
TEST
A premise involving a vampire who faints at the sight of blood has the potential to be either a nightmare of silliness or a fun, quirky read. Fortunately, in Lynsay Sands’ hands, the tale of Lissianna Argeneau and Dr. Gregory Hewitt is more of the latter. The Argeneau family provides a witty, breezy read for those who like to combine the paranormal with a good bit of fun.
As the novel opens, Lissianna’s mother has kidnapped Greg, an expert on phobias, to be Lissi’s birthday present. The idea is that Greg will cure Lissi of her hemaphobia, the elder Argeneaus will wipe his mind clean, and everyone will happily move on with their lives. However, the birthday surprise soon goes awry when Lissi finds her “gift” and much confusion ensues. Greg is suspicious of Lissi and, while on the one hand, he wants to flee, he also finds himself intrigued by the entire family.
Though their relationship begins rather unusually, Greg is quite attracted to Lissi the more time he spends with her. While he does not mind trying to cure her phobia, Greg has other ideas about how to spend their time together. Greg and Lissi are both likable and a good match, so it is easy for the reader to get drawn into cheering for this improbable relationship to work. The Argeneau family are also entertaining secondary characters. More than mere placeholders, they also add to the story and make Lissi’s world a more enjoyable one about which to read.
The light and the serious are balanced well throughout most of the story. However, a serious and rather dark conflict is thrown in near the end that just doesn’t seem to fit with the rest of the story. While it does serve a purpose, the conflict and its resolution are a bit abrupt and disrupt from, rather then add to, the novel.
Those who don’t like to mix humor with their vampire stories may want to give this a pass, but if you like romances with a bit of a humorous “chick lit” feel, this is one to enjoy. Sands’ vampires are different from most that I’ve read, and their world is also far more appealing. Though a touch uneven towards the end, A Quick Bite is one of the more fun paranormal reads I’ve had lately.
Grade: B
Book Type: Vampire Romance
Sensuality: Hot
Review Date: 31/10/05
Publication Date: 2005/11
Recent Comments …
Yep
This sounds delightful! I’m grabbing it, thanks
excellent book: interesting, funny dialogs, deep understanding of each character, interesting secondary characters, and also sexy.
I don’t think anyone expects you to post UK prices – it’s just a shame that such a great sale…
I’m sorry about that. We don’t have any way to post British prices as an American based site.
I have several of her books on my TBR and after reading this am moving them up the pile.