Is this technically a "reviewette" since it's of a short story in an anthology instead of a full book? Let's argue that later, hmm?
"Vampire Valentine" by Lynsay Sands is the latest story in the Argeneau series, featured in the anthology "Bitten By Cupid" along with stories by Pamela Palmer and Jaime Rush.
From the back of the book:
" - A daring vampire thinks she can conquer anything, but when she's paired with a mortal detective, she'll find her life - and her heard - in grave danger...
- An innocent woman falls into the arms of a mysterious man when she can't get a killer's terrifying thoughts out of her head...
- A stunning beauty should be thrilled when her lost love finally returns, but instead she fears for their immortal lives...
On Valentine's Day, some women want roses. But some just want to make it through the day alive. In BITTEN BY CUPID, New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands and newcomers Pamela Palmer and Jaime Rush present three tales of dangerous desire, where giving in to temptation could turn deadly, and even immortality won't keep you safe from Cupid's bow."
Pamela Palmer and Jaime Rush are new-to-me authors, but Lynsay Sands is an all time favorite. I enjoy her historicals, but I am absolutely in love with her Argeneau series. And I'm sure, if you've read this blog for a while, you're wondering why I would like this story, since I've said time and time again that I dislike shorter stories. Well, I'll tell you why, jeez, so pushy..
This story is just another story that occurs in a world I've already gotten used to, and I believe that even if I was new to the Argeneau world, I would get a good idea of how things work for the immortals, since Mirabeau does a bit of explaining to the younger, newly turned Stephanie. And I was definitely better able to handle a shorter story since I already knew the characters of Tiny and Mirabeau, and loved them - especially Tiny. I've been waiting for him to get his chance at a lifemate! But I just wouldn't be me if I didn't complain a little - it was still too short! I want more of Tiny and Mirabeau, but that's the benefit of a series, I will get to see them again, most likely in the next book. Lynsay Sands is great about bringing her characters back in later books, and giving the readers a chance to peek into their "happily ever after" and see just how well it's going. In fact, we get to see Elvi, Victor, DJ, and Mabel in the end of this book, and of course some of the other Argeneaus show up in the beginning. I'm starting to think they just naturally travel in packs, despite their declaration of being solo creatures.
I believe the back of the book gives the reader the impression that there will be a sense of danger in this story, however that's not really true. The trio - Stephanie, Tiny, and Mirabeau - must sneak out and get from one location to another without being discovered or captured by Leonius (a baddie from a previous book), but... there's no sense that they're actually being followed. And I wasn't afraid they would actually be captured at all. That said, I enjoyed the character interaction - especially Stephanie's comments to the others. I thought Stephanie was an intriguing character, and I do hope she shows up again in later books.
I'm going to give "Vampire Valentine" a FOUR POINT FIVE out of FIVE. I'm taking that half-point off only because I did want a little bit more sense of danger, and the ending almost felt like a cliffhanger.. but I really did enjoy the story, and I'm so happy both Mirabeau and Tiny finally get their chance at a lifemate. Well... mostly Tiny. *Wink Wink*
Happy Reading! And be sure to check out the "Bitten By Cupid" anthology featuring Lynsay Sands, Pamela Palmer, and Jaime Rush. Perfect Valentines Day reading for the vampire lover!
~!~Morning Glow
Book was purchased by the reviewer.
Photo courtesy of Amazon.com.
