Series: Argeneau #20Category /Genre: Paranormal RomanceRecommended for: 18+ due sexual contentGrammar/editing: A – near perfectReceived from: paperback purchaseThis is the 20th book in the Argeneau series, plus two novellas. Each of the novels does stand alone, but it is still better to read them in order.Basha Argeneau is one of the oldest of the immortals, but she did not have a conventional childhood. Uncle Lucien is her fondest memory and her greatest boogeyman. She knows she is wanted and has stayed off the grid for over 2,000 years to elude capture. She is currently working in a carnival as a fortune teller and going by the name Divine. Soon after Marcus Notte shows up, she is attacked. She knows she needs to run again, but something about him draws her to him.I love Basha/Divine. Because of her lifestyle and her history she is tough and yet naive. She has a soft heart, helping the mortals around her, but doesn’t trust any of her own people. She has very good reasons not to trust. It is worth the read to get to that part of the story. Marcus is so patient with her while trying to protect her from whomever has attacked her.This book is a little different from the rest of the series. There are no mortals being changed, but the history of vampires and their current laws do need to be explained (that’s why it can stand alone).As long as this series is produced, I will continue to read each one as quickly as I can. So, when I agreed to review this book, I didn’t notice that it was book 20 in the series! Holy crap, 20 books! Well, fortunately you don’t need to read them all, or in order, to appreciate this one. I adored the idea of a vampire working as a fortune teller in a travelling carnival and found the family politics involved (that had obviously spanned the previous books) to be intruiging.The book, although strictly a paranormal romance, was actually quite dark in its themes and included a strong emphasis on abuse, which isn’t for everyone. To be honest though, I thought the whole thing was actually done very well, and for me, it was a pleasant change from the usual sickly sweet romance. Vampires are not as ‘in’ as they used to be, but it was good to see them portrayed as intricate and dark characters – rather than moody angst filled heart throbs.From a writer’s perspective I found the third person head swapping hard to follow (this is just me, I always find this) however with this one there were no chapter breaks between, so was more 3rd person omnipotent than limited. My biggest gripe though is that this book included the ‘soul mate’ side plot which I do find frustrating generally. I’ve said it before and I’ll probably say it again, but having characters who are meant to be together is unrealistic and cheapens the plot. I know, vampires aren’t real (that we know of!) but when it comes to the paranormal having real aspects of life helps to strengthen the overal world building, and have your two main characters in love so quickly without much effort, does make me roll my eyes.The front cover is okay, but it doesn’t include the carnival or really expresses the essence of the book. I realise that there is a branding theme at work here, but a ferris wheel in the background a slightly more playful background colour could have made all the difference.Overall, I’d give Vampire Most Wanted 4 out of 5 stars, a dark romance you shouldn’t miss.
What do You think about Vampire Most Wanted (2014)?
I need to start this review by saying I love Lynsay Sands, I have read everything written by her and have really enjoyed the Argeneau Series, so far.Now I can't honestly say I didn't like this book, it was just a lot darker than she usually writes with mention of sexual abuse, mental abuse and rape of a minor. The description of some of the killings are very graphic as well.I liked Marcus and Divine together, he was very patient with her and clearly was tormented for her and what had happened to her. I liked how Lynsay let us see inside Divines conflict about how she should act and her feelings towards her "son". As I said I didn't hate the story but do hope Lynsay goes back to writing the stories in a much lighter style.
—Orlane
Lynsay Sands’ “Vampire Most Wanted” is the 20th book in her Argeneau Series, and I stayed up all night binge reading it last night. The plot and characters are great again. Sands always makes up great new plot elements, so even though there have been so many books in the series, it doesn’t feel repetitive. Each story of how the lifemates come together and were made for each other is different and special. My one complaint is that there wasn’t enough hot lifemate sex in this one. I could have stood some sexy lifemate erotic dreams and about 6 more hot sex scenes. Overall though, pretty good and I couldn’t put it down because it had great characters and a great flow.
—keke
loved it! but you're killing me dragging leonius story out! I need to know about Stephanie :)
—joy
3.5 starsFun, fun, fun read. There's a tenderness from Marcus I just adored.
—Frenchi
