by Lynsay Sands
Series: Argeneau #19
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Luck be a vampire tonight . . . When Nicole Phillips agreed to hire a housekeeper, she pictured someone a little frumpy and almost certainly female. Instead, she gets gorgeous, unmistakably male Jake Colson. The man is proving indispensable in the kitchen—and everywhere else. Except Jake might not be a mortal man at all.. . . and every night Who wouldn't want to be a tall, dark, powerful vampire? Jake, for one. He's barely had time to adjust to his new state before he's roped into a family favor. Still, secretly playing bodyguard to sweet, sexy Nicole is turning out to be the wildest ride of his life. First he'll put a stop to whoever's targeting her. Then he'll prove that this kind of love, and luck, happens only once in an eternity.
One Lucky Vampire is the nineteenth book in the Aregeneau Vampire series by Lynsay Sands, and I was a little leery jumping in so late into the game, but it ended up be a good read. I had no difficulties as it appears each tale involves one immortal vampire, one mystery/case and a human who becomes their mate. Mini-review: steamy, insta-love, humor and suspense.
One Lucky Vampire features Stephano Notte who was turned seven years ago in order to save his life. This didn’t sit well with Stephano, as he had already decided at eighteen when he learned the family secret that he wanted no parts of it. Fate intervened; he got angry and moved across the country and changed his name to Jake Colson. When Marguerite, a respected family member asks for his help to watch over a human, Jake finds himself playing housekeeper/cook in order to protect Nicole. Nicole is fourteen days shy of a divorce and has had several near fatal accidents. Playing housekeeper proves a little difficult for this body guard. The tale that unfolds is hot, sweet and filled with danger.
Jake is a smexy vampire, who is independent, and stubborn. He is carrying some family issues around on his broad, chiseled shoulders. Nicole’s marriage was a dark time for her, but she is convinced her ex is an ass, but he’d never try to hurt her. I easily connected with both characters; they were funny, sexy, and their chemistry was good. Like a lot of paranormal romances, you have to let the insta-love flow, and go with it. Sands shares a unique twist in the form of “nanos” regarding soulmates and it was fascinating. Siblings, cousins, Marguerite and other family members added wicked banter and had me laughing. While they weren’t fleshed out, (probably happened in precious books) the author did manage to give them individual voices. Their humor and shared camaraderie was fun and made me want to know them more.
One Lucky Vampire had an interesting thread regarding the accidents and Nicole. It created some intense moments and heightened the attraction between Jake and Nicole. It also drew family members from both sides to Nicole’s home adding drama and some of the most hilarious conversations. Sands’ vampires are different, and despite this being the nineteenth book she did an excellent job of sharing their history, the nanos and mates to us. Sexual encounters between life-mates are super hot, intense but also made me giggle-snort. No, the sex scenes weren’t awkward, in fact, they were smoking hot but trust me you will giggle. Now let’s talk endings and why this little gem wasn’t a four for me. From the reveal of who was causing these accidents to whether or not Nicole and Jake get their HEA felt like one of those blurbs at the end of the movie. You know the ones where words slide across the screen telling you so and so married, and he went off to write a best seller about the events etc. It was rushed, and very anti-climatic. While I do not mind open-endings and the author is clear about our couple, it just all fell flat for me and knocked this down to a half-point.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
sharonda
I absolutely love this series. great review Kim, I cannot wait to read this one..I still have to read the one before this one 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I am looking forward to reading more of them 🙂
Kerry Amburgy-Dickson
I love those books of this series I have had to opportunity to read.
kimbacaffeinate
I enjoyed this and hope to read more, I am glad you have enjoyed them 🙂
Pabkins
Wow so I looked at the # in the series this is and you still love it after all this time I might have to look into the first book.
kimbacaffeinate
This was my first read for this series, and yep I totally enjoyed it 🙂
Jana Leah
I was Snow White one year. Thanks for the giveaway.
kimbacaffeinate
Nice, good luck Jana!
Callie Stuck
I tend to like horror costumes the best but I have really been liking the Alice In Wonderland fad that everyone has been in the past few years.
kimbacaffeinate
I saw the cutest Mad Hatter. 🙂
Janice Hougland
I love Lynsay’s vampire stories! She could write the Argeneau series forever and I would be happy…kinda like the Carpathians in Christine Feehan’s books. As for my favorite Halloween Costume, I didn’t go trick or treating as a kid. I grew up on a farm out in the middle of nowhere. Halloween was just another night like any other. We worked after school, ate supper, cleaned up, bathed, and went to bed. Thanks for this post.
kimbacaffeinate
Rural life really changes things. I love when I find a series that I never want to end and I am glad you love these. I am hoping to read more of them myself. Thanks Janice!
Dani
I have this book queued to read on my vacation! I have read every single book in this series and I am so looking forward to this one! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo I am glad you have liked them, I am hoping to read more of them.
Jenea
It sounds like a good one, too bad about the ending though. Glad that you did still enjoy it. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
It was still a good read, and I am going to try more!
Ada
I can’t believe this is book #19 of the series! I have to catch up on this one! I don’t really have a favorite costume but I did dress up as an Angel more than once lol
kimbacaffeinate
I know the 19 books scared me, but these really work as standalone 🙂
Anita H.
My first ever costume was a tiger. I loved that costume!
kimbacaffeinate
Awe I bet you looked cute..RAWR! 🙂
Lauren
It’s a shame about the ending, but up until that point it sounds pretty amazing! Though it’s number NINETEEN? I’m glad you can jump in this late with no issues but still the OCD reader in me is freaking out about starting a series so late. Still, great review!
kimbacaffeinate
I freaked a little too, but a lot of times with adult series, in paranormal each involves one couple. I do hope to go back and try some more.
Glenda
I’m a late comer to the Argeneau series too, but everything I’ve read makes me want to read more.
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed Glenda, good luck! 🙂
H.B.
I haven’t read any of Lynsay’s paranormal books but I’ve read quite a few of her historical romances and have enjoyed them greatly.
Favorite Halloween costume? I’ll have to say the Despicable Me costumes. Kids totally look adorable in them.
kimbacaffeinate
I love Despicable Me and saw quite a few of them last night..LOL I did not know Sands wrote historical fiction, I am anxious to try more of these but will check out those titles as well. Thanks H.B. 🙂
Pamela D
This sounds like a fun book.
My favorite costume is a Sally costume (from The Nightmare Before Christmas) that my mom made for me a few years ago.
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo cool costume! Good luck and have a wonderful weekend!
Terrie Fulk
I am a big fan of Lynsay Sands. She is one of my favorite authors. And her Aregeneau Vampire series is out of this world good. My favorite Halloween costume has to be when my mom dressed me up as a gypsy princess when I was 8 years old. Thank for the opportunity to win a copy of “One Lucky Vampire”. Happy Halloween!
kimbacaffeinate
Awe I bet you were a cute gypsy princess, and I quite enjoyed this, and the author’s style so I will be picking up more of this series.
Braine Talk Supe
19 books?! Damn that’s one long ass series. But from your rating am I correct to think that it’s dwindling down? The latest DarK Hunter books aren’t as good as the first ones and I wish Kenyon would conclude it and start a fresh one.
Happy Halloween!
kimbacaffeinate
No, there are several more, and it was only the very ending that disappointed me, the tale is quite good, and smexy!
Theresa Ann Fischer
I love this series! Looking forward to reading One Lucky Vampire.
kimbacaffeinate
I was impressed and hope to read more, good luck Theresa!
Melissa (Books and Things)
Another series I’m woefully needing to start. 19? *headdesk* Although I would be totally willing to start this one here just to find out why I would giggle during a hot scene. 🙂 Despite a flat ending… that makes me want to check it out right now! 😀
kimbacaffeinate
This series totally works as standalone and I hope to read more. 🙂
Stephanie F.
I have read a few of the books in the series and they have been pretty good. I’ve liked some a lot more than others. I do love that you can pick up any book and not be completely lost. Great review I’ll definitely read it despite the ending.
My favorites costume was always a witch. I’ve dressed as a few different kinds and they are my go to costume.
kimbacaffeinate
Witches are fun, and I am glad you like this series. Good luck Stephanie!
Lori H
My brother is an awesome when it comes to sewing although he doesn’t think so. He always gives credit to his wife who claims my brother is really the one who sees the costumes. He made Belle and Beast costumes one year and they were great. They even won the contest for best costumes that year 😀
Thanks for the review. I think I got through the first 6 or 7 books and I own most of the series but am way behind on them.
Happy Halloween
kimbacaffeinate
So cool about your brother, I bet they looked great as Beauty and the Beast..my favorite story by the way 🙂 Glad you like this series, and I hope to read more, good luck Lori!
A Voracious Reader
This series is on my TBR Series List. At least I *have* read the 1st one. I just can’t seem to shoehorn in the rest of them. Grrr!
kimbacaffeinate
Well now you know they work as standalone, hope you love book one!
angela parrish
I have enjoyed her books. can’t wait to read this one.
kimbacaffeinate
Glad you enjoy them, and I look forward to reading more! Good luck Angela 🙂
Christy
Huh … I don’t remember hearing of this series. Maybe I have though. This is the 19th in the series?! At least it can be read without the previous books.
kimbacaffeinate
I think they all work as standalone, and I plan to read others.
Candace
I’ve been curious about this series. The snark and humor definitely appeal to me! It’s too bad it wraps up so quickly but I think I’d still give this one a try for sure!
My favorite Halloween costume- I suppose when I was a witch. It was the only costume my mom bought, even if it was just a hat. She also bought the make up kit so I had a giant mole on my chin and stuff.
kimbacaffeinate
Oh I bet you made a cute witch wart and all! 🙂
aurian
I am glad you enjoyed it for the most part. This is one of those series that has been on my wishlist for years now. As it is so big (and growing every year) I am not in a hurry to start it.
kimbacaffeinate
Now that I know they work as standalone I am eager to try more.
Diane Sallans
My mom made me an Indian Princess costume – It looked great, but it was made out of burlap and boy was it itchy!
Haven’t read Lynsay’s books in a while – I need to read some more!
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo that does sound itchy! Good luck!
Anita Yancey
My favorite was when I was an Indian maiden. Love the sound of this book.
kimbacaffeinate
Nice, my twenty-three year old is Katniss this year, she looks so cool with her bow and arrow 🙂
Debbie Haupt
Happy Halloween Kimba and to all your boys and ghouls 🙂
I haven’t read a Lyndsy Sands in a while and I’m hoping to change that and my luck since my ST Louis Cardinals blew the World Series
deb
kimbacaffeinate
Yes a lot of sad folks today. Happy Halloween 🙂
brandileigh2003
I like the sound of independent and smexy vamps
kimbacaffeinate
me too 🙂
kindlemom1
I have seen good things about this series. I am glad that after 19 books it is still going strong. Sad the ending was less than stellar but, it happens.
Great honest review Kim! Happy Halloween!!
kimbacaffeinate
It does, but overall this was a good read and I hope to try other books in this series.
erinf1
I don’t remember wearing it but I saw a pic of me when I was about 6 and I was Raggedy Ann. I was adorable, also considering that I’m Korean 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Awe I bet you were adorable! 🙂 good luck!
Chris Bails
I love Lyndsay’s books and this series. The Argeneau’s are one of my favorite Vampire families. I hope she keeps going with this one for awhile. Lots of stories to tell with all the family and friends. Great characters and stories. I have read all the books so far and have about 1/2 in my collection. This would be another great one to add. Thanks for the chance to win.
kimbacaffeinate
I am going to try some of the others, and enjoyed this. Good luck!
Michele
This cover is RAWR! Love it! When I saw “19th book in the series,” I thought “Oh no!” but I love that each story revolves around one vampire and you can actually jump in late in the game! I think that’s awesome when an author writes a series that way! Love the sound of those hot and intense ermmm…”encounters,” too! Great review, my friend! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Totally work as standalone and yes the cover is RAWR! 🙂
Jenny
Why haven’t I read anything in this series yet Kim?! Probably because it’s on book 19 and I haven’t even cracked the spine of book one. How lost would I be if I started with this one? The sex scenes sound delicious, and of course now I’m super curious as to why you were giggling if they weren’t awkward at all (yay for that!).
Also, how did I miss the casting call for that cover model? I could have stood behind this very sexy fellow and run my arm down his chest LIKE A PRO! Dammit. I miss all the good stuff 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah, I would love to be her!
Nick
That’s such a shame about the ending being flat and anticlimatic. It sounds that other than that the book was enjoyable for you. I’m just not too sure that insta-love is what I really need right now.
Lovely review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
I don’t mind insta-love in paranormal since it is usually very primal..and it works better in adult books as well.
Mary
Lynsay Sands’s stories are really hit or miss with me but one thing I do love is that you can pick up any book of hers, no matter where it is in the series, and still have a good time with it (well, unless the plot/characters aren’t doing it for you.). She’s great at writing standalones that are also part of a long-running series.
kimbacaffeinate
I have a few authors I follow who can do that, but I enjoyed this enough that I want more..LOL
Maja (The Nocturnal Library)
I’ve only read the first book in the series and I thought it was well written and entertaining as hell. To be honest, it was a long time ago and I don’t remember much, but I do remember enjoying it a lot.
Perhaps I should give the series another chance.
Thanks for sharing your review. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I am going to read more, I did get the ending I wanted, I just thought it needed more deets.
Melanie (YA Midnight Reads)
This does not sound like my type of read but I’m glad that this worked out well for you despite a few flaws, Kimba! I think I’ve fallen out of love with vamps 😐
Lovely review! <33
kimbacaffeinate
thank Melanie 🙂
Jennifer Bielman
Sucks about the ending, but I an attest that the Argeneanu series is really good. I haven’t read like the last 7 books but I plan to one day. Great for PNR readers who like a different quirk to their vampires. Great review
kimbacaffeinate
It wasn’t bad but I wanted to live it..IDK, I am going to try a few more because I enjoyed this.
blodeuedd
I always did enjoy these 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I want to try more!
Angie
Book number 19 and you jumped in!!! Good for you! Glad that you were able to follow it so late in the series… that is actually a good thing. Sometimes I will read series late in … and forget what happened in the previous books so I like when a book gives hints about the rest of the series (that I already read but forgot!).
Angie
kimbacaffeinate
These appear to focus on one couple, one issue. I want to try some of the others as well.