ARC Review: Immortal Ever After by Lynsay Sands
Author: Lynsay Sands
Title: Immortal Ever After
Release: February 26, 2013
Series: Argeneau Vampire Series #18
Reviewer: Mona Leigh
Source: Publisher
Purchase: | Book DepositoryA kiss doesn’t mean eternity . . .
Valerie Moyer doesn’t believe in vampires—until she is kidnapped by a fanged psychopath! After escaping her bloodthirsty captor, she’s through with creatures of the night. Until she finds herself under the protection of the darkly handsome Anders. Not only is she expected to accept that Anders is immortal, but also that she is the woman destined to be his life mate!
. . . Or does it?
Anders felt a connection to Valerie from the moment he cradled her bruised body in his arms. But before he claims her, he must destroy the vampire who almost stole her from him forever. His job would be easier if Valerie didn’t fight him every step of the way. Still, Anders loves a challenge, and the green-eyed beauty is worth fighting for!
Finally. After all this time, Anders gets his turn at love. I’ve always thought of him as an enigma, but Ms. Sands decided to fill in the blanks of his life, and he’s as intriguing as all the others.
Valerie, a veterinarian, is kidnapped and held prisoner along with six other young women so their rogue captor has a fresh meal for every day of the week. When she realizes the food they receive is drugged to keep them compliant, she decides to starve in an attempt to keep her wits about her. When her turn comes to be the “meal,” she feigns weakness until the time is right to break free.
After staking their jailor, Valerie dials 911 and explains their plight. The call is intercepted by the Enforcers and she’s rescued along with the other hostages, but the Master and jailor escape. During the rescue, Anders is shocked to learn he can’t read her mind or control her, and knows what that means – Valerie is his life mate.
In an attempt to give them time to get to know each other and protect Valerie in her weakened state, a very pregnant Leigh and her husband, Lucian, allow Anders and Valerie to stay in their home. In no time at all, the new life mates are drawn together, but when Valerie uncovers strange things about her new lover and her hosts, it’s up to Anders to explain it and hope he doesn’t scare her away.
I totally loved the gentleness with which Anders treated Valerie, and I like that she didn’t become hysterical when she learned the truth. Although Leigh meant well, some of her decisions came back to bite them, almost costing them their lives.
The Argeneau series is one of my favorites, especially since they’re the result of an advanced civilization rather than being undead. Ms. Sands built a solid foundation upon which to base them and expand their lives, and each book is another building block. As usual, I look forward to the next one.
