Love Bites

Written by Lynsay Sands

Narrated by Angela Dawe

True Love: Good from the First Bite…

Etienne Argeneau's three hundred years of bachelorhood were at an end. Either that, or he'd be forever alone. He could only turn one human in his lifetime, and most of his kind created a life mate. If he turned this stranger… But what choice did he have? He had to help Rachel Garrett. The beautiful coroner had saved his life. To save hers, he would make her immortal.

…To the Last

Rachel Garrett awoke surprised. All she'd wanted was to get off the night shift in the morgue; now here she was staggering to her feet naked and in a strange place. But everything would be alright. She'd just make like a bat out of - Then she saw the man of her dreams emerging from his…coffin? And the look in his bright silver eyes said they'd be spending a lot of time together. She just hoped he tasted as good as he looked.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Mar 9, 2010
• ISBN: 9781441817976

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 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.

Reviews for Love Bites

[bookwormdreams · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This book follows the same recipe as the first part of the series, only the roles are switched (male is a vampire and girl is a mortal).

* Mortal is kidnapped and held against their will in vampires home. Of course he/she falls in love with his captor.
* Villain is known to us from the very beginning and there is no mystery who it is and what does he wants. He manages to put the stake trough our heroes heart but they magically heal and avoid near death.

So, if you did not like the first book, just skip this one...

[thehistorychic · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Read from August 21 to 29, 2013Read for fun (Kindle Purchase 2009)Tracking Books Read Review (short)Overall Rating: 3.75Story Rating: 3.50Character Rating: 4.00First Thought when Finished: I am not sure why it took so long to start the Argeneau series but I am glad that I started reading them. Love Bites was a fun story and perfect to read when you need to grin. I loved Etienne (all of them really) and thought Rachel was a great match for him. What can I say? I am sucker for the books that make me grin!

[addictofromance · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the only one of the Argeneau Series that I hadn't read, and so it was a delight to read. More so than I thought it would.Rachel Garrett works in the morgue at the hospital, and when a dead man comes in from a gun shot wound, she is to process him. However she finds herself gazing at the most handsome dead man she has ever met. Rachel thinks she must be crazy, to have the hots for someone who is dead. Then when he wakes up, she is more shocked than ever. A little while later another corpse is brought in, a burnt one from a explosion, however she then realizes he is alive, then a crazy man comes in armed with a ax tries to kill the "supposed dead guy" she moves in front of him and saves his life, however her life is now at risk. Etienne knowing that he had no choice turns her, knowing that she had saved his life, and even though he can only turn one person, not yet fully realizing that Rachel is his lifemate. Etienne then takes her to his home for the turning and adjustment that she is going to need to accept the face that she is a Immortal or Vampire. Etienne, has his life threatened by a mortal, but he is resistant to the idea of killing him, he tries to avoid him. However in doing so, he almost killed his lifemate. Now Etienne's worry is whether or not Rachel will come to accept him into her life. Rachel wakes up confused and not believing that this is all real, her being turned a vampire. So at first she tries to treat it like a dream, (which definitely will fill you up with laughter) and when she starts to reallize that this is real, and after realizes Etienne did it to save her life, she then finds herself seeing the man behind what she at first believed him to be "a soulless bloodsucker" and the journey that will bring these two together will surprise and delight you.I have found that I truly loved reading this, as this is the only one that I haven't read out of the Argeneau Series, and I don't know why I haven't read it yet, I had thought I had read the whole series. But when I saw Love Bites at the Library, the cover didn't look familiar to me, so when I realized I had yet to read Etienne and Rachel's story, I knew I couldn't resist. Rachel cracked me up through the whole thing, but especially at first with her believing that this situation is just a mere dream, from Etienne's family trying to push them together, which was by far amusing yet satisfying in the end. Etienne, oh boy, he sure needed a shove when learning how to woo his lifemate, he makes so many mistakes I felt so bad for him. It was like I wanted to shake him with common sense, but he proved to know how to do things right in the end. It was definitely a piece of cake that is worth tasting, that is pure romance, danger, and a mix of humor that will have you falling off your seat in amusement.

[cheriepie69_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

As I'm not a fan of romances, I've been getting tired of paranormal books that are simply a straight romance in a vampire wrapper. Fortunately, I can't consider this series in that category. There's definitely enough tongue-in-cheek humor and back story with a bit of suspense to keep things entertaining..Each book in this series focuses on a particular member of the Argeneau vampire clan. And this one is the story of Etienne Argeneau and Rachel Garrett. Etienne is 312 years old, the youngest son and 2nd youngest child of the beautiful Marguerite Argeneau. As the story opens, Etienne is faced with a dilemma: Each vampire is only allowed to "turn" one human in his or her lifetime, and usually that option is reserved for converting a life partner. However, Rachel Garrett has thrown herself in the path of a mortal blow from an axe-wielding maniac in an effort to spare his life, and thus endanger her own. Though he's felt an attraction to Rachel since first waking up in the morgue where she works, he doesn't feel right about converting her, even if it's to save her life, without her permission. Because though his race is extremely difficult to kill, a beheading would definitely get the job done. But then again, since she's saved his life, he feels that he can do no less for her than return the favor. When Rachel wakes up a vampire in Etienne's home, she goes through extreme denial as Etienne tries to explain to her what she has become. It's only after she meets the rest of his family, discovering the scientific facts behind vampirism, as well as the sexual "side effects", does she begin to grudgingly accept the fact. But since she must learn to control her blood lust, and hone her new talents while the conversion within her body completes itself over the course of the next week, Etienne has asked that she remain with him in his home for a while as she adjusts to these changes. The attraction Etienne has felt for Rachel continues to grow. And Rachel recognizes Etienne as the man who has haunted her dreams, in a strangely sexual way, for the past several nights prior to her turning. The story is ultimately a romance, but as I said above, it's got enough other things going for it to keep it entertaining and amusing. And I'm looking forward to keeping up with this cute, light-hearted series.

[hoosgracie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Second on Sands series about the Argeneau vampire clan. This one is a prequel to Single White Vampire and concerns Etienne and Rachel. Cute.

[wyvernfriend · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Etienne Argeneau has had three hundred years of batchelorhood. When Rachel Garrett saves his life and sacrafices her own he rescues her and turns her into a vampire. Now he has to convince her to stay with him that he's not insane and that her life as a vampire is as good as her older life.It's pretty predictable, readable fluff

[thebooknerd · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Another cute but not particularly memorable book.

[pacey1927 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

The is the second Argeneau Vampires tale by Lyndsay Sands, if read in the author's intended reading order. This is the story of Rachel, a morgue attendant who is working her usual night shift when a dead man is brought in twice. Yes, it the same dead man. Etienne has been killed twice, once by a bullet through the heart and then again burnt to crisp. Rachel finds herself sickeningly attracted to what she assumes is a corpse. Things aren't as they appear of course and Etienne is a vampire. Rachel saves Etienne's life and then he repays the favor. The only way he can save her life though is to 'turn' her into a vampire. Etienne must than house her and teach her all the ways of the vampire. The portion of the book dealing with Etienne showing up in the morgue, revealing himself to her, and then saving and turning her is top-notch storytelling. I was enraptured by the book at this point and convinced I had found a winner. After Rachel is turned the book begins a downward spiral from which it never quite recovers. The tale becomes just plain silly when the focus turns to romance between the two vamps. This includes some of the cheesiest and just plain odd dialouge I have ever come across in my years of romance and/or paranormal reading. Even the sex scenes are yawn and cringe worthy. The end tries to recapture some of the book's earlier enjoyment with the showdown against Etienne's rival/stalker. But by this point, the book stumbles into another downfall. The ending delves straight into the old tried and true formula romance. There is a misunderstanding between the couple and one of the couple runs away. They spend some time apart, and finally come back together again, after both admit how miserable they were apart. Ok, I think we've all read that plotline a few too many times. Except for the beginning of the story, this book shows none of the comical fun and romance of "A Quick Bite". I must say, I am a little disappointed.

[larissabookgirl_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

There is a crazy man on the loose. He stalks the night with guns, and knives, and an axe. He believes vampires roam the night, and is determined to destroy them; or join them if they'll have him. But what kind of idiot believes in vampires.Working in a morgue was not the best way to have an active social life, especially when working the night shift. Rachel had been working the night shift for a long time, but just as she was about to see the light at the end if the night shift, something very bad happens. Rachel had thought she would rather die than be stuck on the night shift forever, but when that becomes her only option is she still so sure?Etienne has been under a lot of strain lately. Someone has been trying to kill him. Actually someone had already killed him, twice, and they were still not giving up. It had been a close call both time, and both times he had been saved by a woman working in the morgue. But when her life is under threat because of him, should he give up is one chance for love to save her?In Love Bites three lives will change forever under the actions of one mad man. Things seem to go from bad to worse to better to so much better to bad again and then to great. A story of honour and love, where vampires are not so much the walking soulless, bloodsucking, undead. Well, yes they do drink blood but from wine glasses and blood bags and not sucked from helpless mortals.There are some good ideas in this story including the origin of the Argeneau vampires, which is original and creative, as is the science behind the 'curse' of the vampires. However to me this would have been a more intriguing story if it had focused a little less on the pleasures of the two main characters.

[angellocke · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I don't know why I waited so long to read this. It's been sitting in my library forever. I loved it. I enjoyed the interaction between Etienne and Rachael. Not a lot of action but very sweet. This time I'm not waiting so long to read the next one. I'm starting it today.

[aliterarylion · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It's difficult to keep track of all the members in the Argeneau clan, but I do enjoy it. Can be hit or miss though

[debscriven · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Etienne Argeneau has a choice, turn the girl who saved his life or leave her to die. Sounds easy, but everything has it's complications. If her turns her he could be without a soul mate for life unless she falls in love with him.Without ruining the story what happens next is entangled in the life of Etienne, his sworn enemy and a family which needs to keep the fact that vampires exist a secret.This book is both funny, warm and romantic - and I don't "do" romantic books!Surprisingly good ... I thought I had made a mistake buying this book, but it wasn't all gush and there was a good storyline too it. Different to other vampire books on the market.

[mumugrrl · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Far and away the worst book I've read so far this year. It's books like this that make me think that I could be an author because anything I would write, no matter how bad, would have to be better than this. Any time an author writes a heroine that comes across as a moron with a hero that's on board with that, loses me. And I don't think this author is going to get a second chance.

[Carolyn Jones · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very entertaining and a bit predictable. The characters are endearing and the HEA, is there for the hopeful romantic.

[Ashante Williams · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

(Etienne & Rachel): I enjoyed this book more than I did the first. Mostly because it wasn't so slow. There's action almost immediately. Someone is trying to kill Etienne and because of it, he keeps making trips to the coroner's office. The meet cute is actually kind of creepy and freaking hilarious at the same time. Rachel is a medical examiner. Rachel is caught in the crossfire and ends up with the Argeneau family. This book is funny and witty but at times it got a little repetitive in certain parts. Etienne though, didn't really seem like an alpha male, he was more passive to Rachel's combative nature. I guess that makes them a good match. Their matching is so hot, you'll pass out ?. LS write a beautiful world of vampires that will have you hooked.

[tragicbutterfly · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I have to say that this book, the second in the series, is much better that the first. The characters were more realistic and three-dimensional and the plot was more complex and engaging. I would have liked it if there was a bit more information about Pudge’s background story but not having it didn’t take away from the plot or character development.

The romance wasn’t epic or swoon worthy but it did have a natural progression that was believable. The plot was a little more fluff than hard core.

My rating breakdown is below. The romance and sensuality scores don’t factor into the total rating of the book but I like to keep track of them anyway. Please remember that this is just my opinion and you are entitled to yours.

Plot: 4 – Good plot with some surprises; usually more complex

Characters: 4 – Good characterization; characters are believable, relatable; emotional attachment

Creativity: 4 – original, well-developed, decent execution but left no lasting impression

Romance: 4 – Romantic; romance is present and clearly defined, mildly engaging

Sensuality: 3 – Sensual; moderate sexual activity, physical details are described but in a tasteful manner, some elements are still left to the readers imagination

[mary1963_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Two Minute Review for “Love Bites” by Lynsay SandsRachel Garret saves the Vampire Etienne Argeneau from certain death, twice. Etienne has a choice, save her and loose his chance to create a life mate later, or watch the woman who saved him die. Well you know what choice he makes. Can you guess who his life mate turns out to be? Very, very predictable there are no interesting plot twists. The characters are not driven, pushed or stretched at all. A cute romance with a few funny parts is about all I got out of this. Better than some, not as good as others. Ho Hum.

[buffycharpentier · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The second book in the Argeneu saga follows Etienne and his life mate Rachel. Rachel is thrown quite quickly into the Argeneau family, with little choice. Sands is able to bring a bit more comedy into this novel than her first and the romantic development seems pure and is quite enjoyable to read. As one who understand social awkwardness it was hard for me not to fall for Etienne and his computer geek persona.

[mlleehreen · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

OK, this is a book about a vampire, Etienne, whose only passion in life lately has been writing video games. He sits alone in his basement all night making the games & the crazy psycho killer of the novel is another game-writer who wanted a job with Etienne and didn't get one.

Then the heroine, Rachel, is a coroner with no social life. But seriously, no social life. She tells us over and over again - gee, I never go out, gee, what's there to do at night, gee, I caught my last lover having sex with my roommate and that was years ago in college. Her first major bonding experience with Etienne post-crossover is...spending a whole night with him playing video games. 10 hours straight. It made me feel sad.

Look, if you can get past this, maybe you will like the book. But I couldn't find Etienne sexy, no matter how silvery his eyes or impressive his physique. Not just because he spends all his time in a basement with his computers, or because - as he admits one morning to his mother - he hasn't had sex in two or three decades. No, it's because he's such a puppy dog. He's a kid. Bashful and a little dumb where women are concerned and eager to please. He acts a lot closer to twenty than three hundred.

Plus, and maybe I've just been reading too many of these vampire novels lately, but I am a little tired of the part of the novel when the heroine says something flip and a little rude and some older yet wiser vampire chuckles and observes, "Isn't she delightful?"

Also, this is a novel in which the vampires think that biting people is really taboo. They don't bite one another, they don't bite humans, they don't even appear to be very interested in biting. Where's the fun in that? They do, however, make all sorts of interesting blood cocktails. That's nice, but...eh.