Friday, September 16, 2011

Review: Never Been Bit

Never Been Bit (Gentleman Vampires - Book 3) by Lydia Dare


Publication Date: September 2011
Publisher: Sourcebooks Inc.
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Horror, Fantasy
Pages: Paperback, 384pp
ISBN-13: 9781402245138
ISBN: 1402245130
 
(Received for an honest review from Sourcebooks)


Purchase: Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, IndieBound


Lydia Dare on the WEB: website, facebook, twitter 


Excerpt from Never Been Bit

Synopsis:


THE GLITTERING WORLD OF HIGH SOCIETY IS THE PLAYGROUND FOR THE RICH, TITLED, AND RELUCTANTLY UNDEAD...


Alec MacQuarrie's after-life has become an endless search for pleasure in an effort to overcome his shame and despair. Wandering through the seedy world of London's demimonde, he's changed into a dark and fearsome creature even he doesn't recognize...


BUT THE TON IS NO MATCH FOR ONE INCORRIGIBLE YOUNG LADY...


After watching each of her coven sisters happily marry, Sorcha Ferguson is determined to capture a supernatural husband of her very own. Then she finds herself embroiled in an atrocious scandal and has to bring to heel more mystical gentlemen than she knows what to do with...


Over his dead body is Alec going to allow this lovely radiant innocent to throw herself away on an unworthy cad, but that leaves him responsible for her, and he's the worst monster of them all...


Thoughts:

The third book in Lydia Dare's Gentleman Vampire series, Never Been Bit is a Regency romance with a paranormal bent. Dare's ability to blend both historical and paranormal romance is unparalleled. Fans of this series as well as Dare's Westfield Wolves series, will not be disappointed in how this one ends. Full of romance, humor and action, this novel is easily the best of the series! It will leave Lydia Dare fans with a idea of the future for this writing duo and leave them with taste of what's to come.


Sorcha Ferguson is the youngest of the Coig witches. All of her coven sisters have met and married the men of their dreams. Each taking a supernatural groom that matches their fire and spirit and now Sorcha is determined to find her own soul mate who she believes is a Lycan. But a werewolf might not be in the cards for Sorcha when she becomes reacquainted with an old friend who refuses to let her go to the dogs. Alec McQuarrie's life changed on one fateful night. It was either a choice between death or becoming one of the undead. But Alec didn't truly understand his choice and the loneliness of his vampire existence threatens to put him over the edge. But when Alec and Sorcha met again the sparks begin to fly. She is determined to save Alec from himself and he is determined to protect her. Can Sorcha's love give Alec back the pieces of himself that are missing or will he drive her straight into the arms of a werewolf?


The final book in the Gentleman Vampire series is easily the best of the series. Never Been Bit is a book that ties together all the characters from this series as well as the Westfield Wolves series. Lydia Dare hit on something extraordinary when they decided to blend historical and paranormal romance. Fans of the Regency period are enthralled by the rich period details and paranormal enthusiasts love the supernatural characters that Dare is so good at writing. It's the perfect marriage of the two genres. It is no secret that Lydia Dare is one of my favorite writers. This writing duo has a knack creating interesting characters, witty and humorous dialogue and well written plots. And I'll have to say Never Been Bit is one of my favorites.


Sorcha has always been a secondary character that had a lot of potential. Her sunny disposition and innocent spirit are captivating and draws the reader like a moth to the flame. She is the youngest and most outspoken of the Scottish coven sisters and in this novel she is out to catch a Lycan, which provides a lot of comic relief as well as some interesting circumstances. Murphy's Law definitely seems to rule in Sorcha's life, as one situation after another doesn't seem to go her way. Readers will laugh at her antics, but also feel her determination and naivete. Sorcha looks at the world in joyful way that is just contagious. It's no wonder Alec is helpless against her. She is determined to save him from himself, while he is all the more determined to save her from the Lycans. 

Alec's character has changed so much over the course of both series'. He comes across first as a fool in love, when Cait jilts him for a Lycan. Then we see him as a dear friend and someone willing to fight to the death for those he loves. And now in this novel Alec comes into his own as a vampire and as a man who finds himself in love even though his heart isn't beating. I was so glad that the authors gave Alec his own story. I was waiting for this one right from the beginning and they certainly didn't disappoint.

This was such a great romantic pairing. I think the authors did an amazing job of showing why and how these two characters were meant for each other. Unlike previous books in the series, the romance between Alec and Sorcha takes center stage in this one. They have to deal with everything from interfering coven sisters to rakish werewolves and still they are drawn inexplicably to each other. The feelings between them come across to the readers as real and authentic. They genuinely care for each other, despite the obstacles that threaten to keep them apart.


I recommend this one to fans of Lydia Dare and paranormal historical fiction. I love the seamless blend that the author is able to create between the genres and I think readers will fall in love with the interesting characters and enjoy the humor and wit that the authors add to the story. I can't say enough good things about this series and all of Dare's other works. Definitely one of my favorite authors and this book is the best of the Gentleman Vampire series. I can be read as a stand alone, but all of the books together are just spectacular. I loved the fact that there is also a hint as to what's next for Dare as we are left with three very sexy Lycans and possibly a vampiress in the wings. 


Never Been Bit is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.


I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!




Lydia Dare is the writing team of Tammy Faulkner and Jodie Pearson. Both Tammy and Jodie are active members of the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers and live near Raleigh, North Carolina. They are currently working on their next paranormal trilogy as Lydia Dare. 

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