than the abuse she receives from her step mom. Hearing just rumors of this man, she finds herself meeting him for the first time under not so proper conditions. What she finds is a man who stirs her senses and inflames her body with his touch. Can she find a way to pierce this devil’s hidden heart? Ms. Sands delivers a wonderful heroine who goes toe to toe with Cullen, Laird of Donnachaidh. Both are complex and eventually you see the inside of Cullen's heart as he finds himself falling for the feisty spitfire who stirs him like no other.

Ms. Sands delivers a humor packed story with intriguing characters and many twists and turns to keep you entertained. If you enjoy this author’s other books, then pick up DEVIL OF THE HIGHLANDS and get ready to get lost in a time where the men where fierce and the women melted their tough shields. This is definitely one to be enjoyed on a cold winter day and kept on your bookcase.

Dawn@Loveromancesandmore.com

VAMPIRES ARE FOREVER – AN ARGENEAU NOVEL by Lynsay Sands

Publisher Avon
Date published February 2008
ISBN 978-0-06-122969-5
Sensual vampire romance
Paperback
Reviewed by Val


Inez Urso needs to meet Thomas at the airport and assist him on his mission while in London. When Thomas meets Inez, he is surprised to find that he cannot read her and that can only mean one thing. Trouble first starts when he finds out that Bastien had forgotten to give her the initiation before promoting her in their company so she has no idea what Bastien, Thomas and their family are. Inez notices that Thomas has some strange habits and when he bites her she thinks that it was maybe a sign of passion. She thinks she’s too curvy, he loves curves. Thomas needs to gently tell her the truth about his family, convince her she is his life-mate and try to find his Aunt...all before a very present danger takes Inez away from him forever.

Every true Vampire story reader knows Lynsay Sands. Every true Vampire story reader has probably read all her books. This reviewer must admit that she hasn’t...yet! But after reading this one, she’s going to get right on it for sure. Lynsay Sands has written a fantastic story. Her characters come alive, her Vampire world and legend are different and her stories are highly sensual. Thomas seems like a playboy, but there is more to him than meets the eye. Inez is every bit his equal. There is not too much sex, more plot, adventure and loads of sexual tension. This reviewer was fascinated with this story and couldn’t put it down until it was finished.This reviewer certainly needs to catch up with the rest of the Argeneau series as the next one is already out there for devouring!