Lynsay Sands
Single White Vampire (2003)
Author: Lynsay Sands
Genre: Romance (paranormal)
Plot Summary:
Lucern Argeneau is a romance writer, but not intentionally. His stories are actually the tales of his vampire family, which stretches back for centuries. The romance that they include are actually just true tales from their past, Lucern – a solitary, pale-skinned vampire whose primary annoyance is his mother – feels compelled to write their stories but could really care less about the fame that might come his way. However, his new editor, Kate Leever, doesn’t quite believe the same thing. After failing to convince him via letters about his need to do a book tour, she flies from New York City to his house in Toronto to make her case. Neither one realizes they are about to meet the person of their dreams, especially based on first impressions. With the help of Lucern’s mother, Kate is able to convince Lucern to attend a conference for Romantic Times Magazine. This brings up all sorts of new problems to get through as Lucern rarely leaves his home or the general vicinity and is unaccustomed to interacting with many people, let alone fans. He gets staked and almost dies by an obsessive fan’s husband, but in the end, after much worry and questioning, Kate and Lucern decide that their love is worth it and decide to get married. A good dose of humor (moreso than in the average romance), helps make this book an interesting read.
Geographical Setting: Toronto, New York City
Time Period: modern day
Appeal Characteristics:
While the story-line here is one of romance, those interested in the paranormal would find this interesting, as the primary character is a vampire. What was quite interesting in Single White Vampire is how the primary character is also a man, which is rare for romance novels. On top of that, he is a romance novelist himself, so not only do the readers get to see a romance novel from the perspective of the male, they also get to see it from the perspective of the romance writer, which must happen rather sparingly in romance novels. The fare that comes along with being a romance writer – the fans, the conferences, the book signings, and the public speaking – is approached with much humor as only a romance writer would know. However, telling how these things happen to a male vampire makes the situation even more humorous in many cases. The love scenes are not overwhelming and the relationship that grows between the two lead characters is rather endearing. While not either slow or fast moving, the book never seems to drag, either. Romance readers with either an interest in seeing a different side of things dashed with some humor or the paranormal will appreciate this work.
Red Flags: definitely some sexual subject matter, a little bit of language
Tall, Dark and Hungry (2004)
Author: Lynsay Sands
Genre: Romance (Contemporary/Vampire)
Plot Summary:
Bastien Argeneau is a successful, handsome New York vampire who is helping his brother, Lucern, prepare for his wedding in two weeks. When Lucern and his fiancée, Kate, get called out of town unexpectedly, Bastien agrees to put maid-of-honor Terri, up at his penthouse. Many wacky, last-minute wedding problems arise and it’s up to Terri and Bastien to solve them. Meanwhile, they find they are deeply attracted to each other and begin a passionate romance. SPOILER: Terri begins to suspect that Bastien has a fatal medical condition after discovering bags of blood in his desk and also overhearing a conversation between Bastien’s sister and new sister-in-law at the wedding. Terri’s first husband died a lingering, painful death from Hodgkin’s disease and she is afraid to face the death of a loved one again and so runs home to England. Bastien pursues her and tells her the truth, which she doesn’t take very well. Kate (who is now a vampire, too) cuts her honeymoon short to explain it to Terri better. Terri quits her job, sells her house and moves to New York. Bastien proposes.
Geographical Setting: New York City
Time Period: Contemporary (2004)
Series: Argeneau series, #3
Appeal Characteristics: A great beach read. These aren’t scary, bloodsucking dark vampires, but rather stylish and good natured people who have a bizarre medical condition. It’s very humorous and many madcap escapades occur as Terri and Bastien solve various wedding-related crises. It would appeal to people who want a contemporary, humorous book but with paranormal themes – Buffy the Vampire Slayer fans, perhaps. It is character driven, with the main characters’ developing romance as the central focus of the story. The main characters are complex and conflicted but secondary characters are rather two-dimensional and are present merely to provide comic relief or as plot devices. This book is third in a series that includes Love Bites and Single White Vampire. Many of the secondary characters were introduced in previous books and so it is quite probable that they were developed more fully then. The language is contemporary and sprinkled with current slang which may date it rather quickly. Other books similar to this may be found in the Love Spell line by Dorchester Publishing.
Red Flags: Sex scenes are plentiful and of the steamy, sensual variety
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