Gwen’s review of The Rogue Hunter (Argeneau Vampires Book 10 or Rogue Hunters Book 1) by Lynsay Sands
Contemporary paranormal romance released by Avon 30 Sep 08
This is the first book of a new vampire series by Sands and is connected to her Argeneau Vampires books, but will apparently be a unique series. I have never cared for the Argeneau books, to be honest, so I was hoping that a fresh series would lend a fresh voice to what I found to be good, but oh-so-deliberately paced writing. However, after reading this first book, I’m not sure if I’ll be reading the next.
Unfortunately, I found that the same bones I have to pick with the Argeneau’s exist with the Rogue Hunters. I’m not saying that Sands’s writing isn’t good – it’s quite good if very deliberate. Reading it is a bit like walking with a great aunt who believes that a nice, long walk after dinner is the key to her long life. You always see her at the same time, same place, in the same sweater. You see her every day, same time, same place, walking with the same old friends. This deliberateness is probably comforting to Sands’s fans, but I prefer more dynamic environments. Again, not saying it’s bad – just not my bag.
Because of this seemingly strict adherence to Sands’s “model,” I didn’t care for The Rogue Hunter. It was readable but I didn’t connect with the characters. I felt like the women weren’t developed enough – not enough angst or conflict was expressed when describing them almost as if they’re an archetype the reader should already know about. I also felt like the men in the book were also similarly underdeveloped, particularly the hero. Again, perhaps it’s a case of the reader should know what these characters are about before we pick up the book.
The Rogue Hunter is also heavy on interaction between the hero and heroine. I don’t necessarily mean heavy on development of the relationship, but heavy on interaction. Despite the heavy interaction, I didn’t feel like there was a very believable development of the hero and heroine’s romance. And, considering why I’m reading the book (romance, HEA, and all that), kind of left me cold.
There was also a surprising lack of action – either the suspense/mystery or the secks kind. The story kept promising on both fronts and but never quite delivers. What results from this lack is a plot that meanders a bit and never really takes off. Picture your great aunt walking around in circles for a while in the middle of the aforementioned walk.
To me, the book’s climax was a serious let down. There was lots of set-up and plotting but no real villain, no real action. All in all, this was a very anemic (heh) vampire tale, and just not my cuppa tea.
I can only recommend this book to fans of Sands’s Argeneau series.
Grade: C-
Summary:
Samantha Willan is a workaholic lawyer. She’s grateful for some rest and relaxation in cottage country, and after a recent breakup she wants to stay as far away from romance as possible. Then she meets her irresistible new neighbor. There’s something strange and mysterious about his eyes. Is it just her imagination, or are they locked on her neck?
Garrett Mortimer is a rogue hunter. His last assignment united Lucian Argeneau with his lifemate, and Mortimer is hoping this one will be less . . . adventurous. He’s here to track down a reported rogue, but fun in the sun is every bloodsucker’s nightmare. Worse, he can’t seem to get his mind off Samantha, especially when he spies her skinny-dipping in the lake. After eight hundred years as a bachelor, is he ready to turn a volatile attraction into a lasting love affair?
Read an excerpt (scroll down).
