Posts Tagged ‘lifemate’

I finished this series a while ago, but it appears, despite my loving the series, that I am not as quick with the reviews

This too, was one of my favorites in the series, simply because the element of enemy danger was left on the back-burner in this one and we were treated to a more relaxing version of finding love, amongst life’s daily disasters.

Bastien Argeneau, head of the clan and essentially the “man of the house” always finds himself cleaning up his family’s messes, and handling the business side of their lives. It was fun to see this sexy but serious, no-nonsense vampire find himself in uncomfortable situations, all the while trying to deal with the new emotions of encountering his human potential “lifemate”.

Basically, Lucern and Kate are preparing their wedding, and Kate (and of course, Lucern) are called away on emergency, in the final stages of the wedding planning. Kate’s editor Chris has just had an accident and broken, both his apartment, AND his leg, and requires a place to stay. Kate’s cousin and maid of honor (Terri) has just flown in from London (and had been scheduled to stay with Kate), and Vincent, (Bastien and Lucern’s vampire cousin) has just popped into the Argeneau’s family penthouse for an extended visit. Bastien (usually a loner) who lives at the penthouse full time, finds himself host to all three guests. 

While he is thrilled to have Terri stay with him…

“And you-” his attention shifted to Terri, but one glimpse of her soft eyes, and even softer-looking lips made his businesslike attitude disappear. A smile curved his lips again, and his voice was noticeably gentler as he said, “Just sit down and relax, Terri. I’ll be back soon with dinner.”

…he is non too pleased with the male “squatters”. To make matters worse, Vincent’s (the Argeneau cousin) unconcealed “feeding habits” (including tasting Bastien’s maid), eventually freaks the maid out enough to make her quit – this whole section is hilarious!

Attempting to keep his family’s lifestyle a secret, in the presence of human company, (while keeping Vincent from snacking on any more guests), puts Bastien in a tailspin. Trying to make sure everyone is fed regularily and cared for (in whatever way they need to be),

“Vincent,” Bastien said with exasperation, “which takeout foods are healthiest?”

“Subs,” Vincent insisted. “It’s got your four basic food groups. or is it five?” Raising his hand, he began to count off fingers. “Dairy, bread, meat vegetables…I think there are four for humans.”

proves to be a bigger challenge then expected. He also finds himself having to make final decisions (with Terri) for his cousin’s wedding preparations (which also keep proving to be disastrous).

That was when Bastien realized that fate had just turned everything upside down. His orderly life was gone, and at that moment he really wasn’t sure if he’d ever get it back. At least not before Lucern and Kate’s wedding.  How long was that? Oh, yes. Two weeks. Fourteen days of hell before his life might get back to normal.

How had this happened he wondered, with a combination of dismay and confusion. Things like this simply didn’t happen to him. He was the details man-he didn’t have problems, he solved them for everyone else.

This book is just plain fun! Lots of funny scenes, and moments that you can really relate to (tons of bad luck, but all in harmless fun). Romance, of course runs deep in this installment (and contains the much needed turmoil that makes our hearts pitter-patter in anticipation).

Here’s a nice scene

Bastien lifted his head slightly and pressed a kiss to her lips, then drew her head down to his chest and continued to simply hold her. His hand rubbed soothingly over her back, caressing her soft skin. She felt her eyes droop closed; then he murmured, “Thank you.”

Terri blinked her eyes open and raised her head to peer at him. “What for?”

“For this,” he said simply. “For giving me the greatest pleasure I’ve experienced in my life.”

The Argeneau’s prove to be even more endearing then in past installments. Bastien is the sweetest, and his gentle ways with Terri are heartwarming. Vincent, too, is simply adorable, and while this is not his story, it will make you anxious to get to know him better. Read it!!

As mentioned in the previous book’s review, I enjoyed this book immensely, however I found it difficult to read at times due to the bouts of aggression from the male lead character.

Jacques, an immortal Carpathian, had been tortured, left for dead, and buried alive for years. Spiraling to insanity, he discovers that he is telepathically linked to a female doctor (Shea O’Halloran). While they do not they do not communicate with words, he never really leaves her mind. In his madness, he realizes that she is his only link to life beyond his grave. She feels the connection to this stranger, by way of nightmares, and eventually finds herself drawn to the Carpathian Mountains. Subconsciously, his call to her is more profound now that she is near, and, in a trance, she finds him.

Finally rescued and aided by Shea, Jacques’ frequent fluctuations between madness and sanity during his healing, are highly distressing. Even more disconcerting was how Shea’s compassion for his suffering, and desire to heal him, overrode her own sense of self preservation (considering his occasional terrifying bursts of rage). She almost seems to have an unhealthy sense of guilt towards his situation, and becomes intent on caring for him, despite the danger to herself.

Something incredibly strong in her was committed to ensuring his survival. In a bizarre way, she had lived with this man for years. He had been with her at all hours, sharing her mind, calling to her, begging her to come release him. She had left him here in this place of suffering and madness because she had not thought he was real. She would not fail him again.

While Jacques was one of my favorite characters in book one, (sweet, charming and seemingly still emotionally connected to his entourage), book two brought him to the brink of hell and back again, changing his easy going persona forever. He cannot remember anything from his past, or who he is, and where he belongs. From a savage animal to a deeply damaged man, Shea slowly heals his soul, and eases his mind back to reality, all the while undergoing repair to her own emotionally damaged heart.

As she moved past the bed, his hand snaked out, finger shackling her wrist, drawing her close.

“What?” Shea perched on the edge of the bed, a faint smile on her face, her eyes soft, even tender, although she was unaware of it.

His palm slid up her arm; strong fingers massaged her aching shoulder. Thank you, little red hair. You make me feel alive again.

Believing she is dying from an incurable blood disorder, Shea feels she has nothing to lose, and puts her remaining efforts into saving Jacques. Considering she was emotionally abandoned by her mother as a child, as an adult, Shea struggles with the idea of love, and commitment, and is disoriented when she begins to feel deeply for Jacques.

So alone. So much pain. Emptiness. Hunger. Always the terrible hunger consuming him. She found tears on her face. Her arms cradled his head, rocked him gently. “You’re not alone anymore,” she whispered. “I’m right here with you, Jacques. I’m not leaving you alone like this.”

It is still in your mind to leave me. You cannot hide your intentions from me, Shea. I have explained countless times to you. You are my lifemate. There cannot be deceit between us.

I admit, occasionally, the *Stockholm Syndrome* idea popped up in the back of my mind. Considering how they were both emotionally damaged and desperate to save each other, this was definitely not a healthy situation, however, Jacques, at times, is so sweet and helpless, that it’s hard not to wholeheartedly love him. Their chemistry is obvious, and the relationship eventually turns from one of desperation to a more relaxed (albeit intense) love.

My favorite part of the book is when the other Carpathians finally find Jacques & Shea, and struggle with their need to protect Shea from Jacques’ wild demeanor and seemingly abusive hold over her, all the while trying to bring Jacques back to his people. Their first encounter is alarming, as havoc ensues while the Carpathian men try to take Shea, and Jacques violently protects her (Shea, nearly losing her life a few times in that skirmish).

“Jacques.” Gregori’s voice dropped even lower so that it seemed to whisper-low, compelling, beautiful. “Your woman is in need of care. I offer my services as a healer to both of you. I give you my word that at no time will I attempt to harm your woman.”

Let him, Jacques.

No! It is a trick.

Shea stirred, tried to sit up on her own, but was too weak. Look at us, wild man. They could easily kill us. I’m so tired I can’t hang on anymore.

Here’s a little something from Chapter 10 (while emotion runs high in this novel, this chapter is intensely touching). Shea’s been fighting her instinct to relinquish herself to love, and Jacques feels her attempt to pull away:

“I’ve tried to make the adjustment,” she protested. “I need more time.”

“I know that, Shea.” I should have found another way to help you heal. I am trying to find out what kind of lifemate you have. I want to be what you need, someone you can respect and love, to feed you without revulsion.” His mouth found her pulse, felt it jump under the velvet rasp of his tongue.

His lips moved to her chin, the corner of her lips. His voice was husky, aching. “Want me enough, Shea. Want me with more than just your body. Let me knot your heart.” His mouth fastened on hers, not gently but wildly, hungrily. The hunger was in his eyes when he raised his head to look down at her. “Open your mind to me. Want me there as you want me in your body. Want me coming to you wild with a need only you can satisfy. Take me into your soul and let me live there.”

This book is consistent and follows nicely into the series. It allows you to get to know the characters even more. Raven & Mikhail and even Grogori appear throughout (an interesting little twist, there, that comes back later in the series), so we get a continuation of their stories as well. The hunt for Jacques captors, keeps the story alive with excitement and Shea’s own personal history is intriguing and comes full circle. Out of the first four books, this one stands at number one in the series for me!

In this part of the series, we veer off the immediate Argeneau family for a bit while we learn about those who work with them. Surprisingly enough, they are just as interesting and easily likable as the Argeneau crew, and we are regaled with “cameos” from different Argeneaus throughout these books.

This story probes the blooming relationship between Garrett Mortimer and the still mortal, Samantha Willan (remember Mortimer? He is one of Lucian’s right hand men, and had a large part in Lucian’s book).

Garrett and Justin Bricker are sent to Decker Argeneau’s cottage on the outskirts of Toronto, to investigate a possible rogue who may be feeding off of the humans in a small town. The three Council Enforcers are finding it difficult to concentrate on their investigation. The electricity in town keeps getting knocked out, and their old generator is proving not very reliable, spoiling their blood supplies.

A trio of girls at the neighboring cottage are also having difficulties keeping their food cold, and the whole group of them decide to have an “eating party” to use up as much food before it wastes, along with possibly storing whatever is left in Decker’s fridge which is being tentatively run by his generator.

“A power outage party,” Bricker said with a grin. “Potato salad, hamburgers, sausages, and steak. It could be fun.”

“And their food right alongside our bags of blood in the refrigerator,” Mortimer said dryly, mildly satisfied by the way the reminder wiped the smile off the younger immortal’s face.

The neighbors soon become friends, and Garrett realizes that he can’t read one of the sisters (Samantha “Sam” Willan). He is over 800 years old, and while he has never met his lifemate, he is somewhat discouraged to realize that this potential lifemate looks nothing like the fantasy woman he had envisioned. While he prefers buxom blonds, a la “Jessica Rabbit”, Samantha is a tall, lanky, seemingly plain brunette with a penchant for clumsiness (more of an Olive Oyl).

“So, how old are you, Mortimer? Eight hundred and something, isn’t it?”

“Yes,” he agreed warily, knowing it wasn’t just mild interest.

Decker nodded. “And how many women have you met in that time that you can’t read?”

His mouth tightened at the question. Sam was the first. And it had been a long eight hundred years too. Lonely. Was he being a fool?

Understanding that he is extremely blessed to finally be able to share his life with someone, he decides to put his illusions aside and get to know her better. The “nanos” soon kick in (by now, we know the nanos are always right), and he finds himself becoming very protective of her, and deeply attracted.

A funny scene during the “outage party” where Mortimer is following Sam around, leading her so she doesn’t fall, and even loading her plate with food, making her quite uncomfortable, with his attentive, yet obtrusive behavior (despite Garrett knowing she is his lifemate, Sam knows nothing of this, and considers him a complete stranger):

“Which would you like?”

Sam blinked and glanced to the tray of meat Mortimer was now holding. At least he was going to take her wishes into account with this, she thought on a sigh.

“I’d like a cheeseburger,” she said stiffly.

Mortimer nodded, and set a cheeseburger on her plate, then hesitated and picked up the fork on the plate to stab one of the strips of steak as well.

“I don’t want that,” Sam said quickly, raising her hand to block him from putting it on her already overflowing dish.

“You’re too pale; you need more red meat in your diet,” he said firmly.

“But I can’t possibly eat all this,” she protested as the steak landed on her potato salad mountain.

“You’re too skinny. Eat up.”

Shortly thereafter, Samantha finds herself suddenly “on call” with her boss, who requests her assistance to spend part of her vacation looking for his suddenly missing goddaughter. Garrett seizes this opportunity to be with her, and assists in her search, staying with her day and night.

A very sweet moment:

“I find you beautiful,” he whispered, soothing her soul and washing away her discomfort. “Perfect.”

The relationship and steamy moments play out nicely, are well paced, and we are treated to TWO mysteries that need to be solved. That, along with Garrett’s attempt at keeping his “vampire” situation hidden from Samantha, and the incessant teasing from his friends, make this an enjoyable read, and a welcome addition to the series.

This is the book that ties it all together! It answers so many questions, and resolves the mystery that has been ongoing for the last two books (along with the curious relationship between Marguerite and her late husband, Jean-Claude).

While the plot thickens and the familiar mysterious pattern of attacks continues in this novel, we re-live the events of the last few days from Marguerite’s perspective (she has apparently gone missing over the course of a week or so).

If you have read the previous books, you’ll recall that Marguerite and Tiny have travelled to Europe to investigate the identity of Christian’s mother (an “immortal” who was raised by his authoritative father, Julius, and all his life, has been told that his mother was dead). His father has always refused to provide him any further details, and has harassed past investigators into quitting the search.

Shortly after arriving in Europe, Marguerite is mugged, and then attacked during her sleep by a sword wielding villain. She is certain that someone is trying to keep her from discovering the truth, and suspects Christian’s father, Julius.

She meets with Christian and his entourage (who are all set on aiding and protecting Marguerite from further attacks). To Marguerite’s distress, Julius is also part of the group. While she cannot read him (she thinks it is because he is older and purposely blocking her out), she comes to realize, by reading his entourage, that he is not responsible for the attacks. She also finds herself immensely attracted to him, and apprehensively notices that they are both eating food (immortals often abandon food over time, and only find themselves interested in foods again once they have met a lifemate, and their senses are re-awakened).

“Have you tried to read Julius?”

Marguerite stilled in her seat, wariness creeping through her. She had, but suddenly didn’t think she wanted to admit it.

“You have, haven’t you?” Tiny asked. His eyes narrowed on her face and he guessed, “And you don’t want to admit it because you couldn’t read him.”

Marguerite blew out an irritated breath and looked away.

“And you’re eating.”

She stiffened, and scowled.

As she and Julius become friends, and learn to trust each other,

Pausing, Julius peered at her and said quietly, “I would never hurt you Marguerite. You have nothing to fear from me.”

She becomes close to Christian, and is appalled by the things she learns about his mother, and the circumstances of her desertion of him and his father. While we are afforded the indulgence in the beautiful discovery of two lifemates, we are also rewarded with touching moments between Marguerite and Christian (her loving and maternal nature towards Christian, and his need for a mother, and fondness for Marguerite).

To me, this is the most poignant yet heartwarming scene in the book:

Julius didn’t need any more prompting than that.  Nodding, he kissed Marguerite on the cheek and headed out of the room with his coffee.

Marguerite watched him go with a smile, then started to turn to Tiny to ask if there was anything she could do to help, but paused when she saw Christian grinning at her.

“What?” she asked, grimacing when she felt the blush riding up her cheeks.

“Does this mean you’ll be my mother?” Christian teased lightly.

Marguerite’s embarrassment fled at once, her expression becoming serious, she said slowly, “I would be more than proud to claim you as a son, Christian.”

The teasing in his expression leeched out of his face and he swallowed thickly, then nodded. “Thank you, Marguerite.”

This book has many facets. Relationships, and revelations that build into an intense climactic resolution of Marguerite’s horrific past with Jean Claude, and her potential life to come with a new lifemate. While she may have to let go of her fears to advance in her future, she will also need to accept her past to appreciate what it has given her today.