Twice Bitten misses the mark with its storyline

Unfortunately, the more interesting parts of Twice Bitten cut out a bit early, despite the intriguing premise.

Like many a romance novel, Lynsay Sands’ Twice Bitten is a pun. It’s, in fact, a really good pun, considering the general plotline. Wyatt MacKay remembers his encounter with Elspeth Argeneau Pimms, an immortal. She does not, for some mysterious reason, and also has a terribly controlling mother. Also, someone’s trying to kill her.

The problem is that Elspeth’s family woes end up more interesting than the attempted murder plot, but they’re almost too easily resolved. Sands could have had a wonderful opportunity for a slightly slower burn of a romance. Although it’s unlikely, considering that her life mates have such stupendous chemistry that they pass out after sleeping together, which is still as bonkers as it was when I reviewed Immortal Unchained last year.

After all, Elspeth has really not had a lot of opportunities for fun. It could have been sweet and sexy at the same time, and, to be fair, it’s still both, but in lesser quantities than is possible considering the whole storyline of Elspeth not remembering meeting him before.

While the cast of characters does start to run together — it’s hard to even recall who’s related to whom, and Elspeth’s sisters don’t seem to have a ton of distinguishing traits — Sands does do well with Martine, Elspeth’s mother. While Martine has her reasons for her actions, Sands also makes sure to present that her behavior is still unacceptable. It’s a nice touch. Aside from Martine, G.G. is perhaps the best supporting character, since he’s mortal but still knows about immortals.

Also, G.G. stands for, I kid you not, Green Giant. It’s hard not to enjoy something silly like that.

Although Wyatt and Elspeth have the usual compelled chemistry of life mates, something just feels off with the scenes they share. Perhaps it’s just due to recent exposure to Alisha Rai’s knack for love scenes, but these felt particularly rote.

Next: The Queens of Innis Lear review

However, fans of Sands’ books will probably enjoy all of the references sprinkled in, as well as the characters themselves. Newcomers, however, as with Immortal Unchained, should start at an earlier point in the series.