The Edentate and the Hybrid!

The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💚🖤💛❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎🌎
Character development: 🧐😕😍😗😳

The heroine: Stephanie - was turned by a “no-fanger” when she and her sister were kidnapped from a family vacation as a teenager. Stephanie has some abilities that many immortals don’t have. One of which is her ability to hear everyone’s thoughts from a much larger radius than most immortals. Her ability is so sensitive that she isn’t able to block them out an had to move away to a remote location in Canada where she has few neighbors.

The Hero(s): Thorne - his father is Dr. Dressler, the fanatical geneticist that started experimenting with combinations of human and animal DNA. Thorne is made up of a human mixed with a few other things such as a bald eagle, dolphin, bat and a few others. Though he mostly looks like a man with wings and white hair.

The Story: Thorne was the one who left his father’s Island off the coast of Venezuela to Lucian and his men in order to save some of the other immortals who had been captured for his fathers torturous experiments. Since then all of the people on the island have been freed including Thorne, his mother and his aunt. Now Thorne wants to have his wings removed so he can live a normal life taking care of his elderly mother and aunt who want to move off of the island.

While Stephanie’s sister Dani, who is a doctor, looks into ways to remove Thorne’s wings, he is staying at the house next door to where Stephanie lives. Not long after they meet, Stephanie discovers they are life mates. Though they have much to overcome. In addition to that, Dr. Dressler wants Stephanie on his table to see what it is that makes her special.

I liked this story, especially since it differed from the ones before it in that there are special circumstances with Stephanie being an Edentate (immortal without fangs) and Thorne being genetically altered. However, the book did get quite steamy pretty early on which I loved. I enjoyed the fact that even though Thorne was raised on an island cut off from the world, by the time he meets Stephanie, he is fairly worldly when it comes to women and a tech geek to boot. This book was one of my favorites so far in the Argeneau series.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.

I have been provided with a review copy of Immortal Rising through NetGalley for an impartial review. This is the thirty fourth book in the Argeneau series and I just loved getting to reenter this amazing world with these wonderful characters. This story features Stephanie and Thorne who we have previously met in other books in this series. I am just so happy that they both finally got a story and I just absolutely fell in love with them. I just didn’t want this story to end and I was just drawn into this wonderful story. This is truly one of the author’s best stories that I have ever read and I can’t wait to read more wonderful stories from her.

I can not believe I'm up to date on the Argeneau books! What am I going to do with myself now? In this most recent Argeneau novel it seemed like "all" of the immortals were showing up to save Stephanie and Thorne from Dressler. It kind of seemed like an ending. Either way, I enjoyed seeing Stephanie and Thorne both find the life mate they deserved and weren't sure they were going to get. And of course Dressler (spoiler alert) ... I feel like this series has moved to more thriller than romance on some level, and I enjoyed the book, but there are others that I've enjoyed more. I didn't end the book loving it like some, and being "meh" about it like others, but it was more of a good (ending?) feeling. Like the series finale of a show. I hope this isn't the last we've seen of the Argeneau/Nottes.

First Impressions
This is the latest in the Argeneau series by Lynsay Sands and what a book this turned out to be!!! I have to say I was highly impressed with this book, it actually just worked out so well for me here. And whew what a quick read that this one was here and I really was charmed by everything within this story here. I didn’t know quite what to expect from this one here but I knew that it would be a great one here. And I had completely forgotten about certain aspects in the series that I must have missed because DANG this hero….was so SWOON! I was really curious about what this one would contain, I mean a winged hero?? Yes please give him to me. But I also knew that his match would have to be very special indeed and I can guarantee that this author really worked her magic with this one here. And I related so well with these characters, there was something so emotionally raw with these characters and everything that they represent here. You definitely won’t go wrong in grabbing this one up

Summary
Stephanie McGill is different than any other immortal, she was turned into an Immortal when she was only a teenager, and unlike her sister and all of the others she has struggles that threaten to turn her into a rogue and one that her family may have to put down. Stephanie has the misfortune of being bombarded with the voices of all minds and not being able to shut any of them out. It’s why she lives a reclusive life, out in the country, away from the majority of people, and keeps to herself except for her pets. She has worked so hard to carve her own life without being a burden to others. Even though there have been times where she wanted to break, she keeps forging ahead. Then a sexy stranger comes to stay with her, and by some miracle, she doesn’t hear the voice in his head and she finds peace but doesn’t understand how or why. Thorne has his own demons, his own father turned him into this creature, where he isn’t fully man nor creature, he is a mixture of both and for that reason, he can never live among humans because he is different. But he can find a home with Stephanie. They have forged a bond stronger than most, they relate in a way where two of the strange circumstances revolving around their immortal births has only cemented their relationship in a way that they never expected. But there is an enemy that seeks to destroy everything good they have created together…..will he be defeated or maintain control over their destiny?

What I Liked
There were so many aspects of this story that I truly enjoyed about this one here. Immortal Rising was such a fun sexy story and I was utterly charmed by this book. And boy did I breeze so quickly through this one here. I was amazed by how quickly I read this one, and even for this author I was amazed by it. I just couldn’t get enough of this romance here. There was something so riveting about Stephanie and Thorne coming together. They are both such lone souls that are in the need of love more than any other match that we have seen previously. They have both suffered in different ways but in a manner by which they are alone and forced into seclusion because of who they have become and not due to their own choices but the cards by which they have been dealt. My heart just broke for these here and seeing the heart-wrenching emotion that bursts within this story. Its definitely not an easy one and I really felt for what they have struggled in this one. But also when they finally come together, their union becomes so majestically beautiful. What is really powerful is seeing the inner core of strength that just brightens from the inner self and brightens brighter than the noonday sun. Their love story is one that is so intense at times but in a way that you can relate with on a human level.

What I Struggled With
There wasn’t much that I struggled with, now it didn’t have the magic that I have seen in some of Lynsay Sands other works, but also I felt like the conflict was resolved in a way that could have been used a bit more buildup.

Overall View
Immortal Rising is an enthralling romance that takes hold of your heart in a way that will have you yearning for each touch and each connection that seemed to embolden the story page by page….get ready for an adventure to curl your toes, bring true emotion to the surface, and liven the story at the right touch.

I really liked the concept of this book and how the author shook up the formula with the hero. I wish we got a bit more of a description about him (unless I missed it) While it made her realistic I did get a bit tired of the heroine's story. Overall was quite fun and did not expect the ending.

4 stars - It was really good

Stephanie McGill was attacked and turned when she was a teenager. Unfortunately, she is unlike any other immortal. She can’t control her ability to read minds and she never gets any peace and quiet. Now thirteen years later, she is living a quiet life in the country. But once her new neighbor arrives everything changes.

Stephanie was originally introduced in book 11, The Immortal Hunter. She was kidnapped with her older sister and turned against her will. She has had no control over her ability to read minds from the beginning but she has new concerns about it now. Stephanie is a very interesting heroine. She has a unique ability that she is terrified of but she still uses it to help track rogues. I liked that she doesn’t let her fear hold her back. I also liked that she was a writer and wrote about her experiences, much like Lucern does (Single White Vampire). I just love the idea of a paranormal writing about their experiences and selling it to humans.

Thorne is a very interesting character. I believe he was originally introduced in book 25, Immortal Unchained. He is a genetic experiment done by a mad man who is still at large. I really loved his dedication to his mother and aunt. He is willing to give up everything for them to have a few years of happiness. He was just a great and very sexy hero.

Thorne and Stephanie have an instant attraction that all life mates have. I really enjoyed their relationship. It was emotional, captivating, and just really sweet at times. I also loved that this once took place almost completely at Stephanie's house and it really focused on their relationship because of that. There were still action packed fights against rogues but this one definitely focused more on the couple.

Overall, I really loved this one. I loved seeing Thorne find that he can have a normal life and find love. Also, I really loved his mother. I can’t believe this series is 34 books in and still growing.

This book totally tricked me into reading another motorcycle club book without me even noticing. It was fun, smutty, exciting, and ultimately took some big steps to the "big showdown."

Sam is yet another super secret member of the Seven's plan/protection for the big bad. With each book we get closer to a potential showdown, and even get some good progress here and epic battles. Since Sam is a protector (see what I did there?) he steps up to take on some of what should have been the role of his niece. Things are obviously not going well, since he gets his own book. He's blowing things up, lighting them on fire, and randomly getting pulled into different dimensions. The newest bonus, upon meeting Honor, an enhanced female, he somehow "infects" her with a similar affliction.

Honor has been swimming along in her weird life, content with normality until this hulking brute enters her life. Their interactions were simply wonderful to watch. She isn't one of those "save me, I'm a princess!" types, and it was refreshing. At every turn, she tries to get herself out of a bad situation before even thinking someone could help her. As a match, they are pretty good and work towards a balanced pair. The side stories for Hope and her friends also seamlessly mix with this story, giving us a good chance to progress the big plot. Overall, this is one of my favorite recent installments in the series.

I love this book. Since Stephanie first appeared I have fallen in love with the child whose was tortured. Whose sister left her with people she didn’t know. Whose life was destroyed by someone who was literally the most insane person ever to enter the world.
Thorne was also an interesting character because he risked everything to save people he didn’t know from his evil sperm supplier. His life had always been insane. He was an experiment.
He deserved happiness.
She deserved happiness.

I am so happy they found that in each other. Other story lines are tied up in a bow and they get to live happily for now.

I always wait for the next installment of this series and can’t wait for the next story to pop up.

I'm happy that Stephanie ended up getting a book. It was nice to see her get her HEA after being introduced so long ago. It was interesting to see how her powers have developed and how she interacts with the other characters now that she is an adult.

Thorne's character was intriguing. He is basically a genetic experiment with all sorts of DNA, so it is fun to see how his abilities different from the immortals. These two characters made a cute couple. I liked seeing some of the previous characters in this book as well.

Overall, this was a fun, quick read.

Thirty-five books in, you'd think I'd get tired of this series or that Lynsay Sands would run out of stories to tell. That couldn't be farther from the truth. This book is one fans of the series have been waiting for - its an unexpected pairing - but I have been dying for a book about Stephanie and getting a book about Thorne is such an unexpected bonus.

Stephanie was turned as a teenager in a way that was extremely traumatic and unfortunate. Years later she is still dealing with the effects of her transformation. Since that time she has had an extremely enhanced ability to hear the thoughts of others - from a very wide radius. When that suddenly gets almost totally muted - she isn't sure what to do. Then Thorne walks in to her life and it seems clear she has met her lifemate.

Thorne is the son of one of the big villains of the series - and a hybrid human. He has wings and regenerative powers that are similar to that of the vampires. He is a very unique character in a sea of unique characters. I've always wanted him to find some happiness - and was so excited that this book included him.

Both he and Stephanie really deserve each other and a happily ever after. I was also very happy to finally have resolution on this particular bad guy!

Overall - another great entry into this series. You 100% do not need to read the prior books to understand this one or care about the characters. It helps to have some background - but you could just as easily start here as anywhere.

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.

While I have read many of the books in this series, it seems that I missed the novel in which Thorne was introduced. However, I had no problem whatsoever enjoying this story and hoping that Thorne would at long last get his happily ever after. Although, I will admit that my next book will probably be the one in which we meet Thorne! Stephanie was a character introduced much earlier in the series when she and her sister were unwillingly turned. Ever since that turning, the entire Argeneau clan has worried about Stephanie's mental well-being, including her own sister. Turns out she and Thorne proved it's ok to be different! This was a great addition to the long running Argeneau series. I certainly hope we get to see some more of Thorne's family in future books!

I loved this book. This is an author that I never hesitate to pick up. The books in this series keep getting better and better with every one. I have read all the books in this series and this is one of my favorites yet. The author's writing skills and her attention to details make her stories realistic. They are creative, full of action, and steamy romance. This is a fast paced story that is engaging and hard to put down. The characters are not only relateable but also creative and pop off the pages. I enjoyed the growth of not only of the characters but the plot as well throughout the story. The chemistry between Stephanie and Thorne is strong and awesome. I loved their story and it is a must read. I highly recommend this book and this author.

I remember reading Dani and Decker's story several years ago and wondering what would become of Stephanie. This was not one of the more intense reads of series but it was a good read. I enjoyed that Stephanie finally found her life mate with Thorne and can stop worrying about becoming a no fanger. This book also shows Lucian's softer side which you know he has if you have read several of the books in the series but it is more obvious in this one.

Another great addition to the Argeneau Series by Lynsay Sands. I thoroughly enjoyed Stephanie and Thorne story. Stephanie has struggled with being about to hear peoples thought on blast so she retreats to living at a private property and writes horror books. She has no fangs but does require blood. Thorne is the result of his father the mad scientist who played with genetics and created him. He is not immortal but not mortal either. He has come to to property where Stephanie is living to get away. I have been waiting for Stephanie's story and it did not disappoint. I have loved all of the series. Lots of laughs, love, HEA and of course danger. I enjoyed seeing a lot of the past character make an appearance. This can be read as a stand alone but is enjoyed more if you have read some of the prior books. Highly recommend.

I received this copy for my honest review from Netgalley.

A new reader to the Argeneau series, and started with this one. While this book can be read as a standalone, I think it would make a lot more sense to read the previous books in the series first.

Stephanie and Thorne are very cute together and their interactions together is just pure fluff! If you want a story that is funny, romantic, with a tad of action. However, don't expect too much character development. The first two-thirds of the book is almost composed entirely of just conversations between Stephanie and Thorne. The last third is action-packed, but yet tons of dialogue, and somehow everything is resolved super quickly. Overall this was a fun and quick read but definitely predictable plot lines.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

Stephanie and Thorne: Ok, so Thorne is a very interesting character. His evil father basically played God and tried to create a super being in Thorne. The different kinds of DNA that was used with his human DNA made him a one of a kind, but also scratching my head at the possibility. I felt sorry for him but loved that he got Stephanie in the end.

I found Stephanie's abilities to be super cool but I also felt t sorry for her because of them. Stephanie may not have all that crazy animal DNA in her genetic makeup but she was still unique for an immortal. She felt like as much of a freak as Thorne did. I loved that these two together took that feeling away for both of them. They were literally a perfect match for each other.

I'm definitely enjoying this series. Each book is unique but has a lot of the same side characters in it. I have not read in order and not once have I felt lost. However, it is my goal to go back to book one and start it all over in order. These books are too good not to read every one of them.

Somewhere between a 3 and 3.5 star: I really enjoyed seeing Stephanie get a HEA! We've been following her plot for a very long time in the series now, and it was satisfying to see how her romance resolved the big outstanding issues. I also liked seeing Thorne again & while I wouldn't have thought of him as a match for Stephanie, it totally made sense in the book. The biggest ding on this one for me is that the pacing in the beginning was super slow and then there was too much time in the back half of the book where our h/h weren't really together

It’s been thirteen years since Stephanie and her sister were turned immortal. Stephanie’s can hear what people are thinking, she doesn’t have fangs but does have to have blood to survive. Thorne is staying in the house near Stephanie, he is contemplating having his wings taken off. Thorne has lived on an island for all his life. He wants a normal life and feels removing his wings will help that. Someone has been spying on Stephanie and Thorne is determined to figure it out. The voices has been silenced while Thorne is near and Stephanie believes he is her life mate. Will they live happily ever after?

This was so hard to write. A winged man, a fangless woman. Some parts were confusing for me.

* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley *

Another winner in this series. Stephanie and Thornes story was great. I like how she has come into her own and just how interesting Thorne is. Also who knew Lucienne was such a softy.

Stephanie and Thorne are really a good match, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about them!

Lynsay Sands never disappoints, and if you're reading this book then you've more than likely read other Argeneau novels and if you have...then just go ahead and read this one! It isn't quite like the others, and there isn't as much of the whole "bloodsucking vampire" element in this book but it is by far one of my favorites in this series.

This book was funny, sweet, and serious, all at the same time. And the questions that Thorne's mother asked Stephanie........were hilarious. Definitely recommend this!