The Lady is a Vamp by Lynsay Sands-a review
The Lady is a Vamp (released July 31, 2012) by Lynsay Sands is Book 17 in The Argeneau Series
The immortals in The Argeneau Series are a different sort of immortals. They are originally from Atlantis. The Atlanteans were a highly developed race and way ahead of their time in technology. A group of scientists developed nanotechnology and introduced the nanos to human hosts which rids humans of disease or sickness and keeps them at their peak condition. The only drawback was that the nanos consumed massive amounts of blood, more than the human body could produce, so they had to be transfused. When Atlantis fell, they remaining survivors ventured over the mountains and many died. Over time, with the help of evolution, the remaining Atlanteans developed fangs which enabled them to “feed off the hoof”, which is their term for feeding off of human hosts. With the advent of blood banks, laws were put into place that forbid the immortals from feeding off the hoof, unless in an emergency situation. They can actually be out in sunlight but it causes the nanos to use more blood than normal, which causes them to have to feed more often, so they lead, for the most part, a nocturnal existence.
Every immortal is in search of their lifemate. The one person, human or immortal, that they can not read their thoughts and can’t control. Some wait thousands of years for such a person and some are fortunate enough to only have to wait a short time.
The Lady is a Vamp is Jeanne Louise’s story. She is a scientist and researcher at Argeneau Enterprises. Leaving work one night, Jeanne is abducted and tranquilized. When she awakens, she finds herself chained to a bed. Her abductor is a handsome human coworker from Argeneau Enterprises named Paul. Jeanne realizes soon after that she can’t read or control him and that he is indeed her lifemate. She also soon realizes that he kidnapped her to save his daughter, Olivia, known as Livy, who is dying from a brain tumor. One problem: kidnapping an immortal is punishable by death and the Enforcers, along with Jeanne’s family are looking for her, and they are not happy.
Once Jeanne meets Livy, she falls in love with the little girl. And would love to be able to turn her, however, each immortal is only allowed to turn one human into an immortal in their lifetime, and Jeanne wants to use hers on her lifemate.
They all go into hiding, where Jeanne and Paul become closer. But, Jeanne is afraid to explain the lifemate business, afraid of him not wanting to spend an eternity with her. Paul very soon realizes that he has feelings for Jeanne Louise. They continue to run as the Enforcers are getting closer, while they are trying to figure out how to best handle their situation, and Livy is getting worse.
The Enforcers, lead by Jeanne’s Uncle Lucian (an original Atlantean and a force to be reckoned with) eventually catch up with them and an unfortunate accident sees Livy injured and dying. Split decisions are made and everyone has to deal with the consequences, or do they?
I so enjoyed this book. I love the way Sands writes with subtle humor and heart wrenching emotion. And, yes, there were teary eye moments for me. I love that so many of her characters show up in this story. With Jeanne Louise only being 102 years old, she is still considered young by immortal standards, and to say they are protective of her is an understatement. I love the banter between the members of Jeanne Louise’s family and the Enforcers. If you haven’t read this series, it’s a definite must! They are easy, light and fast reads. And, I for one, can’t wait for the next installment, Immortal Ever After, due out on February 26, 2013.
Reviewed by Vickie M.
