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Argeneau #12.5
Bitten by Cupid
With their very lives at stake, love was the last thing on their minds. But then they were Bitten by Cupid...
A Daring Vampire thinks she can conquer anything, but when she's paired with a mortal detective, she'll find her life - and her heart - in grave danger...
An innocent woman falls into the arms of a mysterious man when she can't get a killer's terrifying thoughts out of her head...
A stunning beauty should be thrilled when her lost love finally returns, but instead she fears for their immortal lives...
On Valentine's Day, some women want roses. But some just want to make it through the day alive. In Bitten by Cupid Lynsay Sands, Pamela Palmer and Jaime Rush present three tales of dangerous desire, where giving in to temptation could turn deadly, and even immortality won't keep you safe from Cupid's bow.
Stories included are:
Vampire Valentine (Argeneau, #12,5) by Lynsay Sands
Hearts Untamed (Feral Warriors, #3,5) by Pamela Palmer
Kiss and Kill Cupid (Offspring, #2,5) by Jaime Rush
A Daring Vampire thinks she can conquer anything, but when she's paired with a mortal detective, she'll find her life - and her heart - in grave danger...
An innocent woman falls into the arms of a mysterious man when she can't get a killer's terrifying thoughts out of her head...
A stunning beauty should be thrilled when her lost love finally returns, but instead she fears for their immortal lives...
On Valentine's Day, some women want roses. But some just want to make it through the day alive. In Bitten by Cupid Lynsay Sands, Pamela Palmer and Jaime Rush present three tales of dangerous desire, where giving in to temptation could turn deadly, and even immortality won't keep you safe from Cupid's bow.
Stories included are:
Vampire Valentine (Argeneau, #12,5) by Lynsay Sands
Hearts Untamed (Feral Warriors, #3,5) by Pamela Palmer
Kiss and Kill Cupid (Offspring, #2,5) by Jaime Rush
371 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
355 people are currently reading
4627 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 358 reviews
April 10, 2010
So I got this book when I was finishing the Argeneau Vampire series by Ms. Sands. And I was very excited to finally hear Tiny's story. Usually when I get these short story books with several authors including their own stories, I only stick to the one that I want to read. However, with this one I took a chance and continued reading, and boy oh boy was I happy I did. Both Ms. Palmer and Ms. Rush did a great job at providing their own stories and even so much so that I have now started researching what books they have and will eventually move on to read them. When ending a series it is always heart wrenching to say "goodbye" to those characters I have grown to love and adore and often expect in my life, so I am glad I have two other authors to explore. If you are looking for a different take on the paranormal road, then I recommend this book to read. It was offer you insight into different views of those paths and even includes a little romance and some nice steamy sexy scenes. All three authors also have a bit of a sense of humor and I found myself laughing out loud at times. Enjoy, its a must read!
January 18, 2010
Cupid takes aim in this collection of Valentine's Day quickies
Love is in the air and Cupid's taken aim as paranormal romance authors Lynsay Sands, Pamela Palmer and Jamie Rush set out to deliver Valentines to their fans with this collection of romance short stories set in their series' universes( Sands' vampire Argeneaus, Palmer's shapeshifting Feral Warriors and Rush's psychic Offspring.) Cupid gives it good try here, and while 'quickies' can be fun, and all the stories had promising setups, a couple stories left me wishing for more.
"Vampire Valentine" - Lynsay Sands - Human P.I. Tiny McGraw has watched as many of his vamp friends have found their lifemates but if good old matching making Mama Argeneau is right, it may finally be Tiny's turn to get his very own vampire valentine -- I was excited about finally getting Tiny's story, but even though all the elements for a really good story are here, this is just too short to get the job done to my satisfaction - I'd have loved a full length story for our beloved Tiny and to fit the space, there's just too much 'cutting to the chase'. (3 stars)
"Hearts Untamed" - Pamela Palmer - Ten years after fleeing to London to avoid succumbing to overwhelming attraction with the then too young Julianne, Zeeland returns when his daily reports about Julianne lead him to believe that she may be in trouble. Stung by his long ago rejection, but never over her love for Zee, Zee's return couldn't come at a worse time for Julianne - because Julianne has never been able to keep her secrets from Zee and the one she is hiding is dangerous to those she cares for - so the truth could cost Zee his life. -- Neither of the leads are Feral Warriors, they are just the non-shifting members of the same race (though there are a few brief cameos of the shifters from the series.) This was actually my favorite or the three stories, Palmer fit a fair amount of story into the short and the fact that Zee and Julianne had an established connection made the romance work (though staying away ten years, strained my willing suspension of disbelief a bit)(4 stars)
"Kiss and Kill Cupid" - Jamie Rush - It looks as if this Valentine's day could be her last after psychic Kat 'hears' a killer marking her as his next victim. But whose thoughts did she hear in that crowded room? Could it be her luscious new boss-to-be? Is the sizzling attraction between them real? Does he want to kiss or kill? - This story which stands alone from Rush's "Offspring" series is a fairly typical paranormal romantic suspense offering - so you'll be able to figure out who the killer is, no problem. As a romance it's okay. (3.5 - stars)
Love is in the air and Cupid's taken aim as paranormal romance authors Lynsay Sands, Pamela Palmer and Jamie Rush set out to deliver Valentines to their fans with this collection of romance short stories set in their series' universes( Sands' vampire Argeneaus, Palmer's shapeshifting Feral Warriors and Rush's psychic Offspring.) Cupid gives it good try here, and while 'quickies' can be fun, and all the stories had promising setups, a couple stories left me wishing for more.
"Vampire Valentine" - Lynsay Sands - Human P.I. Tiny McGraw has watched as many of his vamp friends have found their lifemates but if good old matching making Mama Argeneau is right, it may finally be Tiny's turn to get his very own vampire valentine -- I was excited about finally getting Tiny's story, but even though all the elements for a really good story are here, this is just too short to get the job done to my satisfaction - I'd have loved a full length story for our beloved Tiny and to fit the space, there's just too much 'cutting to the chase'. (3 stars)
"Hearts Untamed" - Pamela Palmer - Ten years after fleeing to London to avoid succumbing to overwhelming attraction with the then too young Julianne, Zeeland returns when his daily reports about Julianne lead him to believe that she may be in trouble. Stung by his long ago rejection, but never over her love for Zee, Zee's return couldn't come at a worse time for Julianne - because Julianne has never been able to keep her secrets from Zee and the one she is hiding is dangerous to those she cares for - so the truth could cost Zee his life. -- Neither of the leads are Feral Warriors, they are just the non-shifting members of the same race (though there are a few brief cameos of the shifters from the series.) This was actually my favorite or the three stories, Palmer fit a fair amount of story into the short and the fact that Zee and Julianne had an established connection made the romance work (though staying away ten years, strained my willing suspension of disbelief a bit)(4 stars)
"Kiss and Kill Cupid" - Jamie Rush - It looks as if this Valentine's day could be her last after psychic Kat 'hears' a killer marking her as his next victim. But whose thoughts did she hear in that crowded room? Could it be her luscious new boss-to-be? Is the sizzling attraction between them real? Does he want to kiss or kill? - This story which stands alone from Rush's "Offspring" series is a fairly typical paranormal romantic suspense offering - so you'll be able to figure out who the killer is, no problem. As a romance it's okay. (3.5 - stars)
February 16, 2016
Review for the Argeneau novella.
I, as everyone in this series love Tiny. And Beau(and however her name is written) as well. And I really liked them as a couple when I have read about them in Harper's story.
I just wish the story was more about them then about...the rest. This was supposed to be the story on how they came to be together. Just as the short novella with Teddy was. I loved that one.
This was more about sewers. Hell, when I get to chapter 3 and they were still far away from having anything solved and still tripping in smelly sewers...damn...I was mad.
There was 80 % of everything, a lot of Stephanie and almost no Tiny and Beau. Shame.
I, as everyone in this series love Tiny. And Beau(and however her name is written) as well. And I really liked them as a couple when I have read about them in Harper's story.
I just wish the story was more about them then about...the rest. This was supposed to be the story on how they came to be together. Just as the short novella with Teddy was. I loved that one.
This was more about sewers. Hell, when I get to chapter 3 and they were still far away from having anything solved and still tripping in smelly sewers...damn...I was mad.
There was 80 % of everything, a lot of Stephanie and almost no Tiny and Beau. Shame.
April 15, 2012
It is really hard to rate these when 2 stories were great and one sucked. 3.5
"Vampire Valentine"- 2 stars
I've liked Lysay Sands' historicals, but they tend to be redundant. so, when I got my hands on her Argeneau Vampires, I was expecting more. I was disappointed. It was boring and had no plot.
Tiny and Maribeau are enforcers for the Argeneau family. Their mission is to take Stephenie and 14 yr old vampire to a safe house. They drop into the sewer, trek and backtrack with all kinds of hints of action...but NO ACTION. The most interesting part was when Maribeau's weave got yanked out. They made it to the safehouse with no problems. BO-RING.
"Hearts Untamed"-4.5 stars
The only thing that kept it from being a 5 was that the ending was a little abrupt. it was about 2 Therians who aren't Ferals, but we do see 3 of the Ferals in cameos. These 2 have a history, but Zee left Julianne 10 yrs ago after she declared her undying love to him. She was 20...5 yrs too young for sex in the Therian world, so Zee freaked and bailed. But he assumed Juli understood he left so he wouldn't take her and break therian law. She took it to a humiliating day best forgotten. She just found out though, that she's half Ilian..a creature thought to be extinct...but they are in a self-imposed isolation. The Ilian queen needs a necklace only Juli can find, but telling anyone about the Ilina's is a death sentence...it's how her parents died-her mom told her dad what she was. but Zee figures it out, and Kougar (a Feral) helps them stay alive and keep the queen from getting the necklace. But it hints at both a future for Kougar and the Ilinas in later books.
"Kiss and Kill Cupid"-4 stars
This had more action than any short story I've ever read before. Kristy can hear thoughts, and she hears the Kiss and Kill Cupid killer target her. Adrian gets visions, and he sees his new hire Kristy as the next victim. They don't count on falling for each other. But in their haste to catch the killer, they overlook the obvious and Kristy accuses Adrian's friend Owen. She even sics a reporter on it. oops. But there is a good ending, and I liked the story.
"Vampire Valentine"- 2 stars
I've liked Lysay Sands' historicals, but they tend to be redundant. so, when I got my hands on her Argeneau Vampires, I was expecting more. I was disappointed. It was boring and had no plot.
Tiny and Maribeau are enforcers for the Argeneau family. Their mission is to take Stephenie and 14 yr old vampire to a safe house. They drop into the sewer, trek and backtrack with all kinds of hints of action...but NO ACTION. The most interesting part was when Maribeau's weave got yanked out. They made it to the safehouse with no problems. BO-RING.
"Hearts Untamed"-4.5 stars
The only thing that kept it from being a 5 was that the ending was a little abrupt. it was about 2 Therians who aren't Ferals, but we do see 3 of the Ferals in cameos. These 2 have a history, but Zee left Julianne 10 yrs ago after she declared her undying love to him. She was 20...5 yrs too young for sex in the Therian world, so Zee freaked and bailed. But he assumed Juli understood he left so he wouldn't take her and break therian law. She took it to a humiliating day best forgotten. She just found out though, that she's half Ilian..a creature thought to be extinct...but they are in a self-imposed isolation. The Ilian queen needs a necklace only Juli can find, but telling anyone about the Ilina's is a death sentence...it's how her parents died-her mom told her dad what she was. but Zee figures it out, and Kougar (a Feral) helps them stay alive and keep the queen from getting the necklace. But it hints at both a future for Kougar and the Ilinas in later books.
"Kiss and Kill Cupid"-4 stars
This had more action than any short story I've ever read before. Kristy can hear thoughts, and she hears the Kiss and Kill Cupid killer target her. Adrian gets visions, and he sees his new hire Kristy as the next victim. They don't count on falling for each other. But in their haste to catch the killer, they overlook the obvious and Kristy accuses Adrian's friend Owen. She even sics a reporter on it. oops. But there is a good ending, and I liked the story.
November 27, 2009
Bitten by Cupid by Lynsay Sands, Pamela Palmer and Jaime Rush is a lusciously lip smacking dessert for Valentine's Day. Readers will delight in all three stories equally as each one is just a different Valentine prop and ever so important in its own right. Just think of Lynsay's story as the Perfect Red Rose, Pamela's story as the Silky Red Sheets and Jaime's story as the Dedecant Chocolate to be savored as you climax. Oh-la-la! Merci beau coup!
Vampire Valentine by Lynsay Sands is a petite delight about the Argeneau family. Dear Aunt Marguerite is back at it in full spades with her match making and it's unlikely victims. This time our story tries to match up a giant angel of patience and I swear the Devil's own female twin. Both very passionate, both complete opposites to the extreme which leads our heroine in for the surprise of her life. A must have not to be missed.
Hearts Untamed by Pamela Palmer brings out the beast in all of us. This delicious installment will have cupid blushing brighter than a neon light. Our heroine is caught in a web that will make her deceive those around her that she loves all in hopes of saving their lives. Our hero is everything a hero should be, a knight in white shinning armour but in his case a with few rough sharp edges that can be deadly when push comes to shove. Will our hero still love our heroine when he finds out the truth? What will our heroine give to keep her secrets?
Kiss and Kill Cupid by Jaime Rush will really keep you guessing. Our heroine can hear what other's think but what happens when she overhears the most horrid thoughts that one person can possibly think and how will she deal with this knowledge when no one knows of her gift. Can she possibly stand up to the Kiss and Kill Cupid when she is sooooo distracted by a luscious piece of eye candy dangling right in front of her eyes. Especially when this eye candy wants her with an intensity of a Tom Cat chasing a Putty in Heat? Yowzer! Sizzle, sizzle!
Vampire Valentine by Lynsay Sands is a petite delight about the Argeneau family. Dear Aunt Marguerite is back at it in full spades with her match making and it's unlikely victims. This time our story tries to match up a giant angel of patience and I swear the Devil's own female twin. Both very passionate, both complete opposites to the extreme which leads our heroine in for the surprise of her life. A must have not to be missed.
Hearts Untamed by Pamela Palmer brings out the beast in all of us. This delicious installment will have cupid blushing brighter than a neon light. Our heroine is caught in a web that will make her deceive those around her that she loves all in hopes of saving their lives. Our hero is everything a hero should be, a knight in white shinning armour but in his case a with few rough sharp edges that can be deadly when push comes to shove. Will our hero still love our heroine when he finds out the truth? What will our heroine give to keep her secrets?
Kiss and Kill Cupid by Jaime Rush will really keep you guessing. Our heroine can hear what other's think but what happens when she overhears the most horrid thoughts that one person can possibly think and how will she deal with this knowledge when no one knows of her gift. Can she possibly stand up to the Kiss and Kill Cupid when she is sooooo distracted by a luscious piece of eye candy dangling right in front of her eyes. Especially when this eye candy wants her with an intensity of a Tom Cat chasing a Putty in Heat? Yowzer! Sizzle, sizzle!
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January 17, 2021Vampire Valentine - 4 Stars
I needed this story. I needed Tiny to find his lifemate and be turned. No way could things continue with him being human. He's such a great character, the gentle giant with a heart of gold and willing to stand up for what's right. Of course Stephanie's introduction in this story is awesome. We know who she is, but this is the first getting to really get to know her and her teenage bluntness had me giggling at times. I liked her messing with Mirabeau and Tiny to push them closer together. She's a sneaky little pest. All in all this one was fun and since it got me something I wanted I enjoyed it in spite of it being a short.
I needed this story. I needed Tiny to find his lifemate and be turned. No way could things continue with him being human. He's such a great character, the gentle giant with a heart of gold and willing to stand up for what's right. Of course Stephanie's introduction in this story is awesome. We know who she is, but this is the first getting to really get to know her and her teenage bluntness had me giggling at times. I liked her messing with Mirabeau and Tiny to push them closer together. She's a sneaky little pest. All in all this one was fun and since it got me something I wanted I enjoyed it in spite of it being a short.
February 13, 2021
just finished argeneau 12.5 what a fantastic story , i sure do hope that mirabeau and tiny are back in future books , i like her character and this was so so short lol , on to born to bite !
January 28, 2010
Let me start by saying that I usually don't read anthologies when they contain writings from authors I've never heard of (ironic, I know). With that said, I will definitely be looking Pamela Palmer and Jaime Rush up from here on out.
It's hard to rate this book because it's three stories, by three different authors.
I love Lynsay Sands, and enjoyed Tiny's story a lot. It wasn't my favorite of the things she's written, but it was worth the time I spent within the pages. One of the things I love most abut Lynsay is the humor she weaves into the story. This story lacked some of that. I would give "Vampire Valentine" 3.5 stars.
"Hearts Untamed" by Pamela Palmer was very intriguing. Her characters and writing style sucked me in from nearly the first page. "Hearts Untamed" gets 4 stars.
Jaime Rush's story "Kiss and Kill Cupid" narrowed down the mystery a little too quickly for my taste. I had the killer pinned down almost the first time we meet him. The two main characters, Kristy and Adrian, were likable, and together they were loveable! 3.5 stars for this story too.
Great, quick reads, only about 120 pages each.
It's hard to rate this book because it's three stories, by three different authors.
I love Lynsay Sands, and enjoyed Tiny's story a lot. It wasn't my favorite of the things she's written, but it was worth the time I spent within the pages. One of the things I love most abut Lynsay is the humor she weaves into the story. This story lacked some of that. I would give "Vampire Valentine" 3.5 stars.
"Hearts Untamed" by Pamela Palmer was very intriguing. Her characters and writing style sucked me in from nearly the first page. "Hearts Untamed" gets 4 stars.
Jaime Rush's story "Kiss and Kill Cupid" narrowed down the mystery a little too quickly for my taste. I had the killer pinned down almost the first time we meet him. The two main characters, Kristy and Adrian, were likable, and together they were loveable! 3.5 stars for this story too.
Great, quick reads, only about 120 pages each.
January 18, 2010
I'll have to agree with another reviewer that after waiting for Tiny's story anxiously it didn't deliver. While the story was written well, it didn't contain the author's usual humor and it was way too short. Heck, they barely got to know each other, i now have more questions than before.
I want to say that there was a little resolution with an old character's wedding and a pregnancy for another. But they didn't actually show either character but rather the news was delivered through someone else. I really wish we could have experience the characters emotions when such huge events were taking place.
I want to say that there was a little resolution with an old character's wedding and a pregnancy for another. But they didn't actually show either character but rather the news was delivered through someone else. I really wish we could have experience the characters emotions when such huge events were taking place.
January 15, 2019
Only the argeneau book
This was a crock. Tiny deserved so much better and even though I don't know Mirabeau that well she deserved better too. It was rushed and messy with no character or relationship development and very little plot development. I love tiny and I can't believe in all the times I've read this series I missed his book. What good fortune I thought to myself a fresh book with one of my favorite characters. But no this was even more disappointing than the book where the male mc talked trash about his life mates looks
This was a crock. Tiny deserved so much better and even though I don't know Mirabeau that well she deserved better too. It was rushed and messy with no character or relationship development and very little plot development. I love tiny and I can't believe in all the times I've read this series I missed his book. What good fortune I thought to myself a fresh book with one of my favorite characters. But no this was even more disappointing than the book where the male mc talked trash about his life mates looks
January 17, 2010
Vampire Valentine- I feel a little harsh in my rating because this is a short story and therefor has limits a full length story doesn't. This wasn't typical Lynsay Sands- it was not as adventure packed and not as funny. Her books always make me laugh out loud and I didn't feel this one really did. Which was kind of upsetting because I really like Tiny. His story should have had some action and close calls and it really didn't. It was nice to hear about people from past books.
March 11, 2010
I only bought this book for Tiny's story but Lyndsey Sands and it was okay. The problem with anthologies is you miss the build up, things just happen to fast. Don't get me wrong I wouldn't have passed on this book because I was excited for Tiny. I have not read the rest of the stories in this book.
March 21, 2018
This story was far too short for my liking. Tiny is a recurring character in several books & I'd have liked him to get a longer story. I wanted more for him & I'm hoping for a return in another book in the future.
April 5, 2021
Yes, I only read "Vampire Valentine" by Lynsay Sand, which is the beginning of Tiny McGraw and Mirabeau La Roche life mate and love story. Unbeknown to Tiny and Mirabeau, Marguerite Argeneau set them on this path while partaking in the weddings of several Argeneau family member's and excepting the mission to escort and protect Stephanie a no-fanger and sister to Dani to the town of Port Henry from Leonious Livius also a no-fangers. Leonious Livius attacked her sometime back and wants her back and under his control.
January 30, 2020
I was just gutted that this was only a short where not much happens. Tiny deserved a full story for sure.
May 24, 2014
Bitten by Cupid by Lynsay Sands. This book is from the paranormal romance genre. For fans of the Argeneau Novels, the characters and story settings are all taken from that series and have been created specifically with the Valentine's Day Holiday in mind. It can, however, be read as a stand alone book containing three delightful and romantic stories. Average Amazon rating: 3.5 Stars from 68 Reviewers.
The first of the three stories is Vampire Valentine; this story is about a very popular character who doesn't yet have his own book, Tiny McGraw. Tiny teams up with guard Mirabeau LaRouche to complete a body guard assignment on Valentine's Day--their assignment, to protect a young girl and get her to safety. Unfortunately, the group must flee to the underground of New York's tunnels where Mirabeau's dress is ruined; but fortunately for Tiny, the sparks fly between the two guards. Has Tiny found a partner for more than just a body guard assignment?
The second story, Hearts Untamed, centers on Zeeland who left Washington, D.C., to join up with the "Therian Guard," and then returns to find the young Julianne has grown up in his absence. During Valentine's Day celebrations, Zeeland discovers Julianne is angry with him for leaving--but there is also life-threatening intrigue and deadly peril for the two contentious lovebirds.
A serial killer graces the pages of the final story in Kiss and Kill Cupid. Kat Morgan is jaded about love because she can overhear other people's thoughts; this makes any romantic relationship nearly impossible for her. Kat "overhears" a serial killer's thoughts about targeting her for death on Valentine's Day. Understandably, Kat is scared. And then, she doesn't know what to make of one man whose thoughts she can't hear--is he the serial killer or is he her rescuer?
The first of the three stories is Vampire Valentine; this story is about a very popular character who doesn't yet have his own book, Tiny McGraw. Tiny teams up with guard Mirabeau LaRouche to complete a body guard assignment on Valentine's Day--their assignment, to protect a young girl and get her to safety. Unfortunately, the group must flee to the underground of New York's tunnels where Mirabeau's dress is ruined; but fortunately for Tiny, the sparks fly between the two guards. Has Tiny found a partner for more than just a body guard assignment?
The second story, Hearts Untamed, centers on Zeeland who left Washington, D.C., to join up with the "Therian Guard," and then returns to find the young Julianne has grown up in his absence. During Valentine's Day celebrations, Zeeland discovers Julianne is angry with him for leaving--but there is also life-threatening intrigue and deadly peril for the two contentious lovebirds.
A serial killer graces the pages of the final story in Kiss and Kill Cupid. Kat Morgan is jaded about love because she can overhear other people's thoughts; this makes any romantic relationship nearly impossible for her. Kat "overhears" a serial killer's thoughts about targeting her for death on Valentine's Day. Understandably, Kat is scared. And then, she doesn't know what to make of one man whose thoughts she can't hear--is he the serial killer or is he her rescuer?
March 12, 2012
This book is an anthology, and anthologies are unique in that the authors of each story must rebuild their worlds for their new readers and not bore returning readers of their series'.
The first story by Lynsay Sands interests me to read that series, but at the same time left me feeling confused and also feeling as though the story was simplified.
The second story, by Pamela Palmer, is from a series i am familiar with. However, there were still many holes that had me questioning the story until the end, where it all came together.
The third story is by Jamie Rush. I enjoyed this story but found the whole oh you see picture in your head and i hear thoughts in mine that is cool to be very simple and unbelievable.
July 9, 2010
this was an ebook checkout from my library, it has three short stories but as I got it for the Lynsay Sands short and couldn't really get into the others I only read the first one...which if you are familiar with her Argeneau series you will remember Tiny and this is his story
June 5, 2022
3.5 ⭐️
Short and sweet and to the point. Loved learning about her history and why she’s the way she is. Not much plot other then her getting over her fears. But still good.
Short and sweet and to the point. Loved learning about her history and why she’s the way she is. Not much plot other then her getting over her fears. But still good.
September 10, 2010
only read the Lynsay Sands novella
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November 12, 2010i have to finish this i started it!!! it has three stories in it and i only read the second one
February 11, 2010
Ok so this book is three short stories. I am a big fan of Lynsay Sands and her Argeneau books, so I really enjoyed that one a lot. And then I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the other two authors as well. Especially the third story by Jamie Rush.
The story is about a young woman who is a freelance writer for a magazine that is closing up shop so she is seeking out a new job and has an interview with the two founders of an adventure sports magazine that is only a few years old.
The story starts out with Kristy, the young writer, walking into a coffee shop early to get her coffee and her bearings before the two big wigs show up to interview her. You find out with her thoughts that she is a unique woman who can hear other peoples thoughts since she was 15 years old. How she deals with it, is not working in an office environment (hence the freelance jobs), always having her iPod and ear buds with her when in public. Right before one of the magazine guys approaches her she hears some mans stray thought that she would make the perfect next Kiss and Kill Cupid victim. Five years earlier on Valentines night a woman was strangled to death and then a lip stick kiss mark on her body along with lip stick writing on her abdomen saying, "Kiss and Kill, Cupid." The killer has struck every Valentine's night since.
She ends up wondering who's thoughts she had just overheard and quickly realizes that one of the magazine guys, Adran, (the super hot one) is silent. She can't hear a thing from him! So she KNOWS it wasn't him. But unfortunately she is a little creeped out by his partner. Kristy then goes to the police and talks to the homicide detective on the Cupid case and tells him that she can hear thoughts and that she heard the Cupid killer planning her murder. The guy laughs at her. Then a journalist approaches her and asks her to tell him what she knows about the Cupid killer cause he is bound an determined to be the one to help catch him. She blows him off.
One day she heads to the office to turn in some sample articles to be the final determination as to whether she scores the job or not and she hears Owen, (creepy partner) thinking that he would love to tie her up naked to his bed posts and torture her. Then he acted all nervous and quickly told her he had a meeting and had to go.
Kristy then gets into contact the journalist and refuses to tell him everything and asks him to look into Owen and says she suspects him to be the Cupid killer.
Kristy ends up going to lunch with Adrian and he kept flirting with her and before she knew it they were having a passionate kiss on the street. Then all of a sudden she gets a flash of an image of herself naked and dead with the Cupid's message written on her body. She assumes that she can't hear his thoughts but is reading them in pictures and freaks on him and accuses him of being the killer and then he freaks and shocked her by saying that since he was 15 he would get visions of the future and that he had a vision of her dead by the Cupids hand. She then tells him of her little talent and what happened at the coffee shop and he decides that he is going to protect her.
The next night Adrian comes over and she cooks dinner for her and they end up in bed together. Then afterward she asks him to stay the night and they go out to get some wine from the kitchen and the phone rings and she decides to let it go. The machine picks up and you hear the journalist leaving a message for Kristy telling her he finished digging up dirt on Owen and it turns out he is a murderer!! Adrian gets pissed and makes it clear that it is over between them, but before leaving he tells her that Owen was 7 when he shot and killed his step father in the middle of him trying to cut his mother's finger off. He tells her that there is no way that the journalist isn't going to run with the story and that it would not just emotionally ruin his best friend and partner but it would most likely ruin the magazine as well.
Two days later it is Valentine's day. Adrian still kept his "date" and plan to hang out to try to catch the killer, but things were strained between them. Then while walking around the city They see on tv screens in windows that breaking news that the Cupid killer stuck again earlier that morning! Adrian decides that she is safe now and has his car take her home and he just walked away with parting words, "It's over now, Kristy."
Kristy gets home and decides to cook comfort food. With Macaroni and cheese in the oven and she starts melting chocolate on the stove in a saucer to dip bananas in and she leaves a message telling Adrian that she is sorry and that she really would like him and even Owen to come over to talk it out. Adrian listens to the message while sitting at a bar with Owen while he steadily got drunk. He relayed the message to Owen and he says he is going home to be alone. Adrian has a bad feeling.
Kristy gets a knock on the door and answers expecting to see Adrian and sees Owen standing at her door. He quickly pushes his way in and starts asking her why? In his thoughts he thinks to himself that he could kill her and just squeeze that pretty little neck of hers. She freezes and decides not to close the door and stays by it. He goes off on her and she asked him if Adrian told him what she could do. He rolled his eyes and said that they were BOTH crazy and full of it. So she proved her ability and repeated what he had thought when he first walked in. He freaked and then started saying he couldnt believe she thought he was the killer and then he fell on the floor in front of her and began to sob. Feeling horrible she gets on the floor with him and consoles him and tells him that he needs to face what happened all those years ago and that he had the love and support of his best friend and that he needs to turn to him and not away from him during his time of need. Then all of a sudden Adrian was in the doorway saying that she was right. They all make up and Owen goes home. Adrian stays behind to talk more with Kristy and while they were kissing he got a vision of her dead by the Cupids hand again. He hurries to go down to the car to get his hammer and rope to prepare for the killer and hide in her closet as planned. When she opens the door to him it turns out not to be him but to be the journalist!! Thats right folks the cupid killer is the journalist! He knew she could read minds and found that fascinating. He had beat the crap out of Adrian and tied him up and dragged him into a closet in the lobby of the apartment building. She fights him and takes the chocolate and throws it on his face. Then opened the oven door so that while he was walking towards her blinded by the chocolate he tripped and fell on the hot oven door. LOTS of screaming and she finally manages to get to the door and unlock and open it just in time to see Adrian all bloody and grabbing her, then all the neighbors start opening the doors and the police show up. Yay happy ending!
The story is about a young woman who is a freelance writer for a magazine that is closing up shop so she is seeking out a new job and has an interview with the two founders of an adventure sports magazine that is only a few years old.
The story starts out with Kristy, the young writer, walking into a coffee shop early to get her coffee and her bearings before the two big wigs show up to interview her. You find out with her thoughts that she is a unique woman who can hear other peoples thoughts since she was 15 years old. How she deals with it, is not working in an office environment (hence the freelance jobs), always having her iPod and ear buds with her when in public. Right before one of the magazine guys approaches her she hears some mans stray thought that she would make the perfect next Kiss and Kill Cupid victim. Five years earlier on Valentines night a woman was strangled to death and then a lip stick kiss mark on her body along with lip stick writing on her abdomen saying, "Kiss and Kill, Cupid." The killer has struck every Valentine's night since.
She ends up wondering who's thoughts she had just overheard and quickly realizes that one of the magazine guys, Adran, (the super hot one) is silent. She can't hear a thing from him! So she KNOWS it wasn't him. But unfortunately she is a little creeped out by his partner. Kristy then goes to the police and talks to the homicide detective on the Cupid case and tells him that she can hear thoughts and that she heard the Cupid killer planning her murder. The guy laughs at her. Then a journalist approaches her and asks her to tell him what she knows about the Cupid killer cause he is bound an determined to be the one to help catch him. She blows him off.
One day she heads to the office to turn in some sample articles to be the final determination as to whether she scores the job or not and she hears Owen, (creepy partner) thinking that he would love to tie her up naked to his bed posts and torture her. Then he acted all nervous and quickly told her he had a meeting and had to go.
Kristy then gets into contact the journalist and refuses to tell him everything and asks him to look into Owen and says she suspects him to be the Cupid killer.
Kristy ends up going to lunch with Adrian and he kept flirting with her and before she knew it they were having a passionate kiss on the street. Then all of a sudden she gets a flash of an image of herself naked and dead with the Cupid's message written on her body. She assumes that she can't hear his thoughts but is reading them in pictures and freaks on him and accuses him of being the killer and then he freaks and shocked her by saying that since he was 15 he would get visions of the future and that he had a vision of her dead by the Cupids hand. She then tells him of her little talent and what happened at the coffee shop and he decides that he is going to protect her.
The next night Adrian comes over and she cooks dinner for her and they end up in bed together. Then afterward she asks him to stay the night and they go out to get some wine from the kitchen and the phone rings and she decides to let it go. The machine picks up and you hear the journalist leaving a message for Kristy telling her he finished digging up dirt on Owen and it turns out he is a murderer!! Adrian gets pissed and makes it clear that it is over between them, but before leaving he tells her that Owen was 7 when he shot and killed his step father in the middle of him trying to cut his mother's finger off. He tells her that there is no way that the journalist isn't going to run with the story and that it would not just emotionally ruin his best friend and partner but it would most likely ruin the magazine as well.
Two days later it is Valentine's day. Adrian still kept his "date" and plan to hang out to try to catch the killer, but things were strained between them. Then while walking around the city They see on tv screens in windows that breaking news that the Cupid killer stuck again earlier that morning! Adrian decides that she is safe now and has his car take her home and he just walked away with parting words, "It's over now, Kristy."
Kristy gets home and decides to cook comfort food. With Macaroni and cheese in the oven and she starts melting chocolate on the stove in a saucer to dip bananas in and she leaves a message telling Adrian that she is sorry and that she really would like him and even Owen to come over to talk it out. Adrian listens to the message while sitting at a bar with Owen while he steadily got drunk. He relayed the message to Owen and he says he is going home to be alone. Adrian has a bad feeling.
Kristy gets a knock on the door and answers expecting to see Adrian and sees Owen standing at her door. He quickly pushes his way in and starts asking her why? In his thoughts he thinks to himself that he could kill her and just squeeze that pretty little neck of hers. She freezes and decides not to close the door and stays by it. He goes off on her and she asked him if Adrian told him what she could do. He rolled his eyes and said that they were BOTH crazy and full of it. So she proved her ability and repeated what he had thought when he first walked in. He freaked and then started saying he couldnt believe she thought he was the killer and then he fell on the floor in front of her and began to sob. Feeling horrible she gets on the floor with him and consoles him and tells him that he needs to face what happened all those years ago and that he had the love and support of his best friend and that he needs to turn to him and not away from him during his time of need. Then all of a sudden Adrian was in the doorway saying that she was right. They all make up and Owen goes home. Adrian stays behind to talk more with Kristy and while they were kissing he got a vision of her dead by the Cupids hand again. He hurries to go down to the car to get his hammer and rope to prepare for the killer and hide in her closet as planned. When she opens the door to him it turns out not to be him but to be the journalist!! Thats right folks the cupid killer is the journalist! He knew she could read minds and found that fascinating. He had beat the crap out of Adrian and tied him up and dragged him into a closet in the lobby of the apartment building. She fights him and takes the chocolate and throws it on his face. Then opened the oven door so that while he was walking towards her blinded by the chocolate he tripped and fell on the hot oven door. LOTS of screaming and she finally manages to get to the door and unlock and open it just in time to see Adrian all bloody and grabbing her, then all the neighbors start opening the doors and the police show up. Yay happy ending!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2022
Me había encantado Tiny como personaje desde el libro de Vincent&Jackie y obviamente tenía altas expectativas sobre la q sería su historia; pero la primera gran decepción es q resulta ser un relato corto y de ahí ya es difícil esperar demasiado...y lastimosamente ocurrió exactamente así.
Tiny es el compañero de vida de Mirabeau; ella es una hija del corazón de Marguerite y ya la habíamos conocido en el libro de Lissiana&Greg. El problema es q no supimos gran cosa de ella hasta ahora y tomando en cuenta q tenemos un relato corto, todo resultó bastante telegráfico y escueto.
Luego viene la parte del romance en sí q debía nacer entre Tiny y ella y resulta q solo hemos tenido más de los mismo...todo muy corto, sin tiempo para disfrutar la narrativa. Ambos se conocen, ninguno parece muy interesado pero luego ya a cada uno le va cayendo la idea de q tienen q estar juntos y en algún momento en el camino a Port Henry se dan cuenta q mejor, siempre sí quieren estar juntos.
No hay drama ni suspense y olvidense del romance, xq de ese tampoco hay demasiado.
Lo único interesante de toda la trama es Steph, una niña vampira q parece va a traer cola, pero ella es una historia residual del libro anterior - q todavía no leí - y obviamente vamos a saber más de ella en otros libros q tampoco leí aún.
Cuestión q la historia de Tiny&Mirabeau parece hecha x compromiso, para cumplir y no dejar el cabo suelto. Y honestamente, creo q la autora se podría haber ahorrado la molestia xq lo nos deja aquí no vale realmente la pena la hora q me tomó leerlo...
Tiny es el compañero de vida de Mirabeau; ella es una hija del corazón de Marguerite y ya la habíamos conocido en el libro de Lissiana&Greg. El problema es q no supimos gran cosa de ella hasta ahora y tomando en cuenta q tenemos un relato corto, todo resultó bastante telegráfico y escueto.
Luego viene la parte del romance en sí q debía nacer entre Tiny y ella y resulta q solo hemos tenido más de los mismo...todo muy corto, sin tiempo para disfrutar la narrativa. Ambos se conocen, ninguno parece muy interesado pero luego ya a cada uno le va cayendo la idea de q tienen q estar juntos y en algún momento en el camino a Port Henry se dan cuenta q mejor, siempre sí quieren estar juntos.
No hay drama ni suspense y olvidense del romance, xq de ese tampoco hay demasiado.
Lo único interesante de toda la trama es Steph, una niña vampira q parece va a traer cola, pero ella es una historia residual del libro anterior - q todavía no leí - y obviamente vamos a saber más de ella en otros libros q tampoco leí aún.
Cuestión q la historia de Tiny&Mirabeau parece hecha x compromiso, para cumplir y no dejar el cabo suelto. Y honestamente, creo q la autora se podría haber ahorrado la molestia xq lo nos deja aquí no vale realmente la pena la hora q me tomó leerlo...
May 30, 2025
This rating is only for the story Vampire Valentine by Lynsay Sands.
Series: Argeneau #12.5
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
This was a wonderful short story that featured one of my favorite characters finally getting a life mate, Tiny McGraw. Tiny and Mirabeau have been given the task of escorting Stephanie, Dani’s sister (The Immortal Hunter), to Port Henry to stay while her sister is getting over being a new life mate. But their team up isn’t a random coincidence, it’s part of Marguerite's matchmaking.
I really enjoyed this story even though it was very short. Tiny has been one of my favorite characters since he was introduced and I am so happy he is finally finding a life mate. While Tiny and Mirabeau are escorting Stephanie to Port Henry, they struggle to keep their hands off each other.
Mirabeau was a great heroine and I really wish we got to know more about her. When Mirabeau realizes he is her life mate though, she backs off out of fear but that doesn’t last long. I appreciated that we didn't see Mirabeau jump all in right away. Her fears are valid after her experience with her family, but I also was glad that fear didn’t hold her back for long. I didn’t want a lot of tension for a short valentines day story.
These two were really cute together and I kind of wish this was a full novel because I wanted more of these two. Hopefully these two will appear in future books because I want to see them work together on another case.
TW: violent deaths of parents and siblings recounted;
Series: Argeneau #12.5
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
This was a wonderful short story that featured one of my favorite characters finally getting a life mate, Tiny McGraw. Tiny and Mirabeau have been given the task of escorting Stephanie, Dani’s sister (The Immortal Hunter), to Port Henry to stay while her sister is getting over being a new life mate. But their team up isn’t a random coincidence, it’s part of Marguerite's matchmaking.
I really enjoyed this story even though it was very short. Tiny has been one of my favorite characters since he was introduced and I am so happy he is finally finding a life mate. While Tiny and Mirabeau are escorting Stephanie to Port Henry, they struggle to keep their hands off each other.
Mirabeau was a great heroine and I really wish we got to know more about her. When Mirabeau realizes he is her life mate though, she backs off out of fear but that doesn’t last long. I appreciated that we didn't see Mirabeau jump all in right away. Her fears are valid after her experience with her family, but I also was glad that fear didn’t hold her back for long. I didn’t want a lot of tension for a short valentines day story.
These two were really cute together and I kind of wish this was a full novel because I wanted more of these two. Hopefully these two will appear in future books because I want to see them work together on another case.
TW: violent deaths of parents and siblings recounted;
December 23, 2017
Tiny and Mirabeau haven't worked together before, but are pushed together by Marguerite on a mission for Lucian Argeneau. There is a rising passion between Tiny and Mirabeau. Mirabeau doesn't know if she could or should trust what she is feeling for Tiny. There is such a horrible history of mayhem and slaughter in her life. She thinks that she should be along to make everyone around her safe. Tiny McGraw is used to investigating alongside women, as he usually works with his business partner Jackie. As an ex-linebacker, he's used to being the muscle in the operation. Unfortunately, when you play or work with the vampire's you suddenly become the weak link in the chain. Mirabeau is an enforcer for Lucian. They just have to drop off this package for safe keeping. With Marguerite putting Tiny and Mirabeau together on this mission. Can Marguerite see the passion brewing between
Tiny and Mirabeau. Questions need to be answered, can Tiny be Mirabeau's lifemate? Will they accept each other, and let nothing nor anyone stand in the way of the greatest love and passion, that will bring them a lifetime together?
Tiny and Mirabeau. Questions need to be answered, can Tiny be Mirabeau's lifemate? Will they accept each other, and let nothing nor anyone stand in the way of the greatest love and passion, that will bring them a lifetime together?
March 23, 2020
So, for anyone that has been following this series for years you know what the story-line is going to constant of. Unfortunately for this book it did not follow that guide. We have met Tiny and Mirabeau in many other books and I thought since this is their story then we will get the epic love story, but that was not the case.
Tiny is one of these characters that everyone falls in love with. He is sweet and a protector. Yes, this story had some elements of him protecting but it did not have any elements of him falling in love. I just wanted him to be able to get the story that he deserved, and he did not.
He was not changed, he did not have no love scenes, and we do not know what happened with his family. Tiny’s family have no idea about Immortals and I thought we would get him telling them or just them knowing what will happen to him. That was his main concern when it came to him being a life-mate. He did not want to leave his family and that was never resolved. Even in other short stories all the guidelines are followed.
I fell a bit cheated since I wanted to know more, and I want to know about Tiny’s family.
Tiny is one of these characters that everyone falls in love with. He is sweet and a protector. Yes, this story had some elements of him protecting but it did not have any elements of him falling in love. I just wanted him to be able to get the story that he deserved, and he did not.
He was not changed, he did not have no love scenes, and we do not know what happened with his family. Tiny’s family have no idea about Immortals and I thought we would get him telling them or just them knowing what will happen to him. That was his main concern when it came to him being a life-mate. He did not want to leave his family and that was never resolved. Even in other short stories all the guidelines are followed.
I fell a bit cheated since I wanted to know more, and I want to know about Tiny’s family.
May 26, 2025
Book 12.5 in the Argeneau series, Vampire Valentine, is a short story in the Bitten By Cupid anthology. Tiny McGraw and Mirabeau La Roche head out after the much delayed triple wedding for several Argeneau family members to escort someone to a safe location. As Marguerite expected, they turn out to be life-mates.
This book is absolutely instant lust/love, but that is to be expected in a fated mates series and helps avoid the dreaded 3rd act breakup that I don't really care for.
This series is one of my comfort reads and has been since I first met the Argeneau family back in 2004 or so. When I find a series I enjoy, I go back and re-read all the books from the beginning before shortly before a new one comes out. Considering the 37th book in the series comes out in a few months, it was time to dive into this world again. At this point, I've read some of the books in the series over 30 times and still enjoy them as much as I did the first time.
Dates Finished (since tracking on Goodreads)
05/26/2025
This book is absolutely instant lust/love, but that is to be expected in a fated mates series and helps avoid the dreaded 3rd act breakup that I don't really care for.
This series is one of my comfort reads and has been since I first met the Argeneau family back in 2004 or so. When I find a series I enjoy, I go back and re-read all the books from the beginning before shortly before a new one comes out. Considering the 37th book in the series comes out in a few months, it was time to dive into this world again. At this point, I've read some of the books in the series over 30 times and still enjoy them as much as I did the first time.
Dates Finished (since tracking on Goodreads)
05/26/2025
May 6, 2021
I literally bought this book for one story, the first one, Argeneau #12.5. This story works as a novella and explains why I had actually forgotten about Dani's sister and what happened to her. Tiny is a human who has been working with Vampires a while now and understands what is going on. So he quickly understands all this life mate business. Mirabeau is the one with a few issues she has to face but with the similarity with Stephanie, she is able to deal with some of that during the escort mission, taking Stephanie to a safe place where she can finish growing up. It becomes clear why this is a novella. I'm guessing the author didn't thing there was quite enough material here for a full novel. And yes, it was worth buying a book for three short stories just for this one story. And this also gives me two other authors to look up when I need something new and I can read their books in order and have these 'half' books when I get to them.
September 8, 2020
Admittedly I should have waited to read this in order, but I was honestly so curious about whether to continue this series or not. While I’ve enjoyed the books, this series is very long and I didn’t know whether I wanted to put in the time commitment so I thought maybe a short story?
And I will not lie, I was very pleasantly surprised this was short and sweet. While I was lost and obviously spoiled in some regard(I don’t really mind spoilers) I still had a great time. I loved Tiny & Mirabeau. She was honestly the reason i chose this book, because from the moment we meet her in a quick bite; she was so interesting to me and I wanted more because I loved Lissi and her friendship.
It’s definitely worth the read and it’s given me the motivation to continue with the series; because I have a lot to learn and it’s seem a lot of action to catch up on.
And I will not lie, I was very pleasantly surprised this was short and sweet. While I was lost and obviously spoiled in some regard(I don’t really mind spoilers) I still had a great time. I loved Tiny & Mirabeau. She was honestly the reason i chose this book, because from the moment we meet her in a quick bite; she was so interesting to me and I wanted more because I loved Lissi and her friendship.
It’s definitely worth the read and it’s given me the motivation to continue with the series; because I have a lot to learn and it’s seem a lot of action to catch up on.
April 3, 2018
Three short stories with a Valentine’s Day theme.
Vampire Valentine by Lynsay Sands
A group-wedding for all those who’ve found their life mates and somehow Mirabeau ends up in the sewer in her fluffy bridesmaid’s dress with Tiny, trying to keep one young vampire safe.
It’s funny – like everything the author writes – but it was a bit short.
A cute short story worth reading as part of the series.
Hearts Untapped by Pamela Palmer
Kiss and Kill Cupid by Jaime Rush
A lot of world building, in my opinion, is lost in these stories and makes it difficult to follow. It took longer to figure out what was going on with the paranormal than it did to get to the end of the stories. Which is a shame – they have great potential, if only the reader was allowed to glimpse a bit more.
Vampire Valentine by Lynsay Sands
A group-wedding for all those who’ve found their life mates and somehow Mirabeau ends up in the sewer in her fluffy bridesmaid’s dress with Tiny, trying to keep one young vampire safe.
It’s funny – like everything the author writes – but it was a bit short.
A cute short story worth reading as part of the series.
Hearts Untapped by Pamela Palmer
Kiss and Kill Cupid by Jaime Rush
A lot of world building, in my opinion, is lost in these stories and makes it difficult to follow. It took longer to figure out what was going on with the paranormal than it did to get to the end of the stories. Which is a shame – they have great potential, if only the reader was allowed to glimpse a bit more.
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