Valerian has been hoping to find his life mate but never expected to find her while playing golf. But now that he has found her can he keep her safe?
Natalie doesn't have enough hours in the day. She is determined to build up and expand the business she owns. So when danger knocks on her door will she trust the new man in her life?
After the Bite is the latest installment in Lynsay Sands Argeneau series. I really enjoyed getting to know Natalie and Valerian. Natalie has finally managed to pick up the pieces after the death of her entire family. She is beginning to see a future for her and her daughter. But is she ready to add a man in her life? I loved seeing Valerian woo the woman who will own his heart. Danger surrounds her but he is determined to protect her even as he gives her time to get to know him. I loved the time he takes to gain her trust even as danger stalks her. I loved seeing Natalie learn to trust herself and him.
This story is a well written and enjoyable story. I thoroughly enjoyed returning to this world Ms. Sands has created and I cannot wait to see where she will take us next.

Another fantastic book in the Argeneau series. I always look forward to another Argeneau book. They always go to the top of my TBR list and this one was no different. I loved how Valerian took his time with Natalie to win her over. With the great chemistry between Valerian and Natalie, you also had Mia and Sinbad which Valerian feel in love with too. Natalie was a very strong and independent woman and did not want to let any man start running her life. Valerian was determined to "woo" Natalie and only wanted the best for her which included her fulfilling her dreams. A great read and can't wait for the next book in the Argeneau series.

3 stars - I liked it

Immortal Enforcer Valerian golfs to unwind after chasing rogues. What he doesn’t expect is to find his life mate on the golf course.

This was another enjoyable story from Sands. Valerian is a protective alpha male who has spent his life wandering the world. He is currently an enforcer and has been tasked with trying to find the serial killer Angel-Maker, who seems to be targeting Natalie and her golf course. I liked Valerian. He was sweet, protective, and will be a great step-father for Mia.

Natalie was an extremely independent and hardworking single mother. She has spent her whole life working overtime and doesn’t really know how to relax or slow down. It has taken a toll on her health and it took a threat on her life to realize this. She also suffers from guilt at not being a better mother to her deceased son. Natalie really has had a rough life but never stops fighting to build a better life for her daughter.

Like all Argeneau couples, Natalie and Valerian had intense and immediate chemistry. They couldn't keep their hands off each other, which for new life mates means you pass out in inconvenient places. I enjoyed watching Natalie learn about immortals and found her first reaction to it hilarious. Also, I liked that Valerian gave her space when she needed it and didn’t force her to listen to more truths before she was ready.

The hunt for the serial killer in this was interesting, but not as suspenseful as I was expecting. The focus was mainly on Valerian and Natalie’s relationship and acceptance of immortals, instead of the threat this killer faced. Yes, they still were vigilant and discussed safety but I felt like, until the end, it wasn’t really much of a hunt. I still enjoyed the story and this couple though. I look forward to the next book.

Trigger Warnings: death of spouse, child, and parents in a car accident; stalking by a serial killer; poisoning; pet injured;

After the Bite is classic Lynsay Sands. This is #35 in the Argeneau series. And what a series it is! Always entertaining. You don't need to have read the previous books in the series to enjoy this one, but it does provide background. I can always count on Lynsay Sands for an fun and sexy read. Loved this one!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced digital copy of this book.

I am a big fan of this series and have followed it for years. Valerian is a golf loving Enforcer. His latest assignment is the Angel-Maker a serial killer that seems obsessed with positioning victims like angels. During his free time, he goes golfing and just happens to meet his life mate. Natalie happens to own the golf course. Natalie has caught the attention of a serial killer? How will Valerian get Natalie to decide to be with him?
This book stays true to the series and brings back favorites from the previous books. It isn’t really required to read the previous books but it helps with the other characters. I definitely loved this latest book.
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this book.

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc of this book. I really liked Valerians story, I thought it was sweet and fun. The main villain was who I thought it would be, so not much of surprise but still a great fast read for me

I am a huge fan of Lynsay Sands. I’ve read and loved every book written and this book is no different. This is 35th book in the series about Valerian and Natalie. It’s only a few months after Natalie lost her husband her son and loved to run her families golf course with her little girl. I truly could not put this book down. It has a little of everything. I loved seeing some characters from past novels.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book early. Rating and review are my own.

I always get excited with each new entry into the Argeneau series. It is my comfort romance and it has never let me down. So naturally, book #35 in this series was exactly what I needed after a long book slump.
The story follows a returning character you may have seen in previous books, Valerian as he meets his life mate Natalie and her daughter Mia, and he has to protect her from a mysterious figure that seems to be out to get her. The cast of characters in this one was fantastic. Mia and Sinbad were the cutest, I loved Aileen, and I loved seeing a bunch of characters from previous books show up to help out. But most of all I loved watching Valerian get his chance at a life mate in Natalie.

I know I mention lots of returning characters, but this story is one I think that you could pick up as a first book and not be too confused. Obviously though it is super fun to see how characters from previous books are doing and interact with each other. I recommend this for any paranormal romance lover, new or experienced with the Argeneau books.

The latest Argeneau novel. This is my first in this series. I now want to read the others. O really enjoyed it. Entertaining

Valerian was not expecting to meet Natalie nor fall in love with her adorable daughter while protecting them from a serial killer but it happened and he had to bring in his fellow Enforcers to keep Natalie and her daughter safe while trying to solve the mystery of why a serial killer would be after Natalie.

Lynsay Sands never fails to write an amazing book! She is my favorite author and she proves why with every book she writes. Definitely a must read if you love paranormal romance.

I have read and enjoyed every book in this series and it never gets old. Marguerite Argeneau has competition in the matchmaking game. Stephanie has the gift too. In After the Bite, immortal Valerian finds his mate and her young daughter working way too hard. He wants to take her away from it all but Natalie has been burned before and isn’t going to make it easy for him. This is another feel good escape that will leave you with a smile.

The latest Argeneau novel is, as usual, a rollicking good time! With 35 titles in the series, I don't know how Sands manages to make each entry so fun and fresh, but she does. Keep them coming, please!

Immortal Enforcer Valerian has been golfing for weeks, reserving a spot at a local course at sunset and unwinding. So he just kicks himself when he meets the owner Natalie and realizes that his life mate has been this close. Natalie is bought a golf course to support herself and her daughter Mia. Valerian’s courtship may need to be accelerated as a reappearance of the serial killer, the Angel Maker, means that Natalie needs protection.

Why I started this book: Requested the title on Netgalley because it is a long running paranormal series, and I was curious about it.

Why I finished it: The problem with jumping into a long established series at the end, is that the conventions and magic system that other readers accept and eagerly anticipate seem really weird. And random people appearing just in time, are beloved cameos for long time readers.

After the Bite (Argeneau #35)
By: Lynsay Sands
Rating: 5/5

Natalie scowled at him, but then admitted, “My manpicker must be broken.”
“Your what?” Tybo asked on a disbelieving laugh.
“My manpicker,” she repeated with a glare, and then said, “My guydar.”

When Valerian finally has time off from work all he wants to do is play golf at this local golf course, like he has been doing for once but when a mistake happens with his golf cart, and he is forced to go into the clubhouse and talk to a worker or the owner he was not prepared for his life mate to be standing there. Now Valerian has to find the best way to talk to Natalie and explain what she is to him, but with a possible killer on the loose he has to try to win her love and take down the bad guy.
I first read Sands books in 2017 and fell in love with her writing style and this series. When Netgalley approved me to read and review this book I couldn’t have been more excited. I love that in this series all the main characters of the books are always some: strong, handsome/beautiful, and used to taking charge. However, whenever they met their life mates, they all become “teenager stage” again. I love that in every book not just one, but the life mates are not forced into the life of the main characters, but they’re given a choice if they want that kind of lifestyle or not.
Natalie, MF character, I love that she was not a mindless helpless character. Yes, she has had a hard life, but she was not broken and used that to help build herself back up. I love that Natalie has a child, and Valerian is accepting of this and understands that this child will become part of his life as well if everything works out with them. I really enjoyed reading the chemistry between these characters throughout the book, plus Natalie is so funny. I love all the things that she thinks in her head because duh, normal people cannot read your mind.
I really loved the twist and turns the plot had, I loved the mystery of trying to figure out who the killer was and what would happen next all while screaming at the characters to finally see what was in front of them. I really enjoyed seeing characters from other books in this one and seeing how they were doing now. I really enjoy reading books where there is a build up of the spicy scenes, now there is some spicy in this book, I would rate it at a level 2.5-3 but not so much it takes away from the amazing plot. The character development is great throughout the book you really get to watch the characters learn and adapt to new situations and understandings; the world building is on point. Sands does not disappoint, her attention to details really help you image the place and picturing how that part of the book is playing out.
If you have not read any of Sands books you really should try this series out if you’re interested in fated mates, paranormal romances, spicy scenes, great action and just funny as all get out you really should check out her books.

I received this eARC from Netgalley & Avon, Harper Voyager in exchange for my honest review.

Golf course owner Natalie is a single mom navigating her stressful life the best way she knows how. She works herself to the bone to provide for her daughter, Mia, and after a family tragedy - she isn't looking for a relationship. When she encounters Valerian after his golf cart runs out of gas during his late round - she finds him handsome as hell but is not inclined to make a move.
What Natalie doesn't know is that Valerian is an Immortal Enforcer who recognizes Natalie for what she is, his life mate. He recognizes her reluctance toward romantic relationships and decides the best course of action is to woo her.
When it is discovered that Natalie is the potential target of a dangerous serial killer, Valerian vows to keep her and her daughter safe. But can he do that and woo her at the same time?

This book is only my second foray into this series and while I have some issues with some of the world-building - I found this to be an easy read. It's a pretty textbook fated mates romance storyline, but the murder mystery twist was delightful.

ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

If you have read any of the others books in this series, you already know how much the series has changed. I don't have to explain it to you and waste your time. I recommend reading at least a couple of her newer books so you can familiarize yourself with some of the characters in this book. And there are a TON of characters! Ms. Sands has the wonderful habit of using many of her starring characters repeatedly as secondary or even tertiary characters.


A familiar trope of a single Mom doing what she can do to keep her family together--in this case, it's owning and taking care of a golf course/restaurant.
The vamps are looking into a serial killer, and soon it seems that this killer may be after the course owner, Natalie.

Sorry, but I'm not going to spoil this book with more of the story or simply re-write the synopsis of the book to pad my review. So I will just say that this book had a major twist, and I did figure out the clumsy murderer- but the why of it just floored the poop out of me!

The author also goes with the happily-ever-after trope (well, it IS a romance after all!!!). There is a tone of sizzlin' sex and the inevitable human-to-vamp change.

I loved it and read this in a single day.

*ARC supplied by the publisher Avon and Harper Voyager, NetGalley, and Lynsay Sands, the author.
My thanks

Book 35 of the Argeneau series doesn't disappoint. Valerian meets his life mate Natalie and her daughter Mia at her family golf course. This story has a little bit of everything, a sexy immortal, a strong female, a villain, suspense, humor, romance, etc. It was nice to catch up with some characters from earlier in the series as well.

There was a lot going on in the story with solving the mystery of the bad guy, but I would have liked to see a little more of Valerian, Natalie and Mia getting to know each other as a family.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Angel-Maker!

The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚🖤💙💜❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍🌏
Character development: 😤😥😊🤩😘

The heroine: Natalie - she is the owner of a golf course and clubhouse in Canada. Natalie has a two year old daughter, Mia and a huge Great Pyrenees dog named Sinbad. She went through a tragedy in her life not long before her daughter was born and is running herself ragged trying to save up enough money for a new clubhouse with an attached apartment for herself and Mia, rather than the dingy basement they now live in. She is 5’3” and weighs only 95 pounds.

The Hero: Valerian - he is an immortal who has lived over two hundred years. He now works as an enforcer for Garrett Mortimer’s team, going after rogue immortals who feed from humans. Though his team had been focusing on a rogue vampire/serial killer whom the press had dubbed The Angel-Maker for the way he posed the women he killed and drained of blood in snow angels he created. Though they haven’t found any trace of the killer since it is now summer.

The Story: Valerian loves to golf in his free time. His family owns a bunch of golf courses and he loves the game, though being an immortal, the only time he can go is at dusk. Since renovating a nearby farmhouse he has been golfing nearly every night at Natalie’s golf course. The first time Valerian meets Natalie he knows she is his life mate.

I have liked all the Argeneau novels I have read so far, some more than others, and I do tend to read more of the ones where the male is the immortal (which is just how I roll). I also like them best when the woman is just a normal woman from outside the immortal world. So this one hit all my buttons, to top it off, Lynsay Sands is starting to have some really good villains included in the stories, and the angel-maker is a good one. A rogue but also a serial killer, with a signature or calling card.

I also liked how the serial killer storyline was a major plot in the book, in some of the other books in this series, there has been villains that are mentioned a few times, then most of the book is about the romance and immortals but the action doesn’t come up again till the very end. This one had romance throughout and the story was very good and funny at times.

Natalie scowled at him, but then admitted, “My manpicker must be broken.”
“Your what?” Tybo asked on a disbelieving laugh.
“My manpicker,” she repeated with a glare, and then said, “My guydar.”

I really liked both characters in this book. Especially Natalie since she had been through a terrible tragedy but wasn’t broken like in a lot of books. She had been through three years of therapy and is coming out the other side after dealing with her issues in a healthy way. Though she is a workaholic and definitely type ‘A’ personality when it comes to work, she is not an overbearing feminist or anything like that, she is tiny and soft on the inside yet has an inner strength that I really liked in a female character. Valerian was handsome, hot and a protective Hero. I think this might be the best Argeneau book yet.

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

After the Bite was an interesting combination of romance and mystery/thriller set in a refreshingly normal world that just happens to have immortals living alongside humans (without their knowledge, for the most part). I really enjoyed the fact that, despite the male protagonist being a vampire who. An read minds, this story wasn’t overwhelmed by paranormal or magical elements and instead, the main characters spent most of the story dealing with realistic elements such as overcoming loss, raising a child as a single mother, running a business and breaking down your emotional boundaries when you’re afraid to get hurt. As an added bonus, this world was easy to adjust to, thanks to careful context clues and explication early on, despite the fact that I’d not read any of the many other books in this series before. I have, however, read a number of Lyndsay Sands’ historical romances and loved them. I’m looking forward to going back and reading more of her work in this modern paranormal series!

Thanks to NetGalley for providing this free ARC in exchange for my honest review.