Yay, libraries! Saved me from spending any money on this since I'm abandoning it.

DNF at 20%, because excess explaining of irrelevant detail is excessive and redundant and annoying. And weird. I'd think at 34 books in, this author would've gotten more efficient. But this feels very much like it was padded out to fill the word count minimum. I'd estimate 40-50% of the words could've been cut with no content loss whatsoever.

Here is just one example:

" Realizing Dani didn’t understand what she was saying, Stephanie opened her mouth to explain* that not only had she not heard a new voice in her head that could be Thorne’s, she wasn’t hearing any voices at all. But she changed her mind and simply said, “Of course. Happy to help.” "

*every single thing we just read in real time a paragraph ago, and which we have been told about several times in this chapter already. Gosh, could the winged guy be blocking her telepathy. Could that be it. Could it. Really.

Anyway. If you dislike word padding, you'll hate this novel. ( )

Stephanie McGill has been living with the fear of her possible fate — becoming a rogue. Thorne has escaped from Dressler and years of torture. Their faults cancel each other out and make each of them stronger. ( )

Immortal Rising
Argeneau, Book 34

I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the awesome series.

Media Type: Audiobook
Source: CC Public Library
Dates Read: 6/28/22 - 6/30/22
Stars: 4 Stars
Narrator(s): Stacey Glemboski

The Characters:

Stephanie McGill:
Thorne:


The Story:

Both of their backstories are heartbreaking in a way but their futures are sure to be filled with joy now that they’ve found each other. You would think after 34 books this series would get old but no, somehow Ms Sands manages to keep every story fresh and I love it. I kinda hope it never ends.

The Random Thoughts: ( )

Being book #35 in the Argeneau series, by Lindsay Sands, you can imagine how popular the author’s books are. This is Stephanie and Thorne’s story. Both of these characters have appeared in earlier books, and it is nice to finally get them together as the stars of their own story.

Stephanie was introduced as a teenager early on in the series. Now she is an adult and living the life of a recluse because she has the unique ability to hear other people's thoughts. While that is good when hunting rogues, the crush of so many thoughts can be unbearable at times. Thus, her necessary rural and reclusive life that helps keep the noise to a minimum.

Thorne, also introduced in earlier books, is the result of genetic experiments conducted by his father Dr. Dressler. He is a mix of human and various animal DNA. As a result, he has wings and is not entirely mortal. Currently he is in Canada and staying at the compound that also contains Stephanie’s home while he awaits the possible removal of his wings.

When Thorne and Stephanie meet there is an instant attraction. When by chance their skin grazes the others, they both feel the electricity between them. Stephanie knows this can only be one thing, Thorne is her life mate. But will Thorne want her when he finds out her past and what will happen when Dressler comes looking for them both.

This book just further proves that this series is my go-to for vampire goodness. Enjoyed every moment of this story. I like how diverse Sands characters are and her imagination seems to know no bounds. She manages to keep delivering great story after great story and somehow keeps them fresh and exciting even after all this time.

Another thing I like about these books is that there is always some kind of tension and/or drama to keep the reader interested and invested in the outcome. The character development is good, and I was especially drawn to these two characters. I think it is because both of these characters have been through so much already and yet they still retain a positive outlook on life. Therefore, I really wanted them to have their happy ending.

I have read most of the books in this series and this one is in the top 5 for me. If you haven’t read any of these books, I strongly urge you to read this one or any of the others in the series for that matter. Sands always gives you enough background to read each book as a stand-alone.

I received a free copy, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review. For more of my reviews, and author interviews, see my blog at www.thespineview.com. ( )

Wow-what a read! I know that many reviewers and long-time readers are going to be telling 'newbies' that they really should read some of the other books first. In my opinion, you do not have to do so. As it is, the first part of this series is written quite differently; lighter, funnier, a tad less descriptive sexually. That might make you feel the author needs to grow, but she already has. The series has changed as time went on.

The second reason is that this book has enough necessary back-story that makes reading some of the later works in this series unnecessary. I myself was in a quandary when I didn't remember some essential past issues that were being discussed in this book. However, to my delight, just as I was beyond frustrated, everything was explained. So now I don't have to do a considerable re-read of the whole series. Not that I won't LOL!

What we have here is one of the best Argeneau books that I have read in a long time. The characters are fresh, sexy, and quite interesting. They have a lot more going on than just pining for each other.

Stephanie is a non-fang vampire, and Thorne is the result of a DNA experiment by his nutsy cuckoo father. Thorne has come to this remote area to see if he can have an operation that would make him "normal. Stephanie is in the same area because she hears thinner and outer voices of everyone in her vicinity. She needs to be alone. But fate is going to lead them on a wonderful trip filled with excitement, fighting, and a ton load of know-it-all vampires!

*ARC supplied by Avon and Harper Voyager, NetGalley, and the author. ( )