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natejohansen's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.25
divapitbull's review against another edition
3.0
I loved one story and hated the other.
The Gift by Lynsay Sands:
I give this story 1 star but this is based purely on a matter of preference and not a reflection on the work itself. I had intentionally avoided the Argeneau series after a cursory glance at reviews told me I would find it too tame, bland and boring for my tastes. I prefer morally ambiguous characters with a side of violence, kinky sex and foul language, ergo The Gift most definitely was not something I would gravitate towards. It was however a wonderful story if your thing is sweet and heartwarming with two really nice people finding love and enjoying a dollop of vanilla sex with G rated language.
Not being familiar with the series it did take me a little while to figure out that when one is "turned" one reverts to their "prime" in terms of youth. Therefore I spent at least half the story thinking I stumbled upon an AARP romance (not that there's anything wrong with that); however the "shared sex dream" between Katricia and the 64 year old Teddy was a bit...disconcerting.
I also have to note that the Argeneau vampires don't take their sustenance straight from the tap, they subsist solely on bagged blood. What sort of self respecting vampire would do that? Seems to me that biting people has to be half the fun. These vamps are one step away from sparkling.
Home For the Holidays by Jeaniene Frost:
This is the story I bought the book for and it - 5 star - did not disappoint. When a demon possesses Bones and the rest of his vampy crew; only Cat, Dennise and Ian are left unaffected and charged with saving the day. There is lots of thoroughly enjoyable, humorous vintage Ian; his "show and tell" of his strategically placed warding tattoo was classic. Vlad was unavailable to lend assistance this time as he was not answering his cell phone and no doubt was wrapped up in the events of whatever was happening in the Night Prince spin off series. Home For the Holidays seemed to capture some of the "what's going to happen next"? tension that was present in the beginning of the series but that was missing from the last 2 installments, and was lots of fun.
The Gift by Lynsay Sands:
I give this story 1 star but this is based purely on a matter of preference and not a reflection on the work itself. I had intentionally avoided the Argeneau series after a cursory glance at reviews told me I would find it too tame, bland and boring for my tastes. I prefer morally ambiguous characters with a side of violence, kinky sex and foul language, ergo The Gift most definitely was not something I would gravitate towards. It was however a wonderful story if your thing is sweet and heartwarming with two really nice people finding love and enjoying a dollop of vanilla sex with G rated language.
Not being familiar with the series it did take me a little while to figure out that when one is "turned" one reverts to their "prime" in terms of youth. Therefore I spent at least half the story thinking I stumbled upon an AARP romance (not that there's anything wrong with that); however the "shared sex dream" between Katricia and the 64 year old Teddy was a bit...disconcerting.
I also have to note that the Argeneau vampires don't take their sustenance straight from the tap, they subsist solely on bagged blood. What sort of self respecting vampire would do that? Seems to me that biting people has to be half the fun. These vamps are one step away from sparkling.
Home For the Holidays by Jeaniene Frost:
This is the story I bought the book for and it - 5 star - did not disappoint. When a demon possesses Bones and the rest of his vampy crew; only Cat, Dennise and Ian are left unaffected and charged with saving the day. There is lots of thoroughly enjoyable, humorous vintage Ian; his "show and tell" of his strategically placed warding tattoo was classic. Vlad was unavailable to lend assistance this time as he was not answering his cell phone and no doubt was wrapped up in the events of whatever was happening in the Night Prince spin off series. Home For the Holidays seemed to capture some of the "what's going to happen next"? tension that was present in the beginning of the series but that was missing from the last 2 installments, and was lots of fun.
mtbc's review against another edition
3.0
Another Dollar Tree find for me. Nothing too substantial on the Argeneau front, but a fun little read. Also an interesting introduction to Frost's series. And, as a "Christmas" book, quite interesting.
friendlyghosty's review against another edition
5.0
Five stars for mrs frost!
(and cat and bones!) :D
(and cat and bones!) :D
ameretet's review against another edition
4.0
I must have not read the Jeanine Frost story cause this def deserves at least 4 stars. Ian needs his own series. PLEASE!
anasatticbookblog's review against another edition
5.0
First off, Lynsay Sand's story: I read the first 10 books in her series (in a row), then got bored with the same formula and never went back to it. This was the same as all the others. But it has been about 2 years and it was nice coming back for a visit. I love her take on Vampires, and the instant attraction life mates have is a nice way to get characters in love quickly. 4 of 5.
Secondly, Jeaniene Frost's story: I LOVE Jeaniene Frost. Since she is my favorite author, there is not much she can do wrong! This was no exception. I LOVED it, just like I love all the Cat & Bones books! (And the Night Huntress World books). I actually liked this one better than the last novel in the series. Great job! Can't wait for Vlad's story....
Secondly, Jeaniene Frost's story: I LOVE Jeaniene Frost. Since she is my favorite author, there is not much she can do wrong! This was no exception. I LOVED it, just like I love all the Cat & Bones books! (And the Night Huntress World books). I actually liked this one better than the last novel in the series. Great job! Can't wait for Vlad's story....
inmyhumbleopinion's review against another edition
4.0
The Bite Before Christmas by Lynsay Sands & Jeaniene Frost
One book. Two of my favorite authors. Two very different types of vampires. I’m delighted.
The Gift by Lynsay Sands is Teddy Brunswick’s story. Teddy is the sheriff of Port Henry. The woman he has loved all his life is now an immortal and has found her life mate. It seems everybody has somebody but him. Holidays suck when you are single. This is something that Teddy and Katricia Argeneau have in common. Katricia is an immortal in the same situation as Teddy. She too is avoiding spending the holidays as a charity case by friends & relatives. Thus they end up as neighbors when the power goes out from a snow storm. She has food. He has a fireplace and wood. Getting together makes sense.
Home For The Holidays by Jeaniene Frost. Shortly before Thanksgiving Cat throws Bones a 245th birthday party. What could go wrong? Just about everything.
One book. Two of my favorite authors. Two very different types of vampires. I’m delighted.
The Gift by Lynsay Sands is Teddy Brunswick’s story. Teddy is the sheriff of Port Henry. The woman he has loved all his life is now an immortal and has found her life mate. It seems everybody has somebody but him. Holidays suck when you are single. This is something that Teddy and Katricia Argeneau have in common. Katricia is an immortal in the same situation as Teddy. She too is avoiding spending the holidays as a charity case by friends & relatives. Thus they end up as neighbors when the power goes out from a snow storm. She has food. He has a fireplace and wood. Getting together makes sense.
Home For The Holidays by Jeaniene Frost. Shortly before Thanksgiving Cat throws Bones a 245th birthday party. What could go wrong? Just about everything.
rekadnug's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75