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The Reluctant Vampire (Argeneau #15)

4.23 of 5 stars 4.23 · rating details · 5,474 ratings · 245 reviews

Has this immortal finally met her match?

Rogue hunter Drina Argenis (from the Spanish side of the Argeneau family) has been many things in her years as an immortal, but bodyguard/babysitter to a teenage vampire is something new. There's an incentive, however: the other vampsitter, Harper Stoyan, may be Drina's life mate.

Trouble is, having just lost a life mate, Harper is re...more

Paperback, 365 pages

Published May 31st 2011 by Avon

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May 22, 2011 All Things Urban Fantasy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed-by-julia

Jumping into an established series with book 15 can risky, but THE RELUCTANT VAMPIRE amply rewarded my daring. Sands interweaves details about the Argeneau vampires and this story’s main love interests without ever sacrificing the forward momentum of the narrative, and I was caught up in the story from page one. Drina and Harper’s romance was very effective as a stand alone (hot, hot, hot!), and while there were some details about the plot that went over my head, that just further motivates me t...more Jumping into an established series with book 15 can risky, but THE RELUCTANT VAMPIRE amply rewarded my daring. Sands interweaves details about the Argeneau vampires and this story’s main love interests without ever sacrificing the forward momentum of the narrative, and I was caught up in the story from page one. Drina and Harper’s romance was very effective as a stand alone (hot, hot, hot!), and while there were some details about the plot that went over my head, that just further motivates me to go back and enjoy the previous books in the series.

The focus of THE RELUCTANT VAMPIRE is definitely more on relationships than action, which is one reason it was so easy to pick up this book and enjoy jumping into the series. Sands uses the “life mate” concept between her characters as an opportunity for both comedy and romance, not as a crutch to avoid writing well developed relationships. This attention to detail created vivid, delicious chemistry between Drina and Harper. The dance club scene was a realistic balance of sexual attraction and first date "getting to know you" conversations (which are pretty fascinating between immortal creatures), and even the skunk incident was a lovely blend of the mundane and romantic (Alessandro's vehement reaction to the "smelly cat" had me cracking up and the image of Harper sitting on a toilet seat with a clothes pin on his nose was completely adorable).

While certain aspects of the plot felt like a stretch near the end (and Stephanie’s early efforts to set up Harper and Drina had me cringing), THE RELUCTANT VAMPIRE had a well paced and satisfying middle that more than made up for early and late growing pains. Despite all the happy couples cameoed in this book, it was gruff, silent Anders’ reaction to the thought of a life mate that truly charmed me. I look forward to reading his back story (and dare I hope, eventual Happily Ever After?), as I work my way through the rest of the Argeneau series.

Sexual Content: Several explicit sex scenes.(less)

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Jun 19, 2011 Lady Valee rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: pnr-romance

3.5 STARS

This was a great and entertaining read, quick and fun. I had a nice time reading this book. I loved reading about characters that had been left aside in the previous installments. I still kinda miss the original Argeneaus from the first books though. Still it was a sweet comeback from some of the terrible last books I had read in this series. It made me wanna read more of this series again.

In this installment we get to read Harper's HEA. I am very ashamed to admit that I truly don't rem...more 3.5 STARS

This was a great and entertaining read, quick and fun. I had a nice time reading this book. I loved reading about characters that had been left aside in the previous installments. I still kinda miss the original Argeneaus from the first books though. Still it was a sweet comeback from some of the terrible last books I had read in this series. It made me wanna read more of this series again.

In this installment we get to read Harper's HEA. I am very ashamed to admit that I truly don't remember who Harper was, even after reading the book, LOL. I just can't remember what his role was in the previous books. And his heroine was a lost Argentis (Argeneau in Spanish) brought from Europe never mentioned before as well. But in this case it worked for me because everything seemed new and different from the previous books, which was what I needed because all the last books just felt kind of different chapters of a same story. Harper was HAWT, way too sexy, I just loved him. He was all alpha but knew just when exactly move aside. And Drina Argenis was amazing, I mean what's not to love about a heroine who is more than 2000 years old and was a pirate, a madame, a concubine, a duchess and a gladiator in her previous lives? She was amazing. And I loved that the author rook some time to describe how those lives were, not only mentioned it. Both characters were interesting and with a great chemistry. The plot was good, nothing outstanding but nothing bad about it; it could have been better though. The romance was great but in order for me to rate this book higher I would have needed a stronger plot. Still definitely worth your time.

We also get to read what happened with this 15 year old girl who had been turned against her will in the previous installment. She will be a very interesting heroine one day. Also we have the cop of the town the story develops who will be the hero in the future installment of the series ---> Can't wait for that one!

Overall I had a nice time reading this installment and it brought my faith for this series back again. Way to go Lynsay! Now I will be waiting for November's installment. (less)

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Jun 01, 2011 Melindeeloo rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance, paranormal-romance-vampire

The Reluctant Vampire, Argeneau number fifteen(!), was my favorite of Sands' light vampire romances in a long time. The matching making continues, as rogue hunting Drina gets a chance to check out vampire Harper – who is still guilt ridden over losing his lifemate during her 'Turn' – while they are both pulling 'babysitting' duty for fangless teen vamp Stephanie - who is still in danger from her insane maker.

The last few "Hunter" books in particular had started to feel overly familiar, but it re...more

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May 22, 2011 Julia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, fiction, arcs, dropbox

Jumping into a long running series with book 15 is risky, but I certainly enjoyed myself. The relationship between the hero and heroine was effective as a stand alone (and smoking hot). Details about the Argeneau vampires were sprinkled at intervals in the story, and I never felt lost. There'd were some details about Stephanie's plight and Leonius's actions that could have been clearer, but that just further motivates me to go back and enjoy the previous books in the series.

As a Paranormal roma...more

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Jun 19, 2011 ~V~ rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance

A really sweet addition to the Argeneau series! Very hilarious, as usual...and i do believe the steam factor might have been slightly higher in this one than some of the past books...which in my opinion is a PLUS!! :)

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Sep 16, 2012 Jessica Weiss rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was just alright for me. It's been so long since Victor & Evie's book that I barely remember Harper and I didn't care enough to look back and see what I could remember of him. I was annoyed that she had to create a whole other branch on the family tree just for Harper's story. Martine still has three girls who were unattached and then there was Jean Louise who could have been Harper's mate, but instead we had to have a whole new character that pops out of nowhere.

Not once did they menti...more

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Oct 26, 2011 Marilyn Rondeau rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

As a devout follower of Sands’ Argeneau Series I look forward to each book as it is released. In THE RELUCTANT VAMPIRE the author introduces a new heroine from the Spanish side of the family. Aunt Marguerite who is one of Sands’recurring characters and a ‘spot on’ vampire matchmaker has engineered events to place Drina in Harper’s path. Even though Harper had recently lost a ‘life mate’ odds are it would be rather impossible to have another show up so soon. In this case Sands inserts a smidgeon...more

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Aug 11, 2011 Louise rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal, didn-t-love-didn-t-hate

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I have mixed feelings about this book. I have read every book in this series, and liked or loved all of them. Of the last 6, 5 have been liked and 1 have been loved (the renegade hunter), which is why it took me so long to start this one – I suppose I was worried I might be disappointed. And I was. Sort of.

This story features Drina Argenis, a niece of Lucian Argeneau (it seems the author has been forced to invent new relatives to keep the series going), and Harper Stoyan, who we met in book sev...more I have mixed feelings about this book. I have read every book in this series, and liked or loved all of them. Of the last 6, 5 have been liked and 1 have been loved (the renegade hunter), which is why it took me so long to start this one – I suppose I was worried I might be disappointed. And I was. Sort of.

This story features Drina Argenis, a niece of Lucian Argeneau (it seems the author has been forced to invent new relatives to keep the series going), and Harper Stoyan, who we met in book seven, where he was one of Elvi’s suitors.
As a character Harper was fine, I enjoyed him in Victor and Elvi’s book, and was looking forward to seeing more of him after having heard of his misfortune with his lifemate in one of the previous books. Unfortunately he never really caught my attention as a hero, in fact I found him kind of annoying. He really isn’t good enough for Drina IMHO.
Drina, short for Alexandrina, was much more interesting to me and what kept me reading right up to the end. I wanted to stay with her. She was temperamental, fun and most importantly not a wimp. If she felt that Harper wasn’t treating her fairly she told him so and demanded that he stop. No crying Miss here. Her past was fascinating, and I think I would have enjoyed a book following just her life. The only real objection I have, is the way she continuously forgot her training as a rogue hunter, and acted foolishly. I understand that when lifemates meet they become distracted, but Harper, who is a cook, was the one who put the most thought into the mystery of who was trying to harm them. This in spite of the fact that she is supposed to have been a rogue hunter for well over a century.
To my great surprise there was actually a third character, who was integral to the story. I’m talking about Stephanie, younger sister of past heroine Dani. Stephanie is being hunted by Leonius, who wants her for a broodmare (she’s a teenager – ew!). He changed her and her sister against their wishes, and now Stephanie has to live with strangers. Even though her sister and brother-in-law are the only relatives she is still allowed to interact with she can’t stay with them. I can’t remember the reasons and they aren’t explained in this book. This seems more than a little cruel to me. Not only is she isolated from the rest of her family, after having been viciously attacked by an insane vampire. She is then placed with two couples (Elvi+Victor, Mabel+DJ) who are supposed to look after her until it is safe to be with her sisters again, and act as surrogate parents. Except both couples go on a honeymoon. At the same time. Right after she has arrived and settled in with them and started to bond. Another female hunter –Mirabeau – was supposed to look after her until and takes care of her. Except she too has found a lifemate and can’t focus on the traumatized teenager. At this point I’m amazed she is actually able to accept yet another person as easily as she does the heroine of this book. They are instant best friends. At this point I thought: seriously? No abandonment issues at all? She must be the world’s most reasonable teenager.
Nevertheless I grew very fond of Stephanie as the story progressed. I very much look forward to seeing more of her later

As for the plot, it follows the pattern that has formed in this series. Couple meets. They are lifemates. One of them has trouble with this concept(in this case Harper), but eventually overcomes them when accepting that (s)he really wants the other one. Somebody has it in for the happy couple for some reason. The person is stopped or killed.HEA.
The only real surprise here was Drina's response to Harper's doubts. Kudos to her for standing up for herself.

I figured out at the first attack roughly who the baddie was (not the name of the person, but the motive, and through it a good idea of who that might fit). Several times I wanted to smack the protagonists and the other characters for not thinking. They are supposed to be smart, so why don’t they see that the person they suspect would be doing things completely different. I mean even when they said out loud how he wanted them alive, it really didn’t seem to register with them that he wasn’t the one trying to kill them. So frustrating.

As an aside, why was it necessary to make Jenny evil? I mean, isn’t it possible for him to love twice within the same decade or something? I think grieving her honestly would have made for a stronger story than the one that was actually written.

In the end this is an ok read. I liked it well enough, that I will most likely pick the next one up, if it seems promising at the time. However this author is now off my autobuy list. She has at some point changed the direction of this series from light funny reads, to more serious conflict ridden stories. I don’t mind conflict or angst, I read it often enough from other authors. This just doesn’t do it for me, and so this author is now off my autobuy list. I won’t consistently spend my money on books that aren’t consistently great reads.
(less)

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Jul 11, 2011 Barbara rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Call me jaded but this story was a long read for me. Not bc it was hard but bc the characters were mehh. Drina was a hot temale but Harper... he's just the joy stick.

Someone is trying to kill Stephanie (Leonius, is that u?). It's up to many vamps to babysit her and keep her safe.

Harper: Whoa, my true love Jenny died while was trying to turn her. My heart is stattered. Whoa! Hey hot mama Drina! ...No, I am still mourning my past dead love. Oh, the grief, the pain, the lack of sex I will be having...more

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Jun 21, 2011 Christine Morehouse rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

New York Times bestseller, Lynsay Sands latest in her beloved paranormal romance series, An Argeneau Novel, “THE RELUCATANT VAMPIRE just released by Avon Books this past May is a supernova of a read. It’s entertaining and engaging fleshed out characters with their wit and charm just explode into a million stars of excitement that I could not help myself but read through the night.

Even a Vampire gets the blues. Harper Stoyan still blames himself for his lifemates death. Thankful that his friends...more New York Times bestseller, Lynsay Sands latest in her beloved paranormal romance series, An Argeneau Novel, “THE RELUCATANT VAMPIRE just released by Avon Books this past May is a supernova of a read. It’s entertaining and engaging fleshed out characters with their wit and charm just explode into a million stars of excitement that I could not help myself but read through the night.

Even a Vampire gets the blues. Harper Stoyan still blames himself for his lifemates death. Thankful that his friends Tiny and Mirabeau have brought Stephanie McGill is, a young newly turned immortal in need of protection from a mad-no-fanger named Leonus is just the distraction he needs. Things are work pretty well when Anders and Drina Argenis (Argeneau) show up to help protect the vamp in training. Harper finds himself attracted to the beautiful Spanish hunter. Bored and a little home sick Stephanie decides to play match maker for Drina and the reluctant Harper. But, really how hard can it be with one newly turned teenage vampire and a crazed no-fanger on the hunt and someone out to kill the sparks that have suddenly ignited between Drina and Harper.

Stephanie McGill is the reason I loved THE RELUCTANT VAMPIRE. She is spunky and fire. Stephanie is a newly turned vampire. Add in the fact that she is a teenager, had to leave her family and is now being hidden away in a secluded area in Canada and she hasn’t lost her mind---or thrown a tantrum say loads about this character. I adored the fact that Ms. Sands didn’t make her a bratty teenager but one that was so full of pep and energy. Readers are going to enjoy watching all the antics this little cupid pulls out from her arsenal to bring these two lifemates together. There are so many laugh out loud moments with this character that I recommend you have a box of Kleenex hands to wipe the tears away.

For the legions of fans that are very familiar with Ms. Sand’s Argeneau series, THE RELUCTANT VAMPIRE will be like a big family reunion with Tiny, Maribeau, Anders, Lucien and Marguerite. But the characters that you will fall-head-over fangs for are the happy reluctant couple themselves….or at least Harper is the reluctant one of this half-crazy in love-lust couple. Oh well reader, you have to love a man who torments himself over something he had no control over (just like a man). His lifemate Jenny died during her turning and Harper just cannot shake that if he had not given into her that she would be alive living happily ever after…not. Things start to become way too confusing for this damaged vamp when Drina Argenis appears and he is feeling more, his taste buds have revved up and the lifemates sexual bond has his overload. This shouldn’t be happening…should it? Harper shucks it of as residual feelings from his last lifemate, but he really isn’t sure. You see things aren’t adding up with his life mate as things are heating up to scorcher times infinity with Drina. Gosh, I love a confused vamp. It makes me all warm and toast inside.
Drina Argenis is just as apprehensive as harper but in a completely I-know-I-am-you-lifemate kind of way. Drina is a take charge spitfire of a girl. She has known from day one that Harper is hers but she isn’t willing to fight a ghost. Even though her and Harper’s bond seem to grow through every drama, every attempt on their lives and through the most atomically powered sex either one has had. Drina still holds back. I ask…wouldn’t you?
In the end I had a laugh out loud adventure with Drina and Harper. The theme that was predominating throughout the story was trust. Several of the characters had to let go over their self-contained control and trust in each other. Nothing said it better than the turning Maribeau Argeneau’s lifemate mortal detective, Tiny (BITTEN BY CUPID) into a vampire. Everyone came together to help him through the transition. I admit that sense of family bond really touched my heart.

I love fiction more than fact. Sad, but true. The thing I learn most from reading fiction like a THE RELUCTANT VAMPIRE is to have strength. The strong family values—even in a paranormal setting—touch a reader’s heart. This is why we keep coming back for more. Yes Ms. Sand’s is a pro at writing drop-dead fleshed to the bone characters that we wouldn’t mind sharing a pint of blood with. But if you were to strip that all away what you have is a damn intense good story about a loving family that takes care of their own, protects their young and will move heaven and earth to prove they love you. As a reader I could not ask for more.

(less)

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Jun 17, 2011 K rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fans of author and/or paranormal romance

Recommended to K by: fan of author/series

The Reluctant Vampire continues the Argeneau family saga. Once again, Margeruite has played matchmaker. This time she pairs Harper w/ Drina believing they are life mates. The only problem is Drina has to overcome Harper's reluctance, and prove once and for all that they are truly meant for each other.

Overall, I found this story a fun, easy read; and truly appreciated Sands use of with and humor. I absolutely loved Drina's character, and found Harper's reluctance sweet and enduring. Ofcourse, I l...more

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May 27, 2011 Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, paranormal

I've never actually laughed so much it hurt while reading a book, but I certainly did with The Reluctant Vampire. I think Ms. Sands had the inner track on my funny bone this time around because I simply could not stop giggling and snickering and even the last chapter left me with a goofy smile on my face. How did she do it?

I’ll share how I think she did it. First she had poor unsuspecting Harper who’s agonizing over internal angst and he gets sideswiped by an Aunt Marguerite special delivery --...more

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Mar 16, 2011 Julia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Reviewed by Mona at RexRobotReviews.com

Lynsay Sands does it again with her newest Argeneau novel – The Reluctant Vampire. Aunt Marguerite is at it again with her match making tendencies. But what do you do when you encounter a reluctant vampire? Well... you hunt them down of course! Harper, who has already buried one life mate, is not looking for another. But Drina shows up he just can not seem to keep his mind or his hands off her. With a little nudge from their charge, romantic havoc is in the...more

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Jan 22, 2013 Sian rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: lynsay-sands-argeneau

I'm glad that Harper got a book, i sort of felt as though some of the good characters were being missed with the multiple Lifemate's in the past books.

Again this book surprised me, mainly because i did not think Harper would get his happy ending. I was a little upset to read that Harper had lost his mate Jenny during the turn and i did think the odds of him finding another Lifemate so soon was a little odd.

I did like Harper though and his character was just funny, when he wasn't moping over losi...more

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Oct 11, 2011 Lynda Tatad rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm a huge fan of the Argeneau series by Lynsay Sands. I love the humor mixed in with the paranormal romance, and it's always fun when new vampire lifemates discover the shared passion, and are both so overwhelmed that they pass out afterwards. Of course, there's a story in there, too, and it picks up shortly after 'Renegade Hunter' and 'Vampire Valentine' had left off after 2 sisters had been turned by no-fanger Leonis.

Stephanie McGillis, sister to Dani, is 15 years old, and has been taken to a...more

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Jun 30, 2011 Soraia rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: argeneau-rogue-hunter, reviews

Installment number fifteen in Lynsay Sands' series about the Argeneau vampires, The Reluctant Vampire introduces the Argentis branch of the family, one of the variations with roots in Spain. Drina is a rogue hunter with a very interesting past and due to Marguerite's indication, she ends up with babysitting duty in the small city of Port Henry. She's supposed to take care of Stephanie, a teenage girl we met a couple of books prior, and while at it meet Harper, her potential life-mate.

Harper is s...more Installment number fifteen in Lynsay Sands' series about the Argeneau vampires, The Reluctant Vampire introduces the Argentis branch of the family, one of the variations with roots in Spain. Drina is a rogue hunter with a very interesting past and due to Marguerite's indication, she ends up with babysitting duty in the small city of Port Henry. She's supposed to take care of Stephanie, a teenage girl we met a couple of books prior, and while at it meet Harper, her potential life-mate.

Harper is still in Port Henry after the tragic death of his life-mate during her turn. He's drowning in his own guilt and hasn't seen much reason to live for for the past year and a half. What's been holding him is the care of his friends in the small city but that depression will run for the door the moment he sees Drina, if she plays her cards right that is.

I still can't decide if I liked this book or not. Since the first story in the series I felt like a friend of the family, cheering for all of them and laughing a lot with them, bitting my nails and suffering when the situation called for it. This connection did not happen with this one.

Drina is interesting to a point, some of her reactions got me whispering “you go, girl” but mostly it was like she was brain damaged throughout the story. Where was the smart rogue hunter? Yes, they all get distracted when newly life-mated, but this time it was an exaggeration. And that's not for her alone.

Even though I did not know the answers for the plot before the end, I also considered many more possibilities than they did, and I'm not centuries old working as an enforcer/rogue hunter.

Harper is alright, he's a sweet sweet guy, totally adorable, but as a male he did not stir anything in me. I couldn't even get into all the ~~hot~~ warm, almost cool, scenes he shared with Drina. And the interruptions, oh dear, I was ready to scream.

The drama did not convince me, the chemistry between the couple didn't work, and the plot was kind of silly. Even the fun parts didn't make me laugh as much as with the others. I don't know, there's nothing fundamentally wrong with this one, but simply didn't work for me. However, I'm waiting for the next one to come, I still like the Argeneaus too much to even consider giving up on them.
(less)

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Dec 11, 2012 Lori Schiele rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, romance, vamps-and-other-monsters, paranormal

I was rather disappointed with this book, although I haven't read anything from this author, or from this series (The Argeneau series) before.
The plot, essentially, is a rogue vampire hunter, Drina, (who happens to be a vampire herself) is hired to help "babysit" and protect a newly-changed vampire who happens to be a head-strong teenager. In the process, Drina finds her "lifemate", Harper, amongst the other vampires also sent to babysit the teenager. Harper, however, just lost his previous lif...more

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Jun 03, 2011 Paranormal Haven rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed-read-by-stephanie

Alexandrina Argenis has been sent to the small town of Port Henry to help protect the immortal teenager Stephanie from the the cruel no-fanger who will do anything to get his evil hands on her. But Stephanie isn't the only immortal Drina is keeping an eye on. Upon meeting Harpernus Stoyan, Drina notices her appetite has returned and she is unable to read Harper's mind, two important signs that point to the pair being lifemates. Problem is Harper blames himself for the death of his first lifemate...more Alexandrina Argenis has been sent to the small town of Port Henry to help protect the immortal teenager Stephanie from the the cruel no-fanger who will do anything to get his evil hands on her. But Stephanie isn't the only immortal Drina is keeping an eye on. Upon meeting Harpernus Stoyan, Drina notices her appetite has returned and she is unable to read Harper's mind, two important signs that point to the pair being lifemates. Problem is Harper blames himself for the death of his first lifemate during her turning and uses the guilt as punishment on himself. But now that Drina has found her lifemate, she'll do whatever it takes to show him she's worth moving on for.

The Reluctant Vampire has the feel of the earlier Argeneau books with the main focus being on the romance. Before Drina ever meets Harper, a lot of emphasis is put on how hard it will be for her to convince him that he should give their relationship a chance. In actuality I found there to be a little resistance at first but Harper didn't have nearly as much fight in him when it came to accepting his new lifemate as others kept saying there would be. Their relationship was sweet and there were several sexy moments between the two that left them naked and unconscious on the floor. Separate I found Harper to be cute but nothing too extraordinarily. Drina on the other hand I absolutely loved and she was the highlight of this book for me. She had confidence in her self and her ability to bring Harper to his knees, she's innovative in the unusual professions she's chosen in her life in order to be on her own, she's sexy without trying and her sympathy and dedication to a girl she just met showed how deep her emotions run. Not to mention she's a rogue hunter and can fight along side the best of her kind. A really great heroine all around.

Leonius is the no-fanger, an immortal who doesn't have fangs and preys viciously on mortals, who turned the 15 year old Stephanie against her will in order to use her as a breeder. Stephanie and her sister were rescued from him a few books back and Leonius has been determined to get them both back. Stephanie is in Port Henry with other immortals for her own protection. She's a nice girl who has some very interesting abilities for being such a young turn but I couldn't help but find it a bit creepy by how she was trying to play match maker between Drina and Harper. She would talk about lingerie on Drina and the sexual things that would be going through their minds in order to turn the other person on. It got to be too much and I found myself skipping those parts so I wouldn't he turned off the story.

The Reluctant Vampire is not my favorite from the series but it was still a highly enjoyable installment. The story was more romance focused which is why I was first turned onto the series. Harper and Drina make a nice couple but Drina really manages to shine all on her own and command most of the scenes she was in. Fans of the series will be happy to see Tiny, Beau, Anders and other familiar characters. My favorite scene from a supporting character came from an all too quick encounter with Lucien, who even after 15 books is still one of my favorites. Paranormal romance fans will enjoy and even though I don't recommend it because you'd miss out on a lot of really great characters, it can be read as a stand alone.
-Stephanie(less)

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Jun 26, 2011 Stephanie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Lynsay Sands Does It Again with The Reluctant Vampire
Review at http://fangswandsandfairydust.blogspo... on June 17, 2011

The Reluctant Vampire
Lynsay Sands
#15 in the Argeneau Series
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Avon; Original edition (May 31, 2011)
Kindle Edition: 525 KB
Print Length: 384 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0061894591
Publisher: Harper Collins, Inc.; Original edition (May 31, 2011)
Sold by: HarperCollins Publishers

Not Icky, follows series blueprint with great results!

Has thi...more

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Jun 15, 2011 Pansy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I am really on the fence about how I felt about this addition to the Argeanu series. There have been some bombs lately. I will never give up on the series but it is becoming a struggle to get through them. The last few books have left me empty wanting to know what has happened to the old familiar characters but we have gotten nothing. Not a crumb.

This book is strictly romance. There are some great steamy scenes. I did like the connection between Harper and Drina but they were not a couple that I...more

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Sep 01, 2011 Michelle added it · review of another edition

Shelves: can-t-take-any-more-of-it

It's ok but nothing I am pressed about staying up to read all night. Again I am missing the emotional connection with the characters. The author tried and used words that should have done it but it was a miss for me. One part had it but only for a few lines. I know what is missing for me now. Harper is acting like a punk instead of a strong alpha male. And the author did not take the time to give you any background or back story so that you are not lost if this is the first time you have read a...more

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Jul 12, 2011 Jenn rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a super fluffy, silly series. The whole nanos thing makes it appear to set itself apart and be the more scientific explanation for vampires, but there are all sorts of things that they've gotten along with that don't make sense, scientifically. They also claim a lot of their changes are the results of evolution, but the timing has been entirely too short for that to be the explanation, though perhaps the nanos have sped up evolution in their case? I don't know, but I still enjoy this ser...more

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Aug 14, 2011 Amelia-Irene rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a twist on the regular Argeneau series books.

Drian Argenis (the Spanish side of the family) has agreed to go help guard a newly turned teenage "no fanger" who had been turned against her will. Her sister had been killed at the same time, and Stephanie is really homesick to see the family that she can never be a part of again. They think that she's dead for their own protection.

The other reason is there might be a lifemate for her in Harper Stoyan, who just lost his lifemate. Harper is so...more

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Jul 07, 2011 Cynthia Eaton rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance

I absolutely adore this series! Lynsay Sands has a wonderful way of combining her idea of vampires, humor, romance, and mixing in a little mystery to create a great read.

Aunt Marguerite is playing matchmaker yet again, this time she pairs her niece Drina Argenis ( the Spanish form of Argeneau), with Harper (minor character from previous books). The story is set in Port Henry, Canada, where they are in charge of protecting 15-year-old Stephanie McGill (Dani's sister that was turned by Leonius in...more

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Jul 18, 2012 Bron rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: canada, vampire, paranormal, romance, raunchy

I have only read a few Lynsay Sands books, and I think the only one I have read in order was the first one, however, I don't think that my enjoyment of the books has been diminished at all by the lack of order. I don't know all the characters, but each book manages to stand on its own. The Reluctant Vampire does have a lot of story about Stephanie, and thankfully I have read the story in which she and her sister were originally kidnapped. I loved this book, and found the romance between Drina an...more

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Jun 07, 2011 ♡ Sassy ~ Amy ♡ rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance, own, vampire, romance, canadian-author

So this is a story that goes along with The Accidental Vampire. That is a "must read" prior to this book. If you haven't read tha book in a long time or not at all, reacquaint yourself with the characters FIRST otherwise, the characters make no sense. Vampires are accepted in this small town, and it took me until after page 120 to say AHHH! That's right!

This is the only book I would say that you CANNOT read as a stand alone, or out of order! It would be a HUGE mistake to start with this book. N...more

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Jun 01, 2011 Kelsey rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: vampires, paranormal, romance

Alexandrina “Drina” Argenis is a rogue hunter. She has been sent to help protect Stephanie McGill who is a new turn with some amazing powers from Leonius, who wants her for breeding. The truth, however, is Marguerite knows that her life mate is at the house. Harpernus “Harper” Stoyan is still reeling with the loss of his supposed life mate. He hasn’t left the area but instead just tortures himself with the memories because he feels he doesn’t deserve happiness ever again. Drina knows that she mu...more

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Jul 15, 2011 Book Review Diva rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: vampire

“The Reluctant Vampire by Lynsay Sands

Harper Stoyan, lost his first lifemate during her turning into a vampire. Harper never thought he would get over the death of his life mate Jenny, or even have the possibility of meeting another lifemate during his life time. Harper has done nothing but blame himself for Jenny's death ever since. He has not even allowed himself to look at another female, or so much as smiled in the direction of one since that time. This will all soon change when a Spanish...more

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Jun 21, 2011 WildAboutBones rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is the fifteenth novel in the Argeneau/Rogue Hunter series and, as usual, it is full of unique vampires, engaging humor, apprehensive situations, attempted murder and seductive romance. This may be the sexiest, most sensual of all the Argeneau books and is Drina and Harper's story.

Set in Port Henry again, where most of the mortal residents know about and love their vampires, fans of the series will be glad to know that Jackie's partner, Tiny, and Mirabeau are back as is Teddy, Allesandro, S...more This is the fifteenth novel in the Argeneau/Rogue Hunter series and, as usual, it is full of unique vampires, engaging humor, apprehensive situations, attempted murder and seductive romance. This may be the sexiest, most sensual of all the Argeneau books and is Drina and Harper's story.

Set in Port Henry again, where most of the mortal residents know about and love their vampires, fans of the series will be glad to know that Jackie's partner, Tiny, and Mirabeau are back as is Teddy, Allesandro, Stephanie, Anders and many more of the usual gang. If you are new to the series, no worries, each of these books is so well written you can start with any of them and not be lost.

Drina, a 2000+ year old lovely, petite, rogue hunting Spaniard, suddenly finds herself being read by a newly turned Stephanie and unable to read Harper whom she has just been introduced to. Marguerite had mentioned she thought he might be her lifemate. Hhmmm, a lifemate... she hasn't even had or thought about sex in centuries.

Harper, guilt-ridden and morose much of the time since losing his lifemate a year and a half ago, finds himself intrigued by Drina. Precocious Stephanie delights in torturing him with talk of Drina's body and having sex with her all in an attempt to get him thinking about being with Drina instead of agonizing over the death of his lifemate. Hilarity ensues.

When Harper finds himself in a heavy petting session with Drina outside a restaurant and then almost takes her up against the wall in the alleyway during a blizzard while waiting for his car, he is shocked at himself. Then when they further engage in provocative foreplay in the Night Club, he decides to test his theory in front of hallway mirror in his apartment foyer while he undresses and pleasures Drina.

There are several "pee in your pants" funny scenes involving what Allesandro calls a smelly cat. Don't read this books before bed because you'll never get to sleep from all the laughter.

Sands is such a talented writer, she makes the reader feel a part of what is happening. Mixing hysterical banter and situations with sensual action, she has once again created a not to be missed paranormal romance.
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Jul 23, 2011 Jamie Mae rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance-paranormal, starring-vampires

The first couple of pages had me thinking I had missed a book or story in the middle because it's been a while since I read the Accidental Vampire or The Immortal Hunter. It took me a while to remember where they were and who Stephanie was but once I did I was sucked into another of Lynsay Sands quirky vampire adventure. I love the twist of seeing the whole life mate thing thru the eyes of a teenager. I actually woke my husband at one point because I was laughing out loud but I just couldn't put...more

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About Lynsay Sands

Lynsay Sands is the nationally bestselling author of the Argeneau/Rogue Hunter vampire series, as well as numerous historicals and anthologies. 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 fit...more Lynsay Sands is the nationally bestselling author of the Argeneau/Rogue Hunter vampire series, as well as numerous historicals and anthologies. 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.

Born in Southern Ontario, Lynsay Sands is the New York Times bestselling author of the Argeneau Vampire series. She has written more than 34 books and anthologies since her first novel was published in 1997. Her romantic comedies span three genres—historical, contemporary, and paranormal—and have made the Waldenbooks, Barnes & Noble, USA Today, and New York Times bestseller lists. Lynsay's books are read in more than twelve countries and have been translated into at least six languages. She's been a nominee for both the Romantic Times Best Historical Romance Award and the Romantic Times Best Paranormal Romance Award, was nominated and placed three times in the RIO (Reviewers International Organization) Awards of Excellence, and has several books on All About Romance's Favorite Funnies list.

1.) I started The Deed (my first romantic comedy and the first book to be published) a year after my mother's death. I was very close to my mother and the year following her death was about the most miserable time imaginable. But then I decided I was tired of being down and unhappy, and looked around for something to lift my spirits and make me laugh. When I couldn't find anything, I decided to sit down and write my own. It worked! Emmalene and Amaury's antics in The The Deed had me chuckling as I wrote.
2.) I met my husband in New York in July 2003. I was there because of the RWA conference and he was there on vacation. The first day there we kept running into each other and chatting in front of the hotel, and then he asked to join our group (it was very brave of him. He was the lone male amongst six or seven women, lol). He's a Brit and I'm Canadian and the first two months of our relationship were conducted by phone as well as over the internet. Our first date was a week in New York in September, followed by three weeks in England. He then came to Canada in both November and December, the first time to propose and the second time for Christmas with my family and then to take me back to England with him for New Years. I lived in Northern England for two years. We married in New York and now live in Canada.
3.) I was writing about my husband before I met him. Single White Vampire came out in September 2003 and I took a copy with me to England when I went for the three weeks. I walked into my now-hubby's house to find at least six months worth of mail unopened and stacked up on a shelf inside the front door. When I stopped dead, eyes going wide with shock and asked "My God. That's mail. You don't open your mail?" He looked embarrassed and muttered some explanation about bills automatically being paid by the bank so no need to open those and everything else was unsolicited and he couldn't be bothered. When I burst out laughing, he started to frown and said "What?" My response was to dig out the copy of Single White Vampire and hand it over with the suggestion he read it. The mail thing wasn't the only similarity he had to Lucern Argeneau. There are many more and when he sat down to read the book, he kept stopping and turning a rather startled and even suspicious gaze my way and muttering that this sounded familiar" or that did. I had to point out that it really was coincidence, that I had written that story at least nine months before meeting him. LOL.(less)

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Quotes from The Reluctant Vampire

“Oh dear, is that a skunk?" Leonora asked.
"No," Alessandro gasped in horror. "No the smelly cat!"
"I've told you, Alessandro darling, they aren't cats."
"They look like cats. Like the big fluffy cat she's been stepped on and flattened to a big fluffy pancake cat," Alessandro argued.” — 23 people liked it

“I'm going to brush my hair and change my clothes if we're going out. That gives you two ten minutes to get it out of your system, so I'm not stuck with a couple of frustrated horndogs all day. But no pressure," she added on a laugh as she swung out of the room and started upstairs.” — 12 people liked it

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The Reluctant Vampire (Argeneau #15)

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