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Argeneau #23
Runaway Vampire
Dante Notte has heard it said that love hurts. He just wasn't expecting it to run him over in an RV. Still, a punctured lung and broken ribs are nothing compared to the full-body shock he feels whenever he's near the vehicle's driver, Mary Winslow. He needs to keep her safe from their pursuers while he rescues his brother. Most challenging of all, he needs to claim this smart, stubborn woman as his life mate.
The naked, injured, insanely gorgeous younger man who clambered into her RV insists they belong together. If Mary wasn't feeling their incredible connection in every inch of her being, she wouldn't believe it. But now that the men who took Dante's twin are after her too, trusting her gut means risking her life for an immortal who's the very definition of a perfect stranger.
The naked, injured, insanely gorgeous younger man who clambered into her RV insists they belong together. If Mary wasn't feeling their incredible connection in every inch of her being, she wouldn't believe it. But now that the men who took Dante's twin are after her too, trusting her gut means risking her life for an immortal who's the very definition of a perfect stranger.
349 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 23, 2016
425 people are currently reading
4883 people want to read
About the author
Lynsay Sands
124 books12.1k followersLYNSAY SANDS is the nationally bestselling author who is known for her hysterical historicals as well as the popular Argeneau/Rogue Hunter vampire series. With her witty and charming personality, Sands describes books as, “Waking dreams or stories, tales to amuse, entertain and distract us from everyday life.” She’s been writing stories since grade school and considers herself incredibly lucky to be able to make a career out of it. Her hope is that readers can get away from their everyday stress through her stories, and if there are occasional uncontrollable fits of laughter, that’s just a big bonus. Visit her official website at www.lynsaysands.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 675 reviews
November 25, 2021
Strange romance
The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎧🎧
Romance: 💙💚🖤💜
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎🌏
Character development: 😳🤬😏🤓
The heroine: Mary - a sixty plus year old woman who lost her husband the previous year to a heart attack. She is on her way in her RV to visit friends who own a campground in Texas. Mary and her husband used to make the trip every year.
The Hero(s): Dante - an immortal who is working with the enforcers to catch some people who have been kidnapping people in Texas. He and his twin were both shot with tranquilizers and taken captive for the purpose of experiments on immortals. Dante gets free and is running from his captors when he is hit by Mary’s RV.
The Story: Mary finds Dante in her RV and helps him evade the people that are after him. They go to the campground of her friends where they get to know one another. Mary alternates from thinking Dante is somehow superhuman or completely bonkers.
Though I have liked all the books that I have read in this series so far, I had a bit of trouble with this one. Since the two main characters are attracted to each other and start getting intimate with each other while Mary is an older lady.
I know, technically Dante is much older than Mary, and an immortal who finds their true mate doesn’t care about looks or wrinkles or anything like that, I don’t want to picture an intimate scene between a man who looks 25 and a woman who looks 65. I am sure I shouldn’t be so ageist (especially since I am much closer to her age than his). But that is just how I feel.
Granted if (and when) Mary agrees to be turned by Dante, the nano’s will begin doing their work and will change her body until it is in peak physical condition and she will also look like she is in her twenties. I just wish she would have gotten turned early in the book.
The narration was OK but the book was told in Mary’s POV and the book was narrated by a female narrator only. Bebe Kaye’s voice was fine for Mary, but her man’s voice for Dante was the absolute worst. I have said this time and time again but they need have men for male voices and women for female voices.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎧🎧
Romance: 💙💚🖤💜
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎🌏
Character development: 😳🤬😏🤓
The heroine: Mary - a sixty plus year old woman who lost her husband the previous year to a heart attack. She is on her way in her RV to visit friends who own a campground in Texas. Mary and her husband used to make the trip every year.
The Hero(s): Dante - an immortal who is working with the enforcers to catch some people who have been kidnapping people in Texas. He and his twin were both shot with tranquilizers and taken captive for the purpose of experiments on immortals. Dante gets free and is running from his captors when he is hit by Mary’s RV.
The Story: Mary finds Dante in her RV and helps him evade the people that are after him. They go to the campground of her friends where they get to know one another. Mary alternates from thinking Dante is somehow superhuman or completely bonkers.
Though I have liked all the books that I have read in this series so far, I had a bit of trouble with this one. Since the two main characters are attracted to each other and start getting intimate with each other while Mary is an older lady.
I know, technically Dante is much older than Mary, and an immortal who finds their true mate doesn’t care about looks or wrinkles or anything like that, I don’t want to picture an intimate scene between a man who looks 25 and a woman who looks 65. I am sure I shouldn’t be so ageist (especially since I am much closer to her age than his). But that is just how I feel.
Granted if (and when) Mary agrees to be turned by Dante, the nano’s will begin doing their work and will change her body until it is in peak physical condition and she will also look like she is in her twenties. I just wish she would have gotten turned early in the book.
The narration was OK but the book was told in Mary’s POV and the book was narrated by a female narrator only. Bebe Kaye’s voice was fine for Mary, but her man’s voice for Dante was the absolute worst. I have said this time and time again but they need have men for male voices and women for female voices.
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March 1, 2017
Audiobook review. While I liked the story and thought it was written well enough, it just didn't really move me. I think the series is burning out and losing that spark for me. I also struggled a bit with this one because the hero's name is the same as my kiddo and that was SO flipping weird to listen to. Lol >.< However, I liked the slightly awkward cougar vibe when I could disregard the name.
Weirdness aside, Mary was fleshed out solidly. At times, however, it felt like in doing so, the story got long winded in some areas. I liked her reaction to certain facts about her new life because it included all of the things that passed through my mind when I first started reading the series and discovered this world. Dante was ok but we don't really get to delve too deep into his development. I think this would have done credit to the story.
The supporting characters added value and context to the story even if, at times, with a negative connotation. The plot left too many questions and offered no real resolution to the main conflict. I understand that we will probably get answers in the next book but I'm not inspired to ready it to be frank. Don't get me wrong, this was not a bad story, it just didn't stand out for me.
Safety: No others for either. Heroine was previously married to a serial cheater. Heroine is a mature woman of 62 and the hero is older but looks 25. No rape, though someone in the story intended to attempt it. No abuse.
Weirdness aside, Mary was fleshed out solidly. At times, however, it felt like in doing so, the story got long winded in some areas. I liked her reaction to certain facts about her new life because it included all of the things that passed through my mind when I first started reading the series and discovered this world. Dante was ok but we don't really get to delve too deep into his development. I think this would have done credit to the story.
The supporting characters added value and context to the story even if, at times, with a negative connotation. The plot left too many questions and offered no real resolution to the main conflict. I understand that we will probably get answers in the next book but I'm not inspired to ready it to be frank. Don't get me wrong, this was not a bad story, it just didn't stand out for me.
Safety: No others for either. Heroine was previously married to a serial cheater. Heroine is a mature woman of 62 and the hero is older but looks 25. No rape, though someone in the story intended to attempt it. No abuse.
February 23, 2016
Kitty's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Well, Runaway Vampire gave this woman hope that my life mate may just be out there waiting for me. Of course, you probably won’t ever find me driving an RV but maybe I could run him over with my Rogue???
Like usual, Lynsay Sands bowled me over with Runaway Vampire. It was fun, as usual ... It was exciting, as usual … The sex was off the charts, as usual. What was different? Well, I missed Aunt Marguerite. She actually didn’t have anything to do with these life mates. They “accidentally” ran into each other and nature took its course. Uncle Lucien was there, of course, being his normal grouchy self (I thought he would have lightened up, just a little, by now).
But, the storyline is what really held me. Lynsay has a way of really bringing you into the story and making you wonder just where everything is heading. Who kidnapped Dante and Tomasso? Why were they kidnapped? Where did they really take Tomasso? And, a cliff hanger from Lynsay Sands! She just kept me hanging on this one. She really surprised me with that and really has me wanting the 24th book in the Argeneau series, now.
It’s funny that, after all this time, after all the books that she has written about the Argeneau’s, everything is still fresh and new. When I look back over this series, I realize that it takes a very talented writer to do this many books in a series and not repeat one storyline. Actually, it amazes me that I am still interested to see what she is going to write next, I’m not bored with it all. The writing is always fresh, clean and precise. The “life mate” storyline doesn’t get boring because each character meets and falls in love with their mate in their own, unique way. Each character has their own quirks and Lynsay makes sure that they are brought out in an interesting way. Unique, interesting, fun, sexy … just a few words to describe the stories that Lynsay Sands gives to her readers.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
Well, Runaway Vampire gave this woman hope that my life mate may just be out there waiting for me. Of course, you probably won’t ever find me driving an RV but maybe I could run him over with my Rogue???
Like usual, Lynsay Sands bowled me over with Runaway Vampire. It was fun, as usual ... It was exciting, as usual … The sex was off the charts, as usual. What was different? Well, I missed Aunt Marguerite. She actually didn’t have anything to do with these life mates. They “accidentally” ran into each other and nature took its course. Uncle Lucien was there, of course, being his normal grouchy self (I thought he would have lightened up, just a little, by now).
But, the storyline is what really held me. Lynsay has a way of really bringing you into the story and making you wonder just where everything is heading. Who kidnapped Dante and Tomasso? Why were they kidnapped? Where did they really take Tomasso? And, a cliff hanger from Lynsay Sands! She just kept me hanging on this one. She really surprised me with that and really has me wanting the 24th book in the Argeneau series, now.
It’s funny that, after all this time, after all the books that she has written about the Argeneau’s, everything is still fresh and new. When I look back over this series, I realize that it takes a very talented writer to do this many books in a series and not repeat one storyline. Actually, it amazes me that I am still interested to see what she is going to write next, I’m not bored with it all. The writing is always fresh, clean and precise. The “life mate” storyline doesn’t get boring because each character meets and falls in love with their mate in their own, unique way. Each character has their own quirks and Lynsay makes sure that they are brought out in an interesting way. Unique, interesting, fun, sexy … just a few words to describe the stories that Lynsay Sands gives to her readers.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
October 27, 2022
3.5 stars
It's not ideal to start a series with number 23. There are a few things that are a little puzzling, although the author did a good job of seeding that information into the dialogue, both between the characters and in Mary and Dante's inner monologues.
The humour in the book derives from the flipping of some romance tropes, the exaggeration of others, and the sheer nuttiness of the plot. Obviously, paranormal romances do not regularly star older, retired women, especially matched with a man who appears to be much younger. Despite Dante's assurances that he is actually older than Mary, she realizes how the people in her life will perceive their relationship. Then there is the unusual situation of Dante appearing in her life stark naked and seemingly not caring about it. He’s like an alien, unaware of normal human mores. Mary's struggle to get him appropriately covered, so as to attract less attention, is also funny.
One of the least believable parts of the book is Dante's wild kidnapping story that precipitated his collision with Mary's RV. But I can identify with Mary's feelings of guilt for having hit him and responsibility for his continued well being. She doesn't easily buy into his story, but is gradually worn down by things that happen along the way. But her initial impressions are quite realistic: “Mary tore her gaze from him and back to the road ahead, her mind filled with disbelief. After a moment, she heaved a sad sigh and shook her head. Of course she'd run over the crazy guy. Gorgeous, but completely bonkers was her diagnosis. Such a shame.”
Dante keeps throwing new ideas at Mary so fast and furiously that she can't regain her equilibrium. She gets swept along on his crazy train and she finds herself doing things she would never normally do: flee from kidnappers, evade pursuit, invent lies to tell her friends, and cope with this guy who is young in appearance, who claims to be immortal, says that she is his lifemate and is making sizzling sexual advances whenever things slow down enough that she could otherwise think more rationally. Mary has been a successful psychologist and labels all the “lifemate" talk as complete bullshit, so why is a sensible older lady responding so strongly to this strange, impulsive man?
Apparently I require a bunch of paranormal details to make romance novels more palatable. And although I frequently struggle with written humour, this author's wit is fun for me. I do have reservations about the author's move to rejuvenate Mary, restoring her to youth physically. It's so rare and wonderful to find a main character of my own age with a romance structured around her. At least she got to keep her hard earned experience and education.
It's not ideal to start a series with number 23. There are a few things that are a little puzzling, although the author did a good job of seeding that information into the dialogue, both between the characters and in Mary and Dante's inner monologues.
The humour in the book derives from the flipping of some romance tropes, the exaggeration of others, and the sheer nuttiness of the plot. Obviously, paranormal romances do not regularly star older, retired women, especially matched with a man who appears to be much younger. Despite Dante's assurances that he is actually older than Mary, she realizes how the people in her life will perceive their relationship. Then there is the unusual situation of Dante appearing in her life stark naked and seemingly not caring about it. He’s like an alien, unaware of normal human mores. Mary's struggle to get him appropriately covered, so as to attract less attention, is also funny.
One of the least believable parts of the book is Dante's wild kidnapping story that precipitated his collision with Mary's RV. But I can identify with Mary's feelings of guilt for having hit him and responsibility for his continued well being. She doesn't easily buy into his story, but is gradually worn down by things that happen along the way. But her initial impressions are quite realistic: “Mary tore her gaze from him and back to the road ahead, her mind filled with disbelief. After a moment, she heaved a sad sigh and shook her head. Of course she'd run over the crazy guy. Gorgeous, but completely bonkers was her diagnosis. Such a shame.”
Dante keeps throwing new ideas at Mary so fast and furiously that she can't regain her equilibrium. She gets swept along on his crazy train and she finds herself doing things she would never normally do: flee from kidnappers, evade pursuit, invent lies to tell her friends, and cope with this guy who is young in appearance, who claims to be immortal, says that she is his lifemate and is making sizzling sexual advances whenever things slow down enough that she could otherwise think more rationally. Mary has been a successful psychologist and labels all the “lifemate" talk as complete bullshit, so why is a sensible older lady responding so strongly to this strange, impulsive man?
Apparently I require a bunch of paranormal details to make romance novels more palatable. And although I frequently struggle with written humour, this author's wit is fun for me. I do have reservations about the author's move to rejuvenate Mary, restoring her to youth physically. It's so rare and wonderful to find a main character of my own age with a romance structured around her. At least she got to keep her hard earned experience and education.
dnf
June 3, 2017DNF, though it's not the author's fault. I stopped because this is a smut book and yet the main character is 62.
It's not that I have a problem with senior citizens having sex. I just really don't want to read detailed accounts of it. So nope to this book.
It's not that I have a problem with senior citizens having sex. I just really don't want to read detailed accounts of it. So nope to this book.
August 14, 2016
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Summary
Dante Notte never expected that his own lifemate would run him down. Mary Winslow is a widow in her sixties and driving her RV to visit her closest friend and her husband when suddenly she realizes she has run over a person. She is shocked to learn that he is still very much alive and hiding out in her RV. She doesn't understand why she is involved with this mysterious yet gorgeous man who seems to be attracted to her in ways she doesn't understand especially since she feels so much older. She isn't a woman to "rob the cradle" as it were. Dante is on the run from his kidnappers who drugged both himself and his brother and he managed to escape to get help only to run into his lifemate. Now Dante and Mary work together to find his brother and explore the connection they have together!!
Plot and Story Line
Runaway Vampire has been on my shelf for the LONGEST time and I knew that I needed to pick it up. And I finally did and I am so glad that I read this book because Sands doesn't disappoint and I have been waiting for Dante's book for so long. Now this set up is a bit different, and it might not be for everyone. Now granted technically Dante is years and years older than Mary. Mary looks younger than her age, however she is still up there. I really liked that she resists Dante for quite a while. It isn't until she learns the truth about Dante and what he really is that their relationship changes, especially when they start sex dream sharing, yeah definitely nothing she ever experienced with her husband previous. It was quite interesting to see how Mary deals with the truth. However she does struggle in the end with not seeing her children again. I liked the aspect of seeing her deal through that and have some personal realizations about her family and how real of a connection she has to Dante. We are still left with not knowing what happened to the brother yet---I am hoping the next book will solve that. *crossing fingers* so in that way of the plot, its a bit of a cliffhanger but not to the romance at all. We definitely get a solid HEA out of this one. We also get some fun interaction with old favorites such as Lucien (hehe this man cracks me up and yes his lifemate still plays phone tricks on him ) as well as Mortimer!!
The Cover
Hunky SEXY!! That is all because what more is there. Except its the best cover of the series yet.
Overall view
Runaway Vampire is a stimulating and laugh your socks off romance that pulls you back into the Argeneau world. SPECTACULAR!!
[foogallery id="18775"]
Summary
Dante Notte never expected that his own lifemate would run him down. Mary Winslow is a widow in her sixties and driving her RV to visit her closest friend and her husband when suddenly she realizes she has run over a person. She is shocked to learn that he is still very much alive and hiding out in her RV. She doesn't understand why she is involved with this mysterious yet gorgeous man who seems to be attracted to her in ways she doesn't understand especially since she feels so much older. She isn't a woman to "rob the cradle" as it were. Dante is on the run from his kidnappers who drugged both himself and his brother and he managed to escape to get help only to run into his lifemate. Now Dante and Mary work together to find his brother and explore the connection they have together!!
Plot and Story Line
Runaway Vampire has been on my shelf for the LONGEST time and I knew that I needed to pick it up. And I finally did and I am so glad that I read this book because Sands doesn't disappoint and I have been waiting for Dante's book for so long. Now this set up is a bit different, and it might not be for everyone. Now granted technically Dante is years and years older than Mary. Mary looks younger than her age, however she is still up there. I really liked that she resists Dante for quite a while. It isn't until she learns the truth about Dante and what he really is that their relationship changes, especially when they start sex dream sharing, yeah definitely nothing she ever experienced with her husband previous. It was quite interesting to see how Mary deals with the truth. However she does struggle in the end with not seeing her children again. I liked the aspect of seeing her deal through that and have some personal realizations about her family and how real of a connection she has to Dante. We are still left with not knowing what happened to the brother yet---I am hoping the next book will solve that. *crossing fingers* so in that way of the plot, its a bit of a cliffhanger but not to the romance at all. We definitely get a solid HEA out of this one. We also get some fun interaction with old favorites such as Lucien (hehe this man cracks me up and yes his lifemate still plays phone tricks on him ) as well as Mortimer!!
The Cover
Hunky SEXY!! That is all because what more is there. Except its the best cover of the series yet.
Overall view
Runaway Vampire is a stimulating and laugh your socks off romance that pulls you back into the Argeneau world. SPECTACULAR!!
[foogallery id="18775"]
February 12, 2016
Being run over by an RV isn’t the smartest way to meet your mate, but then tortured, drugged and escaping in the nick of time wasn’t in Dante’s plan. Now he isn’t just running for his life but has his human mate in tow.
Mary isn’t past her prime she’s just spent a lot of well lived life years getting here. Her beloved human husband has passed and she endeavors to make their yearly RV trip on her own. When she thinks she hits something on a long deserted stretch of the road on her way, Mary gets more than she bargained for. A beautiful man, obviously bloody and damaged by her RV, in desperate need of medical help.
Mary is swept into Dante’s plans of rescuing his brother. The same group that captured him are also in hot pursuit of Dante and Mary. Now Dante is doubled in value because he’s found his mate, making him more useful in their nefarious schemes and experiments.
I loved Mary, she was older, wiser and someone who already knows her mind. Confused by the serious cougar relationship budding between her and Dante, it was great to see the conflicts of her draw to Dante and social norms at play. I honestly couldn’t see how Sands was going to bring it all together but she masterfully kept me enchanted.
Don’t miss this amazing, exciting, paranormal, vampire, heartfelt adventure, all captured in Runaway Vampire.
I received this ARC copy of Runaway Vampire from HarperCollins - Avon in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication Feb. 23, 2016.
My Rating: 5 Stars
Written by: Lynsay Sands
Series: Argeneau Vampire
Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: Series: (February 23, 2016)
ISBN-10: 0062316044
ISBN-13: 978-0062316042
Genre: Urban Fantasy | Romance
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Runaway-Vampire...
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/runaw...
For Reviews and More Check out: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Mary isn’t past her prime she’s just spent a lot of well lived life years getting here. Her beloved human husband has passed and she endeavors to make their yearly RV trip on her own. When she thinks she hits something on a long deserted stretch of the road on her way, Mary gets more than she bargained for. A beautiful man, obviously bloody and damaged by her RV, in desperate need of medical help.
Mary is swept into Dante’s plans of rescuing his brother. The same group that captured him are also in hot pursuit of Dante and Mary. Now Dante is doubled in value because he’s found his mate, making him more useful in their nefarious schemes and experiments.
I loved Mary, she was older, wiser and someone who already knows her mind. Confused by the serious cougar relationship budding between her and Dante, it was great to see the conflicts of her draw to Dante and social norms at play. I honestly couldn’t see how Sands was going to bring it all together but she masterfully kept me enchanted.
Don’t miss this amazing, exciting, paranormal, vampire, heartfelt adventure, all captured in Runaway Vampire.
I received this ARC copy of Runaway Vampire from HarperCollins - Avon in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication Feb. 23, 2016.
My Rating: 5 Stars
Written by: Lynsay Sands
Series: Argeneau Vampire
Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: Series: (February 23, 2016)
ISBN-10: 0062316044
ISBN-13: 978-0062316042
Genre: Urban Fantasy | Romance
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Runaway-Vampire...
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/runaw...
For Reviews and More Check out: http://tometender.blogspot.com
December 30, 2021
Dante ❤ Mary! I wasn't sure if I was going to like this one, especially due to Mary being 62 years old, but I really enjoyed reading it. The beginning of the book was intense, a little horror show and I just like that I was hooked! Towards the end the book became somewhat funny and light. I can't wait to read the next one in the series!
March 8, 2016
When I read a book like this, from a series that I loved at one time, I have to berate myself for not waiting to read it. It is one of those series that I used to run out to get the next book. Now it is a habit to read pretty quickly, instead of waiting until the mood hits for the specific world and characters. Perhaps the mood will never come, or maybe it will. This will decide whether I stop a series or go on usually, my mood. But... I don't think I was in the mood for this and I don't think it was as good as many of the others. Though really it was better than many of other recent ones. For the last 8 books, I have given these 3 stars for somewhere between 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 stars meaning, for me, at 2 1/2 OK to good but just so. Just good enough that I'm not sorry I read it, at 2 stars I usually wish I didn't read it, as it was a waste of time. So 2 1/2 is just above a waste of time, but I didn't hate it. 3 is good but has a bunch of flaws. With most series, I'll drop reading them if they start out as a 3 or too many in a row have become that. So 3 1/2, 3 1/2 is the turning point, there were flaws, but I liked it pretty well. Humor can push it to 3 1/2 frequently even with a OK to Good plot.
So talking about this book... it is a 3. Here are the flaws, IMO... 1. The main characters don't have chemistry... well until the end. (Mainly this is because they are always interupted in the beginning and she does nothing to show why he is attracted. She is his LM and so he is. Not much chem happening there. After her turn of course she talks looks.). 2. This was more of a set up for the next book, Tomasso's (I really dislike when author's do this), 3. Not much humor at all, this is a reason I read these books and there just wasn't much.
OK so why did I mark it 3, well I liked the characters and the story. I thought more should be answered for her life and the people in it but it kept me entertained. Dante was sexy as hell but not so much Mary. I understand that she is older but could we make her spunky or humorous to create some chemistry. She was straight forward and interesting in other ways but more of someone you would want to know as a friend. Lynsay used to be able to keeping you laughing at the absurd but here we didn't get that for Mary. Just a down to earth older lady, trying to help out, a perhaps, crazy man. There was a little fun but not what I would look for in these. So once again, this gets just a 3. And I am wondering why I keep reading them since they don't fullfill my humor niche anymore.
I really think she should have taken a turn with this series, like do a retro Argeneau, where the couples are in the past. Or maybe just start something new altogether and end the Argeneau line until a real spectacular plot comes to mind.
So talking about this book... it is a 3. Here are the flaws, IMO... 1. The main characters don't have chemistry... well until the end. (Mainly this is because they are always interupted in the beginning and she does nothing to show why he is attracted. She is his LM and so he is. Not much chem happening there. After her turn of course she talks looks.). 2. This was more of a set up for the next book, Tomasso's (I really dislike when author's do this), 3. Not much humor at all, this is a reason I read these books and there just wasn't much.
OK so why did I mark it 3, well I liked the characters and the story. I thought more should be answered for her life and the people in it but it kept me entertained. Dante was sexy as hell but not so much Mary. I understand that she is older but could we make her spunky or humorous to create some chemistry. She was straight forward and interesting in other ways but more of someone you would want to know as a friend. Lynsay used to be able to keeping you laughing at the absurd but here we didn't get that for Mary. Just a down to earth older lady, trying to help out, a perhaps, crazy man. There was a little fun but not what I would look for in these. So once again, this gets just a 3. And I am wondering why I keep reading them since they don't fullfill my humor niche anymore.
I really think she should have taken a turn with this series, like do a retro Argeneau, where the couples are in the past. Or maybe just start something new altogether and end the Argeneau line until a real spectacular plot comes to mind.
January 19, 2018
Reto de l-i-b-r-o-s
Grupo lecturas conjuntas
6b continuar una saga o serie . no puede ser el primer libro.
Antes de la lectura
Sands y Hamilton ( la que escribio anita la cazavampiros) eran MIS MEJORES ESCRITORES DE LA VIDA. Y aunque yo he cambiado de aqui ha 7 años atras lamento decir que lo que no me gusta de ellas es que sus sagas han sido muy largas ( la de Hamilton tiene 25 , y sands ya va por el 27) .
Es de maduros reconocer cuando algo debe acabarse. yo no lo entendia pero es mejor que se acabe de una buena forma a que se acabe porque todo va mal.
este es el segundo caso. el libro anterior 22 de Bricker , uno de los personajes mas divertidos de las serie , se volvió otra persona cuando conoció al amor de su vida. asi que con tanta decepción de mi alma me atrevi a leer estos libros.
Yo ya fui rota. solo pueden romper tu corazón una vez.
Durante la lectura
hablamos de lo bueno .
Me gustó que uno de los gemelos le buscara novia , la señora tenia 62 años y el parece de 25 . jajajjaja ¿sugar mommy eres tú? Sands ¿tambien quieres uno de 25? . Me gustó que la señora es buena gente y no hay muchas dificultades huyendo para que nos lo atrape. Tiene acción
lo malo.
A medida que iba avanzando me di cuenta que no hablaba nada de quién era el que secuestra a un pocotón de inmortales que son súper hombres . Eso me parece inverosimil.
luego me pongo a pensar como es que Mary es tan madura , será porque ha vivido mucho. PUES SI. osea es una loca . LOCA . ALÉJATE. Pero mejoró asi que le disculpo las tonterias que hacia.
Dante le disculpó todo pero ¿ que mas le puede hacer? es su mujer
Al finalizar la lectura
Me di cuenta que este era el inicio de una trilogia como la de Sam y Mortimer pero es la versión mala. la lei rápido saltandome las partes de los " compañeros de vida"
Grupo lecturas conjuntas
6b continuar una saga o serie . no puede ser el primer libro.
Antes de la lectura
Sands y Hamilton ( la que escribio anita la cazavampiros) eran MIS MEJORES ESCRITORES DE LA VIDA. Y aunque yo he cambiado de aqui ha 7 años atras lamento decir que lo que no me gusta de ellas es que sus sagas han sido muy largas ( la de Hamilton tiene 25 , y sands ya va por el 27) .
Es de maduros reconocer cuando algo debe acabarse. yo no lo entendia pero es mejor que se acabe de una buena forma a que se acabe porque todo va mal.
este es el segundo caso. el libro anterior 22 de Bricker , uno de los personajes mas divertidos de las serie , se volvió otra persona cuando conoció al amor de su vida. asi que con tanta decepción de mi alma me atrevi a leer estos libros.
Yo ya fui rota. solo pueden romper tu corazón una vez.
Durante la lectura
hablamos de lo bueno .
Me gustó que uno de los gemelos le buscara novia , la señora tenia 62 años y el parece de 25 . jajajjaja ¿sugar mommy eres tú? Sands ¿tambien quieres uno de 25? . Me gustó que la señora es buena gente y no hay muchas dificultades huyendo para que nos lo atrape. Tiene acción
lo malo.
A medida que iba avanzando me di cuenta que no hablaba nada de quién era el que secuestra a un pocotón de inmortales que son súper hombres . Eso me parece inverosimil.
luego me pongo a pensar como es que Mary es tan madura , será porque ha vivido mucho. PUES SI. osea es una loca . LOCA . ALÉJATE. Pero mejoró asi que le disculpo las tonterias que hacia.
Dante le disculpó todo pero ¿ que mas le puede hacer? es su mujer
Al finalizar la lectura
Me di cuenta que este era el inicio de una trilogia como la de Sam y Mortimer pero es la versión mala. la lei rápido saltandome las partes de los " compañeros de vida"
August 17, 2024
Runaway Vampire is a light and sweet read. Even though it’s number 23 it can be read as a stand-a-lone. But, I will say Dante Notte and his twin pop up in previous titles, so you might enjoy more if read in order.
Their isn't anything new to the series. It's pretty much the same, but with different characters or problems. I have to mention that I really enjoy Sands vampires. They are not your typical vampires and I like this aspect of the series.
The storyline is that Dante and his twin where sent to investigate vampire kidnappings and have gotten themselves kidnapped. Dante finds a way to get away, but now we are wondering who has kidnapped them and why? It was enjoyable the little RV drive to avoid being captured again and to protect Mary his life mate.
The romance is charming and sweet. Dante, I just adore him. He’s such a nice guy. Mary she was nice and I liked her level headedness. She had concerns being attracted to a man who looks in his mid 20’s early 30’s when she’s an old lady in her 60's, but these two got along. I had fun with the shared dreams and once Mary was changed well the life sex - makes them pass out. I always had fun with that aspect.
I will say I did miss Aunt Marguerite. She has a gift for finding life mates and brings a little humor into the story, but here we don’t have her and well this couple “accidentally” runs into each other and nature takes it’s course.
I wasn’t overly impressed and it’s not my favorite, but I still enjoyed Runaway Vampire. I must admit that I prefer the older pervious titles, the ones at the beginning. They just had so much more life, humor, and quarry fun to them. Now it just feels a little stale even though we are getting a different plot with the kidnappings.
Rated: 3 Stars
Their isn't anything new to the series. It's pretty much the same, but with different characters or problems. I have to mention that I really enjoy Sands vampires. They are not your typical vampires and I like this aspect of the series.
The storyline is that Dante and his twin where sent to investigate vampire kidnappings and have gotten themselves kidnapped. Dante finds a way to get away, but now we are wondering who has kidnapped them and why? It was enjoyable the little RV drive to avoid being captured again and to protect Mary his life mate.
The romance is charming and sweet. Dante, I just adore him. He’s such a nice guy. Mary she was nice and I liked her level headedness. She had concerns being attracted to a man who looks in his mid 20’s early 30’s when she’s an old lady in her 60's, but these two got along. I had fun with the shared dreams and once Mary was changed well the life sex - makes them pass out. I always had fun with that aspect.
I will say I did miss Aunt Marguerite. She has a gift for finding life mates and brings a little humor into the story, but here we don’t have her and well this couple “accidentally” runs into each other and nature takes it’s course.
I wasn’t overly impressed and it’s not my favorite, but I still enjoyed Runaway Vampire. I must admit that I prefer the older pervious titles, the ones at the beginning. They just had so much more life, humor, and quarry fun to them. Now it just feels a little stale even though we are getting a different plot with the kidnappings.
Rated: 3 Stars
February 22, 2016
Dante Notte is facing a few challenges…he has to rescue his brother and keep Mary Winslow safe from their pursuers but the most challenging of all is claiming this smart stubborn woman as his life mate.
Mary wasn’t sure that this naked and insanely gorgeous man didn’t have a head injury to go along with all of his other injuries and the reader can’t help but get caught up in the thrills as Mary has to trust her gut and risk her life for an immortal who’s the very definition of a perfect stranger. There is not a doubt that there is plenty of chemistry sizzling between Dante and Mary but making it to the life mate part of this relationship takes quite a bit of work that is full of gut wrenching emotions and past purging not to mention the whole difference in ages taboo that Mary has to overcome which readers can certainly relate to but will find that Mary and Dante cause quite a few chuckles with some humorous situations. The characters are strong, compelling and quite the trip as they demand that the readers get to know them in this fast paced and smooth flowing plot full of the romance, suspense and excitement.
Speaking of excitement, readers need to hang on tight because starting at the beginning, there is lots of it to be found and quite a few unforgettable scenes like the one that takes place when Dante enters Mary’s life which is one humdinger of an event, I’ll certainly never forget. But of course there is lots more action and adventure to be found throughout the story as they run from the pursuers and try to find Tomasso with when Lucian and the other hunters adding additional humor and excitement as the well written scenes and intriguing events guarantee that there is never a dull moment.
Once again, Lynsay Sands had my undivided attention until I had read every last page of Dante and Mary’s story and here’s a bit of a warning, there is a new enemy that is causing quite a bit of mayhem and I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
- Eva
Mary wasn’t sure that this naked and insanely gorgeous man didn’t have a head injury to go along with all of his other injuries and the reader can’t help but get caught up in the thrills as Mary has to trust her gut and risk her life for an immortal who’s the very definition of a perfect stranger. There is not a doubt that there is plenty of chemistry sizzling between Dante and Mary but making it to the life mate part of this relationship takes quite a bit of work that is full of gut wrenching emotions and past purging not to mention the whole difference in ages taboo that Mary has to overcome which readers can certainly relate to but will find that Mary and Dante cause quite a few chuckles with some humorous situations. The characters are strong, compelling and quite the trip as they demand that the readers get to know them in this fast paced and smooth flowing plot full of the romance, suspense and excitement.
Speaking of excitement, readers need to hang on tight because starting at the beginning, there is lots of it to be found and quite a few unforgettable scenes like the one that takes place when Dante enters Mary’s life which is one humdinger of an event, I’ll certainly never forget. But of course there is lots more action and adventure to be found throughout the story as they run from the pursuers and try to find Tomasso with when Lucian and the other hunters adding additional humor and excitement as the well written scenes and intriguing events guarantee that there is never a dull moment.
Once again, Lynsay Sands had my undivided attention until I had read every last page of Dante and Mary’s story and here’s a bit of a warning, there is a new enemy that is causing quite a bit of mayhem and I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
- Eva
January 2, 2019
As book 23 do not expect anything new when it comes to the bones of the plot, but despite this it was a pleasing, easy, one time read.
This can be read as a standalone (the brothers do appear in earlier books but having read book 23 a long time after the last one, I didn’t feel like I had missed anything from not recalling where the brothers appeared in earlier books, and what their roles in those books had been).
Overall a good addition to the Argeneau series, just not one that had me riveted.
This can be read as a standalone (the brothers do appear in earlier books but having read book 23 a long time after the last one, I didn’t feel like I had missed anything from not recalling where the brothers appeared in earlier books, and what their roles in those books had been).
Overall a good addition to the Argeneau series, just not one that had me riveted.
February 25, 2016
4 stars
This was a very good story. I really liked Mary and Dante and their story was very enjoyable. I really love this series and how Sands is able to make the Atlantian Vampire storyline continually enjoyable and interesting with each new couple.
Mary is a 62 year old widow who lost her husband a year ago. She and her late husband had some bad times between them but their marriage had many years of love and companionship so Mary misses him deeply. Mary and her husband used to drive their RV south to Texas and some other places in the winter and this year Mary decided to make the trip on her own. Well, her and her dog Bailey.
Dante is an Immortal (aka Atlantian Vampire) that's just over 100 years old. Dante has an identical twin, Tomaso, and they both agreed to help the Immortal enforcers try to capture some mortals that have found out about their kind and has been kidnapping young Immortals to experiment on. They both got captured and due to unfortunate circumstances, only Dante is able to escape.
When Dante is able to escape, he has to run miles through the woods to get to a highway. Unfortunately, Dante is going too fast to stop when he reaches the highway and he ends up half sliding in front of a moving RV which then proceeds to run him over. As you may have guessed, Mary is the person driving the RV. She stops and gets out to try to see what she ran over but finds nothing on the road or by it that she could have run over. She does see movement in the trees though and gets spooked, deciding she should stop at the next gas station to report the incident. Before that can happen, Mary discovers an unexpected passenger in the back of her RV.
Dante manages to explain his kidnapping and escape to Mary and even though he finds he can't control her mind, he manages to get her to believe him. He's thrilled that Mary is possibly his lifemate and it's decided that he should stay with her to protect her from the kidnappers (who probably saw her pick him up) and also to try to draw the kidnappers in so they can capture them and find out where Tomaso is. It isn't too long before Mary realizes that Dante isn't normal and it takes some time and explanations (and a bit of proof) to get Mary to believe Dante when tells her what he is and what they are together as lifemates. Once she takes in everything and believes, it's not too bad but there are some issues to deal with. The story ends with Dante and Mary getting a HEA together but there is a bit of a cliffy in the fact that Tomaso hasn't been found so Dante and Mary are heading out (with Lucian and other Enforcers) to find him.
This was a very enjoyable story. I liked Mary very much as a heroine. The fact that she was 62 years old and got the man and an immortal life with a body at it's prime is something I would love to have myself so I could really relate. Dante was a good hero, nice and sweet with a decent head on his shoulders. Overall, the story was good and kept me interested so once I started I didn't want to stop. I'd recommend this story and series. :D
* note - I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator did an alright job but Dante was supposed to have an Italian accent but I don't feel she did very well. Dante sounded more gruff with some slight lilts to some of his words that may have been considered some sort of accent.
This was a very good story. I really liked Mary and Dante and their story was very enjoyable. I really love this series and how Sands is able to make the Atlantian Vampire storyline continually enjoyable and interesting with each new couple.
Mary is a 62 year old widow who lost her husband a year ago. She and her late husband had some bad times between them but their marriage had many years of love and companionship so Mary misses him deeply. Mary and her husband used to drive their RV south to Texas and some other places in the winter and this year Mary decided to make the trip on her own. Well, her and her dog Bailey.
Dante is an Immortal (aka Atlantian Vampire) that's just over 100 years old. Dante has an identical twin, Tomaso, and they both agreed to help the Immortal enforcers try to capture some mortals that have found out about their kind and has been kidnapping young Immortals to experiment on. They both got captured and due to unfortunate circumstances, only Dante is able to escape.
When Dante is able to escape, he has to run miles through the woods to get to a highway. Unfortunately, Dante is going too fast to stop when he reaches the highway and he ends up half sliding in front of a moving RV which then proceeds to run him over. As you may have guessed, Mary is the person driving the RV. She stops and gets out to try to see what she ran over but finds nothing on the road or by it that she could have run over. She does see movement in the trees though and gets spooked, deciding she should stop at the next gas station to report the incident. Before that can happen, Mary discovers an unexpected passenger in the back of her RV.
Dante manages to explain his kidnapping and escape to Mary and even though he finds he can't control her mind, he manages to get her to believe him. He's thrilled that Mary is possibly his lifemate and it's decided that he should stay with her to protect her from the kidnappers (who probably saw her pick him up) and also to try to draw the kidnappers in so they can capture them and find out where Tomaso is. It isn't too long before Mary realizes that Dante isn't normal and it takes some time and explanations (and a bit of proof) to get Mary to believe Dante when tells her what he is and what they are together as lifemates. Once she takes in everything and believes, it's not too bad but there are some issues to deal with. The story ends with Dante and Mary getting a HEA together but there is a bit of a cliffy in the fact that Tomaso hasn't been found so Dante and Mary are heading out (with Lucian and other Enforcers) to find him.
This was a very enjoyable story. I liked Mary very much as a heroine. The fact that she was 62 years old and got the man and an immortal life with a body at it's prime is something I would love to have myself so I could really relate. Dante was a good hero, nice and sweet with a decent head on his shoulders. Overall, the story was good and kept me interested so once I started I didn't want to stop. I'd recommend this story and series. :D
* note - I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator did an alright job but Dante was supposed to have an Italian accent but I don't feel she did very well. Dante sounded more gruff with some slight lilts to some of his words that may have been considered some sort of accent.
March 23, 2020
I loved this book... the twins Danta and Tommasso (spelling could be wrong) are always great to have in one of Lynsay Sand's books... but now we get to see them (well we see Danta) in a central role, more vocal of a part... and his interaction with the female MC, Mary, is great... as for Mary... she is very cool... she is a very impressive MC... and I cant wait to see how Tomasso is rescued (b/c in this novel he has been kidnapped... love, love, love this series..
March 6, 2016
3.5 stars. Nothing new but still an enjoyable read.
March 2, 2016
I can't wait for Dante's twin Tomasso to have his own book...
January 20, 2018
Runaway Vampire de Lynsay Sands narra la historia de Dante ( personaje secundario de la saga ) y Mary, un nuevo personaje.
He leido pocas series tan largas como esta pero casi siempre despues de un tiempo suelo pensar lo mismo : las autoras no saben cuando parar y cerrar una saga, en cambio con estos libros nunca se me ha pasado esa idea por la cabeza, quizas porque siempre ( o casi siempre ) suelo disfrutar mucho con estas lecturas.
Es cierto que despues de tanto tiempo ( y libros ) no espero que todas las novelas esten a la misma altura, e incluso admito que algunas de las historias de esta serie no son tan asombrosas como las primeras. Sigo pasando muy buenos momentos con la familia Argeneau pero tengo que reconocer que el nivel a bajado un poco segun han ido pasando las novelas.
Aun asi estas novelas son una de las primeras opciones que se me ocurren cuando alguien me pide que le recomiende historias divertidas, entretenidas y distintas, a pesar de que como ya digo estas ultimas partes no son tan memorables como la de Lissianna, Bastien o Lucian.
El libro de Justin Bricker me decepciono bastante y las primeras paginas de esta novela no me parecieron la gran cosa, por lo que pense que esta parte tambien seria floja pero lo cierto es que luego la trama coge muy buen ritmo y termino gustandome mas de lo esperado.
Que la protagonista tenga 62 años me dejo un poco contrariada, por un lado me parecio diferente y original pero tambien en ocasiones me resulto un poco extraño, sobretodo al imaginar a Dante aparentando 25 años y ella su edad real, pero en general me gusto la lectura.
En conclusion, no es de las novelas mas destacables de Lynsay Sands pero es entretenida y amena de leer.
2.75 Estrellas!
March 24, 2021
fantastic book , back to the usual light heartedness ! onto the next one !
December 24, 2015
Sands is back with another Argeneau book! I still can't believe this is book 23 and it looks like Sands doesn't plan to stop!
Mary is driving in her RV to go to the campground her friends own. This is the first time she is going alone since her husband passed away last year. While driving she runs over something but when she stops to check it out she doesn't see anything so she continues on her journey until she finds a naked man in bedroom who definitely needs medical attention.
Dante was kidnapped, drugged and stripped but he escaped. The only thing he didn't plan on was running right into a RV and being run over by his life mate. Now he has to find out who kidnapped him and his brother, get Mary to agree to spend forever with him and get his twin back all in matter of weeks. This won't be easy but Dante is up for the challenge.
In the past few years I have pretty much given up on paranormal romance but this series is still one that I enjoy reading. Sands does an awesome job with writing these characters and the sense of humor she brings with them. There were so many parts that I had a good laugh at.
We met the twins so many books ago so I wasn't sure what Dante's story would be like but I really enjoyed it. It took sometime for me to like Mary but when she told her story of her marriage I felt torn between feeling sorry for her and wanting to give her a high five. She was one strong tough as hell woman.
The one issue I did have was seeing her as 62. Honestly I didn't want to think about her getting it on with Dante but I am happy how it turned out and how Sands had them come together as a couple.
Normally the mortals kind of freak out when they are told about the immortals so I was kind of surprised how well Mary actually took it and understood the rules and such. Like a said before she was strong for a heroine.
Of course we get to see some previous characters from other books which is always a plus especially if you already read there story. I would have liked to see more of them but I understand not everyone could be in this one.
Overall I was happy with the ending. It doesn't leave on a cliffhanger but it does set up for the next book because they need to find Dante's twin. Yippee! So yes it looks like
Tomasso's story is next and it takes place in Venezuela!!
A must read for all Argeneau fans!!
Mary is driving in her RV to go to the campground her friends own. This is the first time she is going alone since her husband passed away last year. While driving she runs over something but when she stops to check it out she doesn't see anything so she continues on her journey until she finds a naked man in bedroom who definitely needs medical attention.
Dante was kidnapped, drugged and stripped but he escaped. The only thing he didn't plan on was running right into a RV and being run over by his life mate. Now he has to find out who kidnapped him and his brother, get Mary to agree to spend forever with him and get his twin back all in matter of weeks. This won't be easy but Dante is up for the challenge.
In the past few years I have pretty much given up on paranormal romance but this series is still one that I enjoy reading. Sands does an awesome job with writing these characters and the sense of humor she brings with them. There were so many parts that I had a good laugh at.
We met the twins so many books ago so I wasn't sure what Dante's story would be like but I really enjoyed it. It took sometime for me to like Mary but when she told her story of her marriage I felt torn between feeling sorry for her and wanting to give her a high five. She was one strong tough as hell woman.
The one issue I did have was seeing her as 62. Honestly I didn't want to think about her getting it on with Dante but I am happy how it turned out and how Sands had them come together as a couple.
Normally the mortals kind of freak out when they are told about the immortals so I was kind of surprised how well Mary actually took it and understood the rules and such. Like a said before she was strong for a heroine.
Of course we get to see some previous characters from other books which is always a plus especially if you already read there story. I would have liked to see more of them but I understand not everyone could be in this one.
Overall I was happy with the ending. It doesn't leave on a cliffhanger but it does set up for the next book because they need to find Dante's twin. Yippee! So yes it looks like
Tomasso's story is next and it takes place in Venezuela!!
A must read for all Argeneau fans!!
March 17, 2016
I wonder just where the idea of a ‘cougar-like’ relationship came into Lynsay Sands head – especially when the cougar in process is recently widowed and all too human Mary. Completely defying expectations, Mary is older, still mourning the loss of her husband and taking that one last ‘dream trip’ in their RV to recapture the feeling of their yearly trips. Running over the very beautiful, and now damaged Dante was not part of the plan, but she can do nothing BUT try to help.
Tomasso was kidnapped and Dante has been ceaselessly trying to find his twin before the unthinkable happens. At just over a century old, Dante has yet to find his mate, and this search for Tomasso while avoiding those who are chasing him has pushed the desire for companionship aside. You’ve heard the phrase ‘it was like being hit by a bus?” Well, Dante was run over by an RV, and lo and behold his destined mate was behind the wheel. Talk about making an impression.
It was SO very easy to get lost in Mary and Dante’s story: as the attraction grows and secrets are revealed. Mary is so very solid and wonderful, and manages to challenge Dante in the right ways, that keep their relationship moving forward even when finding Tomasso and avoiding the threats that are coming are foremost in their minds. Clever dialogue, some serious steam and a wonderful pairing that felt unlike any other ‘fated mates’ I have ever seen with a nice balance of give and take between the two. Working well on its own, this story kept me engaged and felt fresh and new, even as a later installment in a long running series.
I received a paperback copy of the title from the publisher via Avon Addicts for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
Tomasso was kidnapped and Dante has been ceaselessly trying to find his twin before the unthinkable happens. At just over a century old, Dante has yet to find his mate, and this search for Tomasso while avoiding those who are chasing him has pushed the desire for companionship aside. You’ve heard the phrase ‘it was like being hit by a bus?” Well, Dante was run over by an RV, and lo and behold his destined mate was behind the wheel. Talk about making an impression.
It was SO very easy to get lost in Mary and Dante’s story: as the attraction grows and secrets are revealed. Mary is so very solid and wonderful, and manages to challenge Dante in the right ways, that keep their relationship moving forward even when finding Tomasso and avoiding the threats that are coming are foremost in their minds. Clever dialogue, some serious steam and a wonderful pairing that felt unlike any other ‘fated mates’ I have ever seen with a nice balance of give and take between the two. Working well on its own, this story kept me engaged and felt fresh and new, even as a later installment in a long running series.
I received a paperback copy of the title from the publisher via Avon Addicts for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
March 23, 2016
I think I might be done with this series. While I liked the premise that the love interest was a woman in her sixties I hated hat once turned she was back in her super perfect 25 year old body. Also all that crap about the first 15 years of her marriage her husband cheated on her and had kids with other people? Honey the solution to that isn't a therapist who tells you that he cheated because you were a horrible wife and that you should do couples therapy and stick it out....NO woman deserves to be with a man who cheats on her, even if she is a bitch. He should LEAVE. The solution is for you to FILE FOR DIVORCE.
It wasn't as funny as the others and I no longer need all that info about Atlantis. This author needs to end this series. She has totally run out of original ideas. So Four points for trying something new Ms. Sands and negative one point for failing at it.
It wasn't as funny as the others and I no longer need all that info about Atlantis. This author needs to end this series. She has totally run out of original ideas. So Four points for trying something new Ms. Sands and negative one point for failing at it.
June 17, 2018
I enjoyed it! I'd forgotten that the vamps were Atlanteans!
February 25, 2016
I was initially going to rate this book a four star since it wasn't that bad. However, the more I read, the more the book went downhill for me. I went through a phase where I read the Argeneau series from the start back to back. The earlier ones were good but the more you read, the more you realize how repetitive they are. I actually don't know whether it is just oversaturation or whether it is the writing. Anyways, my opinion of the later books wasn't that great. This is my first Argeneau book in a while and I thought it was pretty alright at first. By the end, I was tired. I felt like they exhausted all the storylines and was stretching what is left. The scene about him looking for condoms was so long. The euphemism bit for sex went on forever and it wasn't really comical. Okay, once, sure, twice, okay, more than seven times, shut up already. We get it, you can search the internet.
The characters weren't that interesting. I was sick of Mary by the end. Her hysterical schtick was painful to read. I get that she had her concerns but her plan to turn her family and screeching at him was not a good look for her. I mean I get it, she was newly turned but I was sick of it. She definitely had crazy down. Anyways, I think the character was all over the place from being cheated on throughout her marriage to being this ingrate about her second life. I felt her character wasn't really developed. I didn't really feel that a core self was being carried through from beginning to end. She had storylines as the wronged wife, a rehabilitated marriage, a good looking older woman, a possible GILF, a newly turned immortal and at every iterations, she seemed like a new person instead of a continuous one. I don't know. I don't have much respect for her as a person. Her daughter even commented that her life revolved around her husband and she seemed shocked to hear such a thing, methinks Mary is a bit deluded. There was also this revisionist story about the husband changing his ways, either he did or he didn't. It was such a weird throwaway line. I'm inclined to believe that he didn't.
Anyways, my review is definitely coloured by previous reading experience of the series. I think it is just one of the bunch. The story isn't that new. Vampire finds his lifemate, mortal lifemate spends a good deal of time being skeptical, mortal turns immortal and has problems with their new life. The characters aren't compelling either. It was alright in the beginning but ultimately, it lacked substance and story lines got extended needlessly. I also didn't like the line about the gay vampire couple looking forward to clothes shopping with Mary. Mary's line about the stupidity of homophobia was just so predictable. Heroine discovers gay couple, couple wary of possible homophobia, heroine swears up an down she is on their side, instant friends for life, it was just so cliche and overdone. Is this a thing now? expect new people to be against gay marriage? Is that the default? Anyways, it was just a transparent attempt to make heroine likable and it usually does the opposite for me.
Story revolves around Dante and Mary. They are attracted to each other. Mary is sixty-two and Dante looks twenty-five. She is averse to any relationship because she is old and she is mourning her cheating husband's death. He is hunted by kidnappers but they hardly make contact. One of the supposed contacts was the kidnappers being chased out of the grounds by dogs while the main characters slept through it. Anyways, there is a big accident and she is dying. He turns her immortal. She bemoans the fact that her adopted children will die and she now wants to make babies. She is hysterical. He tells her that immortality has to be kept a secret. She flips out that her old life is gone. She sees her daughter and she gets a new view on her life. People aren't distraught over her death and view her life as a bit sad. I'm glad she has a new one because it seemed that she really lived her first one poorly.
Anyway, Dante's story is that he escapes from being held for experiments. He leaves his twin behind since they couldn't escape together. He meets his lifemate while on the run. He courts her much to her simultaneous discomfort and arousal. He explains his superpowers and she thinks he is crazy. He changes her into an immortal when she was dying. He tells her to obey the immortal law now that she was one of them. He is relieved when she ultimately followed the rule since breaking it would lead to her death. He is now part of a party to hunt the doctor experimenting on the immortals in order to rescue his twin.
The characters weren't that interesting. I was sick of Mary by the end. Her hysterical schtick was painful to read. I get that she had her concerns but her plan to turn her family and screeching at him was not a good look for her. I mean I get it, she was newly turned but I was sick of it. She definitely had crazy down. Anyways, I think the character was all over the place from being cheated on throughout her marriage to being this ingrate about her second life. I felt her character wasn't really developed. I didn't really feel that a core self was being carried through from beginning to end. She had storylines as the wronged wife, a rehabilitated marriage, a good looking older woman, a possible GILF, a newly turned immortal and at every iterations, she seemed like a new person instead of a continuous one. I don't know. I don't have much respect for her as a person. Her daughter even commented that her life revolved around her husband and she seemed shocked to hear such a thing, methinks Mary is a bit deluded. There was also this revisionist story about the husband changing his ways, either he did or he didn't. It was such a weird throwaway line. I'm inclined to believe that he didn't.
Anyways, my review is definitely coloured by previous reading experience of the series. I think it is just one of the bunch. The story isn't that new. Vampire finds his lifemate, mortal lifemate spends a good deal of time being skeptical, mortal turns immortal and has problems with their new life. The characters aren't compelling either. It was alright in the beginning but ultimately, it lacked substance and story lines got extended needlessly. I also didn't like the line about the gay vampire couple looking forward to clothes shopping with Mary. Mary's line about the stupidity of homophobia was just so predictable. Heroine discovers gay couple, couple wary of possible homophobia, heroine swears up an down she is on their side, instant friends for life, it was just so cliche and overdone. Is this a thing now? expect new people to be against gay marriage? Is that the default? Anyways, it was just a transparent attempt to make heroine likable and it usually does the opposite for me.
Story revolves around Dante and Mary. They are attracted to each other. Mary is sixty-two and Dante looks twenty-five. She is averse to any relationship because she is old and she is mourning her cheating husband's death. He is hunted by kidnappers but they hardly make contact. One of the supposed contacts was the kidnappers being chased out of the grounds by dogs while the main characters slept through it. Anyways, there is a big accident and she is dying. He turns her immortal. She bemoans the fact that her adopted children will die and she now wants to make babies. She is hysterical. He tells her that immortality has to be kept a secret. She flips out that her old life is gone. She sees her daughter and she gets a new view on her life. People aren't distraught over her death and view her life as a bit sad. I'm glad she has a new one because it seemed that she really lived her first one poorly.
Anyway, Dante's story is that he escapes from being held for experiments. He leaves his twin behind since they couldn't escape together. He meets his lifemate while on the run. He courts her much to her simultaneous discomfort and arousal. He explains his superpowers and she thinks he is crazy. He changes her into an immortal when she was dying. He tells her to obey the immortal law now that she was one of them. He is relieved when she ultimately followed the rule since breaking it would lead to her death. He is now part of a party to hunt the doctor experimenting on the immortals in order to rescue his twin.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2016
Like most, Mary's life had been a series of ups and downs. Now a widow, Mary decides to take one last trip in her RV but the memories of the trips that she took with her husband haunt her so much that she decides to return home early, making a stop at friends RV park. Mary had believed that the trip would be uneventful but that immediately changes when she accidentally runs over Dante Notte, who is on the run from kidnappers.
Dante is only looking to find help for himself and his brother Tomasso and doesn't expect when he is run over by Mary's RV that he has met his life mate - the one person who he can let his guard down around and love forever, With the danger closing in around them, Dante must somehow convince Mary that he is an immortal and that they are meant to be together, all while keeping her safe from the kidnappers who may target her to get to him.
Those who are new to this series, will have no problem following along with the romance between Dante and Mary because Sands takes care to explain who and what immortals are, along with her concept of life mates. For longtime readers, Sands does take the time to bring back Lucien the leader of the Immortals and since this is Dante's story, it's a return to the Notte twins. I would have liked to have seen more of the Immortals that we have been introduced to this far.
I really liked that fact that Mary is 62 and had lived a full life. It's not often that mature women are presented as sexual beings and Sands left absolutely no doubt what Mary wanted from the moment she spied the very naked Dante. This is the second book in this series in which Sands has gone out of her way to pair her handsome Immortal with an older woman and I love it. Mary is also not a woman to be played with and unfortunately has a very tragic backstory. It is however problematic that Sands heavily implies that had Tomas not entered Mary's life that she was destined to be a lonely old woman living in a one bedroom apartment with her dog. I don't understand why Sands would go to such lengths to make a strong, sexual woman and then turn around and have her being content to just wilt away. It absolutely belies just how vital women can be at all ages.
Runaway Vampire, while focusing on the romance between Mary and Dante also served as a set up for the next book which will clearly feature Tomasso finding his life mate in Venezuela. To some degree, this left the story feeling unfinished. I understand that the point of each book is to bring a couple together but I've always felt that there should be more to even paranormal romance books than the coupling, particularly when they are as long running as the Argeneua series.
One of my long running complaints about this world is that despite the length of the series, we have only recently been introduced to the idea that LGBT immortals exist and until Runaway Vampire, we haven't actually met any of them. One would hope that after waiting so long to introduce gay characters to her series and the homophobia that Sands has engaged in in the past, that inclusion would be a step forward but alas, that was not to be the case.
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Dante is only looking to find help for himself and his brother Tomasso and doesn't expect when he is run over by Mary's RV that he has met his life mate - the one person who he can let his guard down around and love forever, With the danger closing in around them, Dante must somehow convince Mary that he is an immortal and that they are meant to be together, all while keeping her safe from the kidnappers who may target her to get to him.
Those who are new to this series, will have no problem following along with the romance between Dante and Mary because Sands takes care to explain who and what immortals are, along with her concept of life mates. For longtime readers, Sands does take the time to bring back Lucien the leader of the Immortals and since this is Dante's story, it's a return to the Notte twins. I would have liked to have seen more of the Immortals that we have been introduced to this far.
I really liked that fact that Mary is 62 and had lived a full life. It's not often that mature women are presented as sexual beings and Sands left absolutely no doubt what Mary wanted from the moment she spied the very naked Dante. This is the second book in this series in which Sands has gone out of her way to pair her handsome Immortal with an older woman and I love it. Mary is also not a woman to be played with and unfortunately has a very tragic backstory. It is however problematic that Sands heavily implies that had Tomas not entered Mary's life that she was destined to be a lonely old woman living in a one bedroom apartment with her dog. I don't understand why Sands would go to such lengths to make a strong, sexual woman and then turn around and have her being content to just wilt away. It absolutely belies just how vital women can be at all ages.
Runaway Vampire, while focusing on the romance between Mary and Dante also served as a set up for the next book which will clearly feature Tomasso finding his life mate in Venezuela. To some degree, this left the story feeling unfinished. I understand that the point of each book is to bring a couple together but I've always felt that there should be more to even paranormal romance books than the coupling, particularly when they are as long running as the Argeneua series.
One of my long running complaints about this world is that despite the length of the series, we have only recently been introduced to the idea that LGBT immortals exist and until Runaway Vampire, we haven't actually met any of them. One would hope that after waiting so long to introduce gay characters to her series and the homophobia that Sands has engaged in in the past, that inclusion would be a step forward but alas, that was not to be the case.
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March 21, 2016
Dante Notte, one of the big hulky eating-machine twins meets his lifemate in the form of a very mature Mary Winslow.
Travelling alone with just her dog Bailey, she accidentally runs over him in her RV one night. While injured badly he managed to slip in, hitched a ride and found out that he couldn't control her mind to help him out. He's also just escaped from his kidnappers (who seem to know how to down immortals like him with special tranq-darts) was forced to leave his twin, Tomasso, behind. Dante and Mary then have the kidnappers tailing them. At the same time, he must convince the 62-year old widow that she is his lifemate.
The pairing is cute, awkward and bittersweet. Dante is supposed to look like a dashing young Italian hunk although he's twice her age. She looks old enough to be his mom (but, it was hinted many times in the story that Mary is an attractive mature lady). She's also a wise woman and a steady character. Their romance could have gone the cougar way but it was actually quite classily done - there were some hot and heavy moments between them but nothing over-the-top. I don't know whether to feel relieved or disappointed that we are not treated to a full-blown lifemate sexytimes scene between the two before Mary was turned (so in case you might feel disturbed by the idea of old lady/young man pairing, rest assured that the really raunchy ones were saved towards the later part...when she's turned).
The previous book spoke heavily on loyalty in marriage, this one touches on the topic of infidelity (boo! don't like). There is a new aspect to the immortals added in - same sex lifemates (when before this we've been getting straight m/f pairings)- the whole idea so so adorable and sweet (i confess i love the characters Russell and Francis!). Also, a new mysterious villain is out there providing a new twist to the whole Argeneau series as before this the recurring villain is Leo and his crazy off-springs. Now that Leo is out of the picture, this new villain will prove to be a more dangerous foe as he/she (we don't know much yet at this point) seem to have found a way to overcome the almost invincible immortals. There is a cliffhanger which has not occurred since that time where Marguerite went missing (leading to book Vampire Interrupted).
I am definitely looking forward to the next book where hopefully we get to know more about their mystery baddy, find out how Tomasso meets his mate and, i'm hoping, more Russell and Francis. I think after a short lull period where the story has become formulaic and a bit blah where the light-hearted humour apparent in the first 10 books or so seem to have disappeared, the series is picking up pace again.
Travelling alone with just her dog Bailey, she accidentally runs over him in her RV one night. While injured badly he managed to slip in, hitched a ride and found out that he couldn't control her mind to help him out. He's also just escaped from his kidnappers (who seem to know how to down immortals like him with special tranq-darts) was forced to leave his twin, Tomasso, behind. Dante and Mary then have the kidnappers tailing them. At the same time, he must convince the 62-year old widow that she is his lifemate.
The pairing is cute, awkward and bittersweet. Dante is supposed to look like a dashing young Italian hunk although he's twice her age. She looks old enough to be his mom (but, it was hinted many times in the story that Mary is an attractive mature lady). She's also a wise woman and a steady character. Their romance could have gone the cougar way but it was actually quite classily done - there were some hot and heavy moments between them but nothing over-the-top. I don't know whether to feel relieved or disappointed that we are not treated to a full-blown lifemate sexytimes scene between the two before Mary was turned (so in case you might feel disturbed by the idea of old lady/young man pairing, rest assured that the really raunchy ones were saved towards the later part...when she's turned).
The previous book spoke heavily on loyalty in marriage, this one touches on the topic of infidelity (boo! don't like). There is a new aspect to the immortals added in - same sex lifemates (when before this we've been getting straight m/f pairings)- the whole idea so so adorable and sweet (i confess i love the characters Russell and Francis!). Also, a new mysterious villain is out there providing a new twist to the whole Argeneau series as before this the recurring villain is Leo and his crazy off-springs. Now that Leo is out of the picture, this new villain will prove to be a more dangerous foe as he/she (we don't know much yet at this point) seem to have found a way to overcome the almost invincible immortals. There is a cliffhanger which has not occurred since that time where Marguerite went missing (leading to book Vampire Interrupted).
I am definitely looking forward to the next book where hopefully we get to know more about their mystery baddy, find out how Tomasso meets his mate and, i'm hoping, more Russell and Francis. I think after a short lull period where the story has become formulaic and a bit blah where the light-hearted humour apparent in the first 10 books or so seem to have disappeared, the series is picking up pace again.
June 23, 2020
Setting: Texas Contemporary
Genre: paranormal romance
Mary Winslow is a 60-something widow returning to Winnepeg from Texas in her RV. On a dark backroad, she hits something she thinks must have been a large animal, but when she gets out to look, she doesn't find anything immediately. But then she also gets too spooked to investigate very far, so decides to call the police at the next truck stop. When she gets there, she discovers a bloody, naked man in the back of the RV. Dante Notte has escaped from people who want to experiment on vampires. His twin is still with them, so he calls Lucien to assist. The book is the rather desultory story about Mary and Dante trying to lure the kidnappers out so the Enforcers can track down the whereabouts of Tomosso and other missing vampires.
Some of the books in this series are near stand-alones, with enough explanation of the world Sands created for her vampires so that the reader doesn't get confused, but not so much as to bore those who are deep into the series. That isn't the case with The Runaway Vampire. The world description is nearly absent, yet there isn't enough reference to other characters and events from other books to make this one feel comfortably slotted in to the overall arc. There's too much shortcut and not enough connectedness.
Neither Mary nor Dante have much depth as characters, and it was difficult to care what happened to them. In previous books in the series, Dante and Tomosso were almost a unit, a couple of big, beautiful brutes, who never did much of anything. Dante isn't much without his brother, but they've never seemed like much of anything anyway. Giving Dante his own story was probably premature at this point. The dialogue between Mary and Dante isn't riveting. It is without the wit usually evinced by Sands' characters. The plot doesn't have much to recommend it either. Not much really happens, and there isn't the tension needed to make a good tale. Altogether, the whole endeavor comes across as underdone. Sands had a character, but the story she put him in didn't show him to his advantage, as though it was forced.
If you are well into this series, you'll want to read this so you won't ever wonder, "whatever happened to that guy?" If you aren't enamored of the series and the world it inhabits, you can give this a miss. It wasn't a total waste of time, but neither was it riveting. Overall, it is average.
Genre: paranormal romance
Mary Winslow is a 60-something widow returning to Winnepeg from Texas in her RV. On a dark backroad, she hits something she thinks must have been a large animal, but when she gets out to look, she doesn't find anything immediately. But then she also gets too spooked to investigate very far, so decides to call the police at the next truck stop. When she gets there, she discovers a bloody, naked man in the back of the RV. Dante Notte has escaped from people who want to experiment on vampires. His twin is still with them, so he calls Lucien to assist. The book is the rather desultory story about Mary and Dante trying to lure the kidnappers out so the Enforcers can track down the whereabouts of Tomosso and other missing vampires.
Some of the books in this series are near stand-alones, with enough explanation of the world Sands created for her vampires so that the reader doesn't get confused, but not so much as to bore those who are deep into the series. That isn't the case with The Runaway Vampire. The world description is nearly absent, yet there isn't enough reference to other characters and events from other books to make this one feel comfortably slotted in to the overall arc. There's too much shortcut and not enough connectedness.
Neither Mary nor Dante have much depth as characters, and it was difficult to care what happened to them. In previous books in the series, Dante and Tomosso were almost a unit, a couple of big, beautiful brutes, who never did much of anything. Dante isn't much without his brother, but they've never seemed like much of anything anyway. Giving Dante his own story was probably premature at this point. The dialogue between Mary and Dante isn't riveting. It is without the wit usually evinced by Sands' characters. The plot doesn't have much to recommend it either. Not much really happens, and there isn't the tension needed to make a good tale. Altogether, the whole endeavor comes across as underdone. Sands had a character, but the story she put him in didn't show him to his advantage, as though it was forced.
If you are well into this series, you'll want to read this so you won't ever wonder, "whatever happened to that guy?" If you aren't enamored of the series and the world it inhabits, you can give this a miss. It wasn't a total waste of time, but neither was it riveting. Overall, it is average.
February 29, 2016
The Argeneau series is still one of my favorites. It's a great lighthearted read. It can be silly at times, but it can also get steamy. I love the vampires this author created. I know some people are not a fan of instalove, but I like it if it is paranormal and has a soul mate element attached to it. What I especially loved about this book, in particular, was that the heroine was a 62 year old widow and the hero looked like he was 24 (although he was 100). It's such a unique story line that soul mates meet and fall in love no matter what. One couple in this book, the vampire discovered his life mate was another man. Yet, he never knew he was gay. It's an interesting idea that there are no boundaries to love. Plus, who wouldn't dream of being a 62 year old woman who meets a hot 24 year old then gets turned into a vampire and reverts back to her 24 year old self. If only it could happen in real life.
May 12, 2016
Runaway Vampire
The Characters:
Dante Notte
Mary Winslow
The Story:
HOW COULD SHE LEAVE ME ON A CLIFFHANGER!?! Okay so Mary and Dante’s story is complete but the whole Tomasso situation is up in the air and I NEED to know what happens.
It’s no lie I already love this series. Dante has been a gentle giant that has deserved his Happily Ever After for many years and I’m so glad he’s found Mary. Their story was so engrossing that I actually had dreams about being in an RV. I love the overall story arc that we are climbing. This is a solid hit for me from the Argeneau family.
The Random Thoughts:
4 Stars
The Characters:
Dante Notte
Mary Winslow
The Story:
HOW COULD SHE LEAVE ME ON A CLIFFHANGER!?! Okay so Mary and Dante’s story is complete but the whole Tomasso situation is up in the air and I NEED to know what happens.
It’s no lie I already love this series. Dante has been a gentle giant that has deserved his Happily Ever After for many years and I’m so glad he’s found Mary. Their story was so engrossing that I actually had dreams about being in an RV. I love the overall story arc that we are climbing. This is a solid hit for me from the Argeneau family.
The Random Thoughts:
4 Stars
February 27, 2016
I enjoyed this a lot, but the old lady turning business has become really formulaic. Maybe the fMC is easier for a mature writer if the character also older, I dunno. Anyway, I'm certainly getting bored with it (and I AM an old lady).
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