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Love at Stake #14
The Vampire With the Dragon Tattoo
He's Out of Control
Dougal Kincaid has something to prove. After being injured in a battle with the Malcontents, he's ready for active duty protecting unsuspecting mortals from these villainous vampires who want to rule the world. But first he has to get control of himself . . . because just the sight of a certain lovely doctor has his injured hand doing some peculiar things, not to mention the sizzling sensation that burns along his dragon tattoo.
Vampires? Vampires?! As a scientist, Leah is having trouble believing that these immortal creatures exist. But there they are, standing in front of her, asking for help in solving a genetic puzzle that can save mankind. There's even one in a sexy kilt! Just one look into Dougal's gorgeous green eyes sets her pulse racing. But can she trust him—and the overwhelming desire that refuses to be ignored?
Dougal Kincaid has something to prove. After being injured in a battle with the Malcontents, he's ready for active duty protecting unsuspecting mortals from these villainous vampires who want to rule the world. But first he has to get control of himself . . . because just the sight of a certain lovely doctor has his injured hand doing some peculiar things, not to mention the sizzling sensation that burns along his dragon tattoo.
Vampires? Vampires?! As a scientist, Leah is having trouble believing that these immortal creatures exist. But there they are, standing in front of her, asking for help in solving a genetic puzzle that can save mankind. There's even one in a sexy kilt! Just one look into Dougal's gorgeous green eyes sets her pulse racing. But can she trust him—and the overwhelming desire that refuses to be ignored?
369 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 27, 2013
227 people are currently reading
3590 people want to read
About the author
Kerrelyn Sparks
37 books5,780 followersKerrelyn Sparks apparently has issues with reality. After writing more than a dozen books about vampires, she has now completely gone off the deep end and wound up on another planet. But how thrilling that she can share this magical new world with her readers! Although she is best known (so far) for the Love at Stake series, which has hit as high as number 5 on the New York Times list and 22 on the USA Today list, she hopes her readers will love The Embraced as much as they did her merry band of vamps and shifters. To learn more about her paranormal, historical, and upcoming out-of-this-world fantasy romances, please visit Kerrelyn on Facebook, Twitter, or her website at www.kerrelynsparks.com.
Kerrelyn loves hearing from readers, even those who howl at the moon. Letters may be sent to P.O. Box 5512, Katy, TX 77491-5512. If you would like bookmarks and signed bookplates, please mail a Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope to her P.O. Box, and she will send those items to you.
Kerrelyn loves hearing from readers, even those who howl at the moon. Letters may be sent to P.O. Box 5512, Katy, TX 77491-5512. If you would like bookmarks and signed bookplates, please mail a Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope to her P.O. Box, and she will send those items to you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 443 reviews
November 20, 2015
4 'love me some vampires in kilts' stars!
This 14th installment in the Love at Stake series has all the things Kerrelyn Sparks fans have come to expect; humor, romance, passion, and a great story of the continued battle between our beloved Vampires and the Malcontents.
Description…
He's Out of ControlMy review…
Dougal Kincaid has something to prove. After being injured in a battle with the Malcontents, he's ready for active duty protecting unsuspecting mortals from these villainous vampires who want to rule the world. But first he has to get control of himself . . . because just the sight of a certain lovely doctor has his injured hand doing some peculiar things, not to mention the sizzling sensation that burns along his dragon tattoo.
Vampires? Vampires?! As a scientist, Leah is having trouble believing that these immortal creatures exist. But there they are, standing in front of her, asking for help in solving a genetic puzzle that can save mankind. There's even one in a sexy kilt! Just one look into Dougal's gorgeous green eyes sets her pulse racing. But can she trust him—and the overwhelming desire that refuses to be ignored?
I haven’t read all the books in this series, but that didn’t cause any problems for me. Things that took place in earlier books – especially in regards to how the other couples met their mates – are peppered throughout the story so that we get a pretty good idea of the whos, whats, whens, wheres, and whys. And honestly, these are light, entertaining reads, perfect for those times when you’re looking to let your mind wander and get lost in a world of great characters and their exciting lives and sometimes unlikely circumstances.
I really enjoyed The Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo, but it was Dougal who made this story shine. Such an awesome, honorable, fierce, passionate man! And did I mention vulnerable? His insecurities were so endearing and made me want to bring him home with me and love him til his past heartbreak was forgotten.
My thanks to Avon Books for providing me with a copy of this story. In return I’m giving them an honest review.
September 20, 2013
Just finished Kerrelyn Sparks' Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo. Where to start from? The cover? Epic fail no. 1. Dougal Kincaid's right hand is a metal one. Publishers are too cheap to respect even that, so the guy on the cover has two normal hands. Yay! Not. One cool metal hand would do a lot for his appearance and make the cover appropriate.
The book itself: the first part, light and funny and promising, the romance lifts off, then troubles in vampire world cook up.
Second part - so many characters are jumping around, preparing for the battle, again not too bad, just a bit boring, with a lot of lost focus. And yes, we all know, something has to go wrong.
Third part - megaevil in action. Stupid action. It escapes all logic what's happening here. Very ancient demon who knows consequences of his actions loses patience after not even really trying to persuade Leah to join the dark side (without cookies), and takes away her free will, which automatically calls on for heavenly intervention. Real battle? Not happening. Since it's all side stuff after all, though the preparation wasted so many pages, villains were finished in a blink, or rather in a few sentences, only the stupid outcome called 'consequence of evil' is there to mess up with everyone's heads.
Finish, or grand finale? After all the memory washing and meddling angels and remembering it all, a bit of a healing angel patch and neglecting the stuff that was the cause of grief, we're all ready to happily move on, without looking back.
Message to the writer: please stick to the light and funny stuff. What are the mega-villains for if they're going to be overpowered in 3 seconds? This could've been such a sweet book if you just took some time to think it through. As it is, on the scale of five stars, this one gets two - for the sake of those initials laughs, even though Leah was a complete pain with her fears of everything. When I think about it, what was the editor doing? Watching some show on TV while checking this book and not noticing how downhill it was going from the moment the demon appeared?
Maybe that's their excuse - that's what demons do, they destroy things. Stick to the vamps, Ms. Sparks! We'll all be much happier.
The book itself: the first part, light and funny and promising, the romance lifts off, then troubles in vampire world cook up.
Second part - so many characters are jumping around, preparing for the battle, again not too bad, just a bit boring, with a lot of lost focus. And yes, we all know, something has to go wrong.
Third part - megaevil in action. Stupid action. It escapes all logic what's happening here. Very ancient demon who knows consequences of his actions loses patience after not even really trying to persuade Leah to join the dark side (without cookies), and takes away her free will, which automatically calls on for heavenly intervention. Real battle? Not happening. Since it's all side stuff after all, though the preparation wasted so many pages, villains were finished in a blink, or rather in a few sentences, only the stupid outcome called 'consequence of evil' is there to mess up with everyone's heads.
Finish, or grand finale? After all the memory washing and meddling angels and remembering it all, a bit of a healing angel patch and neglecting the stuff that was the cause of grief, we're all ready to happily move on, without looking back.
Message to the writer: please stick to the light and funny stuff. What are the mega-villains for if they're going to be overpowered in 3 seconds? This could've been such a sweet book if you just took some time to think it through. As it is, on the scale of five stars, this one gets two - for the sake of those initials laughs, even though Leah was a complete pain with her fears of everything. When I think about it, what was the editor doing? Watching some show on TV while checking this book and not noticing how downhill it was going from the moment the demon appeared?
Maybe that's their excuse - that's what demons do, they destroy things. Stick to the vamps, Ms. Sparks! We'll all be much happier.
May 22, 2015
Yes, I was saying that a lot. This chapter in the series had so many sacrifices so many sorrows. There was a HEA so no worries. Read this to watch Scottish Dougal find his happiness.
September 22, 2017
The Vampire With The Dragon Tattoo es el decimocuarto libro de la saga Love At Stake de Kerrelyn Sparks y narra la historia de Dougal y Leah.
Hacia bastante tiempo ( mas de dos años ) que habia leido el libro anterior por lo que los primeros capitulos me resultaron un poco confusos pero segun fui avanzando con la lectura fui recordando los detalles de la historia.
Obviamente cada persona tiene un gusto diferente y por eso pienso que no todo el mundo disfrutaria de igual forma esta novela pero lo cierto es que a mi me gusta mucho el estilo de esta serie : es divertida, ligera y con un toque sobrenatural diferente a lo que solemos encontrar.
Cuando inicie esta serie fue principalmente porque me recordo a la saga de Lynsay Sands, no es exactamente igual pero si tiene un pequeño parecido y en general me aportan lo mismo : risas y buenos momentos.
La recomiendo, si quieres algo sencillo y que te ponga una sonrisa en la cara es una opcion ideal y si ademas eres fan de la Familia Argeneau no puedes dejar de darle una oportunidad.
2.75 Estrellas!
December 13, 2020
This was a BOOK, I like when human get introduced to Vampires for the first time it’s always fun, you never know how they are going to react.
Leah doesn’t really react like you would expect sure there is fear but there is also interest especially in Dougal something about him she is drawn to.
Lazlo like Leah too and I kind of love that he might have found someone finally for himself!
I forgot how much I liked this world and I am glad I am finally finishing the series.
You don’t have to go back and listen to them all to get the jist the author does a great job in keeping each book relevant.
I liked the narration a lot more this time, Paula does the accents perfectly.
Leah doesn’t really react like you would expect sure there is fear but there is also interest especially in Dougal something about him she is drawn to.
Lazlo like Leah too and I kind of love that he might have found someone finally for himself!
I forgot how much I liked this world and I am glad I am finally finishing the series.
You don’t have to go back and listen to them all to get the jist the author does a great job in keeping each book relevant.
I liked the narration a lot more this time, Paula does the accents perfectly.
August 27, 2013
Kitty‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Review copy provided for an honest review
5 STARS
I will never tire of the Draganesti’s and their merry band of vampires and shape-shifters. It was wonderful to be back at Romatech and to visit with all of our old friends. And, Dougal, poor, sad Dougal finally gets his HEA and we learn all about him and his past. What an interesting past he had. Did you know he had a Dragon Tattoo? I didn’t! And, wait till you hear the story behind it – so touching and heartfelt. But, what really got to me in this book was the moral of the story: “If you love something, set it free. If it comes back, it is yours. If it doesn’t, it never was.”
Dougal Kincaid, green eyes, a Scottish brogue to melt your heart, kilts and sporran and a bionic prosthetic hand. Unhappy and lonely and hoping to be put back on the roster, Dougal is back at Romatech for a party when he meets Dr. Leah Chin, a physician with a PhD in genetics. When, all of a sudden, his tattoo, after lying dormant for hundreds of years, starts burning and he’s having trouble controlling his hand. What is going on?
Dr. Leah Chin has been brought to Romatech on the pretense of helping with a genetic mystery. Of course, she has no idea that Vampire’s exist. Or Shape-shifters for that matter. When she sees the proof of their existence, she thinks she’s losing her mind, going crazy, just nuts. She’s shy and does not mix well with people. She’s a genius – went to college at age 14 and never had any true friends. Her parents raised her to be logical and believing in Vampire’s is not logical. But, when she realizes that she could possibly save thousands of lives, she agrees to stay on and help. But, does that big guy with the beautiful green eyes have to keep staring at her? And, what happens when one of these Vampires looks at her as a meal instead of a doctor?
Dougal is a mess, he can’t control his hand, he can’t keep his eyes off of Leah, his tattoo keeps burning and he finds out that he is back at Romatech as Head of Security and back on the roster, BUT, he also finds out that he has to go to China to help in the war against Master Han and Darafar. There are too many memories in China and he does not know how he is going to keep his secrets safe.
Oh. My. God. Dougal’s history in China is unbelievable. I don’t want to give too much of the story away but, this is where he found his first true love. The likenesses between his first love and Leah are unbelievable and he has to convince Leah that she’s the one he loves – not the memory of his first love. With the help of the God Warriors, Darafar is defeated and Leah finally understands and remembers everything that Dougal has been trying to tell her.
As usual, Ms. Sparks mixes love with steamy, hot, erotic sex; laughter and tears; smiles and frowns and does it with such a flare that you just breeze through the book. The Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo is all this and more. It’s fun, it’s loving, it’s sad, it’s heart-warming but, most of all, it’s a story about love lost and then found again, hundred’s of years later. It’s classic Kerrelyn Sparks in that it was amazingly written with lots of action, lots of love and, lots of Vampire Sex.
Review copy provided for an honest review
5 STARS
I will never tire of the Draganesti’s and their merry band of vampires and shape-shifters. It was wonderful to be back at Romatech and to visit with all of our old friends. And, Dougal, poor, sad Dougal finally gets his HEA and we learn all about him and his past. What an interesting past he had. Did you know he had a Dragon Tattoo? I didn’t! And, wait till you hear the story behind it – so touching and heartfelt. But, what really got to me in this book was the moral of the story: “If you love something, set it free. If it comes back, it is yours. If it doesn’t, it never was.”
Dougal Kincaid, green eyes, a Scottish brogue to melt your heart, kilts and sporran and a bionic prosthetic hand. Unhappy and lonely and hoping to be put back on the roster, Dougal is back at Romatech for a party when he meets Dr. Leah Chin, a physician with a PhD in genetics. When, all of a sudden, his tattoo, after lying dormant for hundreds of years, starts burning and he’s having trouble controlling his hand. What is going on?
Dr. Leah Chin has been brought to Romatech on the pretense of helping with a genetic mystery. Of course, she has no idea that Vampire’s exist. Or Shape-shifters for that matter. When she sees the proof of their existence, she thinks she’s losing her mind, going crazy, just nuts. She’s shy and does not mix well with people. She’s a genius – went to college at age 14 and never had any true friends. Her parents raised her to be logical and believing in Vampire’s is not logical. But, when she realizes that she could possibly save thousands of lives, she agrees to stay on and help. But, does that big guy with the beautiful green eyes have to keep staring at her? And, what happens when one of these Vampires looks at her as a meal instead of a doctor?
Dougal is a mess, he can’t control his hand, he can’t keep his eyes off of Leah, his tattoo keeps burning and he finds out that he is back at Romatech as Head of Security and back on the roster, BUT, he also finds out that he has to go to China to help in the war against Master Han and Darafar. There are too many memories in China and he does not know how he is going to keep his secrets safe.
Oh. My. God. Dougal’s history in China is unbelievable. I don’t want to give too much of the story away but, this is where he found his first true love. The likenesses between his first love and Leah are unbelievable and he has to convince Leah that she’s the one he loves – not the memory of his first love. With the help of the God Warriors, Darafar is defeated and Leah finally understands and remembers everything that Dougal has been trying to tell her.
As usual, Ms. Sparks mixes love with steamy, hot, erotic sex; laughter and tears; smiles and frowns and does it with such a flare that you just breeze through the book. The Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo is all this and more. It’s fun, it’s loving, it’s sad, it’s heart-warming but, most of all, it’s a story about love lost and then found again, hundred’s of years later. It’s classic Kerrelyn Sparks in that it was amazingly written with lots of action, lots of love and, lots of Vampire Sex.
November 27, 2025
The Vampire With the Dragon Tattoo was a fabulous addition to the Love at Stake Series.
Dougal Kincaid has just been reassigned to Romatech as head of security. It seems after a few years of recouping from the loss of his hand in battle he is ready to turn in his responsibilities as Jean Luc’s family’s personal body guard and return to full service.
Just when he thinks everything might be taking a turn for the better, Dr. Leah Chin is brought into the vampire world. Dougal believes Leah is his reincarnated lover...a lover he lost 300 years ago. Now his well practiced stoicism is going to be tested as he faces the doctor’s reluctance to believe in the vampire world.
Darafar and Master Han are plotting evil deeds and Leah’s research might just solve Romatech’s problem...this creates a big bull’s-eye on Leah’s head. Can Dougal learn to love again or will he loose the love of his life once again?
Kerrelyn Sparks has a fascinating way of pulling funny and serious together to blend into a wonderfully crafted story. For a heart racing, action packed love story with a hot alpha with fangs in a kilt check out The Vampire With the Dragon Tattoo.
I received this ARC copy of The Vampire With the Dragon Tattoo from HarperCollins - Avon in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication August 27, 2013.
Dougal Kincaid has just been reassigned to Romatech as head of security. It seems after a few years of recouping from the loss of his hand in battle he is ready to turn in his responsibilities as Jean Luc’s family’s personal body guard and return to full service.
Just when he thinks everything might be taking a turn for the better, Dr. Leah Chin is brought into the vampire world. Dougal believes Leah is his reincarnated lover...a lover he lost 300 years ago. Now his well practiced stoicism is going to be tested as he faces the doctor’s reluctance to believe in the vampire world.
Darafar and Master Han are plotting evil deeds and Leah’s research might just solve Romatech’s problem...this creates a big bull’s-eye on Leah’s head. Can Dougal learn to love again or will he loose the love of his life once again?
Kerrelyn Sparks has a fascinating way of pulling funny and serious together to blend into a wonderfully crafted story. For a heart racing, action packed love story with a hot alpha with fangs in a kilt check out The Vampire With the Dragon Tattoo.
I received this ARC copy of The Vampire With the Dragon Tattoo from HarperCollins - Avon in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication August 27, 2013.
August 29, 2013
I loved this story. I wasn’t too fond of the last Love at Stake book, but maybe that was just personal—I do tend to prefer vampires over shifters. The Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo was awesome. It reminded me why I love the Love at Stake series.
The book had everything I could want in a paranormal romance. It has humor, romance, and just the right amount of spice. I loved the budding relationship between Dougal and Leah. It’s a sweet attraction and has a bit of a twist with the reincarnation aspect. The end had me choked up and was really emotional. That was the first time I actually got choked up in one of Kerrelyn Sparks books, usually I enjoy her for the laughs, not the tears. It was nice to have both.
I know these books are not for everyone, but I think anyone who enjoys a good vampire book with a lot of romance and humor will love them.
August 5, 2018
So my rating is probably petty but dang it I just couldn't get over one thing and it pretty much bugged me so much the book sucked. I'd bet 99% of readers wouldn't care so don't take my review as a reason to not read it.
Dougal has been waiting 300 years for his lost love to be reincarnated right? So does that mean he's been celibate? There was literally nothing about his personal life in any of the books before this one or during it. I wouldn't have cared either way but some details IMO are necessary you know?
Leah too but worse because there was conflicting details. The author spent a considerable amount if time explaining how she'd started college at 14 years old (not a typo) and how she was capable mentally but not socially. She's NEVER had a friend right? Never.
So if her college years were spent underage and she's now in her very early 20's but not a virgin as far as I could tell. We're guys at school just like pedophiles? How could she be capable of dating or having sex but not forming any actual friendships? Over and over we heard how lonely she always was. It just made no sense. I felt like the author should have said something like she was so lonely she tried dating but it never worked, like ANYTHING you know? But she gave us zip.
The characters didn't make any sense to me because I had nothing to go on and what I did know was a huge contradiction.
The book also was boring for the first 70% going into too much detail about crap like traveling and how lonely Leah's childhood supposedly was. Once it got past that it was less boring but I'd already been so annoyed, I didn't feel any connection and I couldn't enjoy it.
Dougal has been waiting 300 years for his lost love to be reincarnated right? So does that mean he's been celibate? There was literally nothing about his personal life in any of the books before this one or during it. I wouldn't have cared either way but some details IMO are necessary you know?
Leah too but worse because there was conflicting details. The author spent a considerable amount if time explaining how she'd started college at 14 years old (not a typo) and how she was capable mentally but not socially. She's NEVER had a friend right? Never.
So if her college years were spent underage and she's now in her very early 20's but not a virgin as far as I could tell. We're guys at school just like pedophiles? How could she be capable of dating or having sex but not forming any actual friendships? Over and over we heard how lonely she always was. It just made no sense. I felt like the author should have said something like she was so lonely she tried dating but it never worked, like ANYTHING you know? But she gave us zip.
The characters didn't make any sense to me because I had nothing to go on and what I did know was a huge contradiction.
The book also was boring for the first 70% going into too much detail about crap like traveling and how lonely Leah's childhood supposedly was. Once it got past that it was less boring but I'd already been so annoyed, I didn't feel any connection and I couldn't enjoy it.
August 29, 2013
Kerrely Sparks does it again. From the first book (How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire) I read of hers she had me hooked!
I hated to get to the last page. I want more!
In this book we finally see Dougal Kincaid find his true love. After 300 years and the last few years he sees all his friends happily married with children. Dougal thinks he would never find love again. Loosing is hand in a battle has changed him and they way people look at him. Mad at everyone he is happy to just go about being a grumpy vamp. Until he sees Leah.
Leah has a PhD.in genetics. Starting college at the age of 14 she is ill prepared for the world she is about to enter. Now at the age of 23 she is enticed by the opportunity to work with Roaman Draganesti, inventor of synthetic blood, Leah takes to job with Dr. Lee at Romatec Industries. That's where a strange man in a kilt catches her eye, but what is he doing to this woman? She sees him rip the woman's arm off. OMG!
I loved the re-appearance of VANNA!!!!
I hated to get to the last page. I want more!
In this book we finally see Dougal Kincaid find his true love. After 300 years and the last few years he sees all his friends happily married with children. Dougal thinks he would never find love again. Loosing is hand in a battle has changed him and they way people look at him. Mad at everyone he is happy to just go about being a grumpy vamp. Until he sees Leah.
Leah has a PhD.in genetics. Starting college at the age of 14 she is ill prepared for the world she is about to enter. Now at the age of 23 she is enticed by the opportunity to work with Roaman Draganesti, inventor of synthetic blood, Leah takes to job with Dr. Lee at Romatec Industries. That's where a strange man in a kilt catches her eye, but what is he doing to this woman? She sees him rip the woman's arm off. OMG!
I loved the re-appearance of VANNA!!!!
February 24, 2017
Das war mal wieder ein Buch der Reihe, das mich komplett überzeugt hatte (bisher wurden alle Bücher von mir mit 4-5 Sternen bewertet, also ist die Reihe trotzdem fast perfekt :D).
Dr. Leah Chin und Dougal sind natürlich zuckersüß zusammen! Die Geschichte von Dougal fand ich super!
Die Geschichte um den neuen Bösewicht fand ich sehr gut gemacht. Etwas mystisch, brutal und natürlich fantasievoll.
Wer die Reihe kennt, wird jetzt nicht unbedingt die große Überraschung erleben, aber es ist nun mal genau das, was ich von den Büchern erwarte. Romantisch, sexy und ein bisschen Drama.
Dr. Leah Chin und Dougal sind natürlich zuckersüß zusammen! Die Geschichte von Dougal fand ich super!
Die Geschichte um den neuen Bösewicht fand ich sehr gut gemacht. Etwas mystisch, brutal und natürlich fantasievoll.
Wer die Reihe kennt, wird jetzt nicht unbedingt die große Überraschung erleben, aber es ist nun mal genau das, was ich von den Büchern erwarte. Romantisch, sexy und ein bisschen Drama.
September 3, 2013
Want it!!
November 19, 2017
Oh, this was a great book! Really enjoyed Dougal and Leah, they were a great couple, and I loved their story, with reincarnation, and Dougal with his prosthetic!
April 3, 2019
This one made me laugh!! I love the angels, I kind of enjoyed that there wasn't as much sex scenes as some lol!
True love conquers all!!
True love conquers all!!
January 9, 2017
I normally find myself a strong, opinionated person when it comes to reviews on something (yes, me!), and I normally hope my opinions don't upset the actual writer of the story I'm reviewing (unless, of course, that idiot deserves it, by which I'm then telling them to take notes). Now in saying this, I must also clarify that even if there is a story that I did not like, within a series by an author that I admire, I'll still review honestly while still staying true to that author.
That aside...
Kerrelyn Sparks had done well fixing herself with this story,
. Her previous book (unless you count V is for VampWoman) had scored pretty low in my opinion, and a lot of her books prior scored rather well, but not atrociously high. The Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo, in my opinion, saved her.
The story is about a highland vampire named Dougal, who has an inner demon he's been battling all his life that gets to be a driving emotion during the pace of the story. The woman he's eyeballing, Leah, is his reincarnated love. The main villain through the story, as well, is a demon (a Hell fire and brimstone demon, mind you), and like all Hellish demons, Darafer (who has always had my eye) uses Dougal's inner demon to help defeat him--among a bunch of other awesome story plot ideas. Now to some, Darafer is the embodiment of evil; perhaps it's because of my twisted way of viewing the world, but Darafer is one of my favorite characters Kerrelyn has ever written, but hey, that's okay. I mean, I found Lothaire from Kresley Cole the hottest thing on two legs and wished I could be his heroine.
Back to Kerrelyn Sparks' story though...
Dougal is a very hot hero. Not just physically, mind you, although he is described as being quite appealing to the eyes with broad shoulders, long hair, and a body that reminds you of a chocolate bar with abs that are so rippled, you just want to lick each chocolate cube--not necessarily quoting from the book, but he is described as such. He's got a hot persona, and can be rather dirty. In fact, throughout the story, every time Dougal had a moment alone with Leah, he acted rather rakish and rascally, which only added fuel to the fire simmering inside me. I love a man who knows what he wants, and will stop at nothing to gain it (and if that "wants" turns out to be a woman, will take control and make her body feel things she's never felt before). In fact, Dougal is quite the charmer when it comes to flirting; he made me giggle with his blunt, yet dirty way of speaking. If he sees even a hint of the woman he's interested in attracted to him in return, he'll snatch her away and exploit her feelings (albeit in privacy, so as to not frighten her off).
I think Kerrelyn Sparks did well on this novel. It was hot, hotter than she'd had since
(just not AS hot as Eat Prey love), and brought the hot comical romance back to life. But then again, that could just be because I have a thing for alpha males who take charge of situations and pursue the women interested in them, and in this book, Dougal is ALL alpha.
That aside...
Kerrelyn Sparks had done well fixing herself with this story,
. Her previous book (unless you count V is for VampWoman) had scored pretty low in my opinion, and a lot of her books prior scored rather well, but not atrociously high. The Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo, in my opinion, saved her.The story is about a highland vampire named Dougal, who has an inner demon he's been battling all his life that gets to be a driving emotion during the pace of the story. The woman he's eyeballing, Leah, is his reincarnated love. The main villain through the story, as well, is a demon (a Hell fire and brimstone demon, mind you), and like all Hellish demons, Darafer (who has always had my eye) uses Dougal's inner demon to help defeat him--among a bunch of other awesome story plot ideas. Now to some, Darafer is the embodiment of evil; perhaps it's because of my twisted way of viewing the world, but Darafer is one of my favorite characters Kerrelyn has ever written, but hey, that's okay. I mean, I found Lothaire from Kresley Cole the hottest thing on two legs and wished I could be his heroine.
Back to Kerrelyn Sparks' story though...
Dougal is a very hot hero. Not just physically, mind you, although he is described as being quite appealing to the eyes with broad shoulders, long hair, and a body that reminds you of a chocolate bar with abs that are so rippled, you just want to lick each chocolate cube--not necessarily quoting from the book, but he is described as such. He's got a hot persona, and can be rather dirty. In fact, throughout the story, every time Dougal had a moment alone with Leah, he acted rather rakish and rascally, which only added fuel to the fire simmering inside me. I love a man who knows what he wants, and will stop at nothing to gain it (and if that "wants" turns out to be a woman, will take control and make her body feel things she's never felt before). In fact, Dougal is quite the charmer when it comes to flirting; he made me giggle with his blunt, yet dirty way of speaking. If he sees even a hint of the woman he's interested in attracted to him in return, he'll snatch her away and exploit her feelings (albeit in privacy, so as to not frighten her off).
I think Kerrelyn Sparks did well on this novel. It was hot, hotter than she'd had since
(just not AS hot as Eat Prey love), and brought the hot comical romance back to life. But then again, that could just be because I have a thing for alpha males who take charge of situations and pursue the women interested in them, and in this book, Dougal is ALL alpha.
August 9, 2013
Dougal Kincaid has spent more than three hundred years regretting the moment he is unable to save the love of his life. He has come to a point when it is not the first or the last thing he thinks of in a day. Still, after all the years he can never forget. The new doctor brings all the memories rushing back before he is ever in her presence. From the very beginning, he knows he has his second chance, and he is determined this time she will be safe. Leah Chin struggles to accept the fact her scientific world no longer contains all the answers. She has relied on science since a very young age. Now she is floundering in a world science says is nothing more than a nightmare. The reality of vampires and shifters is beyond anything she could ever imagine, and there is one who is intent on stealing her heart. The demon, Darafer, changes the face of the war between Vampires and Malcontents. Vampires have lived for hundreds of years without drinking blood, switching to synthetic blood. The Malcontents wish to go back to the old ways. The demon is the key. Dougal and Leah are caught in the middle. Evil will attempt to destroy a love, which is tested throughout time. It will take both Dougal and Leah to foil the demons plot and put evil in its place. Can they hold onto their love or lose it all? I absolutely love Dougal. He is one of the best vampire characters ever created. He is one sexy being, but the reader will fall for who he is, beyond his good looks. The world of Love at Stake is fascinating. Each character finds a place in the reader’s heart. Anyone who can read The Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo and not immediately go searching for the other books in the series is no fan of the paranormal. I highly recommend the reader take a bite of the vampire world of Ms. Sparks, but I must warn the reader one bite will never be enough - See more at: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/Book...
September 16, 2015
3,5 stars
What can I say? Tortured hero is one of my weakness, and Dougal is soooo tortured and full of melancholy, I want to hug him, lol! Also, while he has "I'm not worthy of you" and "I'm not worthy of second chance", and again "I keep failing to protect her" vibes, which is a type of hero that sometimes I despised, Dougal won my heart in the end. See, he full of sadness, stoic, and "woe is me", yet, he's so romantic to his lady love Leah. His antique and medieval attitude without so much bordering into alpha manliness or "I'm Tarzan, you Jane", make him adorable. Leav it to Kerrelyn Sparks to make a swoon worthy Scots, from Angus, Ian, and then Dougal (no Robby and Connor, because those two are jerks *snort*). As for Leah, she's kinda okay, a typical Sparks heroine. The reincarnation and second chance theme play a heavy part in this book.
Since it been 2 years after I read the last installment of Love at Stake series (which is Howard's), I'm a little bit at lost with some characters and story development. But, it didnt took a long time for me to adjust, because Sparks bring some old characters, from Roman, Gregori, Angus, their spouses and another previous characters that will make readers feel nostalgic. Add it with multiracial cultures, setting and characters, which make me give 2 thumbs up to Sparks for her diversity world.
Vampire with Dragon Tattoo is a light and fun reading, but with a dose of melancholy (thanks to Dougal anyway). This is a series that I still read, and even I know that some part can be too cliche, Sparks still entertained me with her humor and adorable vampire!
What can I say? Tortured hero is one of my weakness, and Dougal is soooo tortured and full of melancholy, I want to hug him, lol! Also, while he has "I'm not worthy of you" and "I'm not worthy of second chance", and again "I keep failing to protect her" vibes, which is a type of hero that sometimes I despised, Dougal won my heart in the end. See, he full of sadness, stoic, and "woe is me", yet, he's so romantic to his lady love Leah. His antique and medieval attitude without so much bordering into alpha manliness or "I'm Tarzan, you Jane", make him adorable. Leav it to Kerrelyn Sparks to make a swoon worthy Scots, from Angus, Ian, and then Dougal (no Robby and Connor, because those two are jerks *snort*). As for Leah, she's kinda okay, a typical Sparks heroine. The reincarnation and second chance theme play a heavy part in this book.
Since it been 2 years after I read the last installment of Love at Stake series (which is Howard's), I'm a little bit at lost with some characters and story development. But, it didnt took a long time for me to adjust, because Sparks bring some old characters, from Roman, Gregori, Angus, their spouses and another previous characters that will make readers feel nostalgic. Add it with multiracial cultures, setting and characters, which make me give 2 thumbs up to Sparks for her diversity world.
Vampire with Dragon Tattoo is a light and fun reading, but with a dose of melancholy (thanks to Dougal anyway). This is a series that I still read, and even I know that some part can be too cliche, Sparks still entertained me with her humor and adorable vampire!
September 24, 2017
Dougal Kincaid was not in a partying mood.
Dougal lost his hand in battle four books ago in Vampire Mine. He now has a prosthetic hand that he controls with his mind. He is trying to get back into field work when a new doctor is brought to Romatech. Dr Leah Chin is an expert in DNA research and her expertise is needed to create a vaccine to reprogram soldiers. Master Han, an evil vampire, has conspired with a demon to create unbeatable soldiers. Roman and the others fear that this will bring on a battle of disastrous proportions.
Dougal was sold as a slave and fell in love with Li Lei in China. Their relationship ended tragically and he had searched for centuries for his mate. Leah bears a strong resemblance to Li Lei and he is immediately smitten.
I have not read this series in quite some time but it was very easy to pick up with the story line and the characters. I like that previous couples are present and I get to catch up on their lives. Dougal is a strong character that reminds me of his sire (and my favorite!), Connor. Leah is a lonely young woman who has always excelled as a student and now a doctor.
The story moves well and is a great escape. I needed something lighter to read and this fit the bill perfectly. There is doubt, then acceptance and finally love between Dougal and Leah. Of course there has to be some huge moment of strife but you know that they will finally get their HEA.
A fun series that I will finish reading.
Dougal lost his hand in battle four books ago in Vampire Mine. He now has a prosthetic hand that he controls with his mind. He is trying to get back into field work when a new doctor is brought to Romatech. Dr Leah Chin is an expert in DNA research and her expertise is needed to create a vaccine to reprogram soldiers. Master Han, an evil vampire, has conspired with a demon to create unbeatable soldiers. Roman and the others fear that this will bring on a battle of disastrous proportions.
Dougal was sold as a slave and fell in love with Li Lei in China. Their relationship ended tragically and he had searched for centuries for his mate. Leah bears a strong resemblance to Li Lei and he is immediately smitten.
I have not read this series in quite some time but it was very easy to pick up with the story line and the characters. I like that previous couples are present and I get to catch up on their lives. Dougal is a strong character that reminds me of his sire (and my favorite!), Connor. Leah is a lonely young woman who has always excelled as a student and now a doctor.
The story moves well and is a great escape. I needed something lighter to read and this fit the bill perfectly. There is doubt, then acceptance and finally love between Dougal and Leah. Of course there has to be some huge moment of strife but you know that they will finally get their HEA.
A fun series that I will finish reading.
August 30, 2013
Be still my beating heart, but I totally could dig a man in a kilt! Especially if he has that accent that I'd probably constantly be asking 'what?'
As others have stated, this is pretty much the series' standard. The author always throws in comedy throughout the story. We also get to visit with some characters from the past- I always like visiting older characters.
I do have to wonder how much longer the series can go on- who else is there who needs to hook up? Maybe Rajiv? JL? Russell?
Anyways, I think that you'll like this story if you like Ms. Sparks' other books. It's a lighthearted-fun read, although I did maybe have a tear or two in my eye. But shush, we won't repeat that.
Is this a standalone book? Tough question- mainly because you do get so many past characters popping up in this one. However, the storyline is only very loosely a continuation of the past. In other words, I think you could read this as a standalone, but it'll be a much richer world for you if you have read the previous books.
As others have stated, this is pretty much the series' standard. The author always throws in comedy throughout the story. We also get to visit with some characters from the past- I always like visiting older characters.
I do have to wonder how much longer the series can go on- who else is there who needs to hook up? Maybe Rajiv? JL? Russell?
Anyways, I think that you'll like this story if you like Ms. Sparks' other books. It's a lighthearted-fun read, although I did maybe have a tear or two in my eye. But shush, we won't repeat that.
Is this a standalone book? Tough question- mainly because you do get so many past characters popping up in this one. However, the storyline is only very loosely a continuation of the past. In other words, I think you could read this as a standalone, but it'll be a much richer world for you if you have read the previous books.
September 5, 2013
Dear Leah,
I know I frighten you, but I pray you will give me a chance. I know my chance is small, for you are so clever and beautiful. How could I ever be worthy of you?
You are a treasure to behold, a sweet melody to my ears.
You shine light into my dark nights and bring warmth to my cold heart.
You fill me with hope that all things are possible, even an eternity of love.
Dougal
Kerrely Sparks does it again. From the first book (How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire) I read of hers she had me hooked!
I hated to get to the last page. I want more!
In this book we finally see Dougal Kincaid find his true love. After 300 years and the last few years he sees all his friends happily married with children. Dougal thinks he would never find love again. Loosing is hand in a battle has changed him and they way people look at him. Mad at everyone he is happy to just go about being a grumpy vamp. Until he sees Leah.
Leah has a PhD.in genetics. Now at the age of 23 she is enticed by the opportunity to work with Roaman Draganesti, That's where a strange man in a kilt catches her eye.!
I know I frighten you, but I pray you will give me a chance. I know my chance is small, for you are so clever and beautiful. How could I ever be worthy of you?
You are a treasure to behold, a sweet melody to my ears.
You shine light into my dark nights and bring warmth to my cold heart.
You fill me with hope that all things are possible, even an eternity of love.
Dougal
Kerrely Sparks does it again. From the first book (How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire) I read of hers she had me hooked!
I hated to get to the last page. I want more!
In this book we finally see Dougal Kincaid find his true love. After 300 years and the last few years he sees all his friends happily married with children. Dougal thinks he would never find love again. Loosing is hand in a battle has changed him and they way people look at him. Mad at everyone he is happy to just go about being a grumpy vamp. Until he sees Leah.
Leah has a PhD.in genetics. Now at the age of 23 she is enticed by the opportunity to work with Roaman Draganesti, That's where a strange man in a kilt catches her eye.!
May 11, 2022
Immediately after I finished this book I felt but it was no more or less than what I had wanted it to be in that moment. A fast, fun read with interesting supernatural world building, Characters who’s attraction to each other was immediate but whose interest and relationship with each other grew over the course of the book and enough action to keep me interested. But after taking some time I find myself more and more disturbed by the actions of the male lead. At major moments in the novel he disregarded the express wishes of the female lead in ways that in retrospect I find deeply unsettling. End it cannot be argued that all of these instances were necessary to the continuance of the story, some of them simply weren’t. It’s still a really fun series, I’ll still be reading the rest of it but this particular installment had some serious issues.
May 27, 2013
One of the best books in the Love at Stake series.
The Vampire With the Dragon Tattoo is Dougal's story. It has quite a few lol moments & I felt it was Kerrelyn Sparks at her finest. I laughed. I cried. Mostly I was smiling the entire way through. In the end it was a beautiful story about a love that could transcend time. A story about sacrifice that put a tear in my eye. Sparks played the ending out perfectly, giving me some incredibly touching scenes that I enjoyed immensely.
A very satisfying & emotional read. Definitely one of my favorites from the series & one that fans won't want to miss.
A highly recommended paranormal read.
My thanks to Harper Collins Avon for letting me review this book.
My full review will be posted on the Night Owl Reviews website.
The Vampire With the Dragon Tattoo is Dougal's story. It has quite a few lol moments & I felt it was Kerrelyn Sparks at her finest. I laughed. I cried. Mostly I was smiling the entire way through. In the end it was a beautiful story about a love that could transcend time. A story about sacrifice that put a tear in my eye. Sparks played the ending out perfectly, giving me some incredibly touching scenes that I enjoyed immensely.
A very satisfying & emotional read. Definitely one of my favorites from the series & one that fans won't want to miss.
A highly recommended paranormal read.
My thanks to Harper Collins Avon for letting me review this book.
My full review will be posted on the Night Owl Reviews website.
September 2, 2023
Me gustó la historia xq retomamos el personaje de Dougal, q resultó herido en una de las batallas grandes contra Casimir y había quedado sin una mano. Meses después, lo podemos ver recuperado y volviendo a la acción con una prótesis q utiliza con control menta.
Hasta ese momento no habíamos sabido gran cosa de Dugal, salvo q lo transformó Connor en Culloden. Ahora sabemos bastante más, y resulta mucho más interesante como personaje xq el hombre no solo ha sufrido una batalla perdida en Escocia, sino practicamente toda una vida en el Lejano Oriente. Su interés romántico es Leah, una médica genetista reclutada para ayudar a revertir los estragos q han provocado el Maestro Han en asociación con el demonio Darafer, q tampoco se cansa de crear problemas y tratar de llevar agua a su molino, q en su casa son almas al infierno.
La trama de la historia es muy interesante xq Dougal arrastra traumas de un pasado mucho más lejano q Culloden y Leah no resulta el amor conocido apenas ahí, sino q vuelve luego de siglos de separación. Sumado a esto, tenemos la aparición de los malos q han quedado y la resolución de un problema q pudo haber sido mucho peor q el ejército de Casimir, con el aditivo de varios Angeles q descienden a la tierra para poner un poco de orden. La acción es buena, no hay perdida de tiempo en detalles innecesarios, y los personajes interactuan donde, cuando y con quien deben.
Me gustó mucho el drama y el final ha sido definitivamente precioso aunq un tanto abrupto.
Solo voy a criticar negativamente la cuestión de la reencarnación, q creo q no se aprovechó lo suficiente o incluso de la forma correcta, sino más bien como una cuestión anecdótica.
Fuera de eso, ha sido una linda historia. Solo quedan dos...yey!!!!
Hasta ese momento no habíamos sabido gran cosa de Dugal, salvo q lo transformó Connor en Culloden. Ahora sabemos bastante más, y resulta mucho más interesante como personaje xq el hombre no solo ha sufrido una batalla perdida en Escocia, sino practicamente toda una vida en el Lejano Oriente. Su interés romántico es Leah, una médica genetista reclutada para ayudar a revertir los estragos q han provocado el Maestro Han en asociación con el demonio Darafer, q tampoco se cansa de crear problemas y tratar de llevar agua a su molino, q en su casa son almas al infierno.
La trama de la historia es muy interesante xq Dougal arrastra traumas de un pasado mucho más lejano q Culloden y Leah no resulta el amor conocido apenas ahí, sino q vuelve luego de siglos de separación. Sumado a esto, tenemos la aparición de los malos q han quedado y la resolución de un problema q pudo haber sido mucho peor q el ejército de Casimir, con el aditivo de varios Angeles q descienden a la tierra para poner un poco de orden. La acción es buena, no hay perdida de tiempo en detalles innecesarios, y los personajes interactuan donde, cuando y con quien deben.
Me gustó mucho el drama y el final ha sido definitivamente precioso aunq un tanto abrupto.
Solo voy a criticar negativamente la cuestión de la reencarnación, q creo q no se aprovechó lo suficiente o incluso de la forma correcta, sino más bien como una cuestión anecdótica.
Fuera de eso, ha sido una linda historia. Solo quedan dos...yey!!!!
February 22, 2018
It's been years since I last read the 13th book in the series and I missed this gang! I have to admit I vaguely remember some of the characters but I still enjoyed this one.
June 22, 2019
I love this series - only two more to read and I’m done - will be sad when that happens :(
March 11, 2014
3 1/2 stars
Book 14 in the Love at Stake series
This is Dougal Kincaid’s story. We know very little about him other than he’s an old Vamp (of course), he’s originally from Scotland, and he recently lost his hand in a battle with the Malcontents. He now has a prosthetic hand that is controlled by his mind powers. We don’t know his backstory, but boy do we get it. Unfortunately, it’s pretty unbelievable. He has captured when he was still human and taken to China to be a slave, where he fell in love with slave master’s daughter Li Lei who helped her escape, but stayed behind. When he came for her years later she drowned in a storm at sea, even though Dougal was right behind her he couldn’t save her. This back-story is supposed to explain why all of a sudden Dougal knows Chinese and none of his friends knew about it (apparently except his maker). Dougal thinks Dr. Leah Chin is his reincarnated love from about 300 years ago. Leah has come to Romatech to help solve the genetic manipulation of Master Han’s soldiers so they can become normal again so the Vamps don’t have to kill them.
Of course, at the beginning Leah has time adjusting to the information that vampires, shifters, demons etc. are real. Then Dougal tries courting her and it takes her awhile to warm up to that. So the first part of the book is good, the middle really, really drags (which is why it took me so long to get through it), but by the end it picks up again to it’s very heart-wrenching conclusion.
Darafer, a powerful demon the Vamps have come across before, kidnaps Leah and forcers her to be evil through a demon’s bite. All Leah feels is hatred and all she wants to do is kill. Dougal is beside himself, he and the other Vamps and shifters search for her with the help of the angel God Warriors who have to get involved because Darafer broke the rule about free will. The Vamps and angles find her, she is with Darafer, who is quickly surrounded by the 7 flaming swards and is sent back to hell. Darafer before he died told Leah to kill for him, so she moves to kill Dougal, but the Grand Tiger (head of the Tiger shape shifters, kin to Rajiv) stepped in front of Dougal and took Leah’s dagger into himself. He said to Dougal it was for true love, and then died. As soon as Darafer is sent to hell Leah becomes herself again and is hysterical about what she’s done to the Grand Tiger. She won’t it, can’t sleep, and can’t look at Dougal. Dougal decides to erase her memories of him and her kidnapping and what she’s done. So for a couple of weeks Leah is working at Romatch on the genetic stuff as she was before, but gets little clues that she’s not remembering everything. Dougal stays away, but Leah still notices him and is attracted to him.
Since Dougal took away Leah’s free will also, an angel asks her every day if he can be of assistance. One day she says she needs to remember. He takes her to the Grand Tiger’s memorial and when she hears Dougal play his bag-pipes she remembers everything. Her love for him and the pain. Fortunately, the angels help ease her pain, but of course it’s not gone. Dougal and Leah reconnect and she tells him she is in fact the reincarnation of Li Lei.
Book 14 in the Love at Stake series
This is Dougal Kincaid’s story. We know very little about him other than he’s an old Vamp (of course), he’s originally from Scotland, and he recently lost his hand in a battle with the Malcontents. He now has a prosthetic hand that is controlled by his mind powers. We don’t know his backstory, but boy do we get it. Unfortunately, it’s pretty unbelievable. He has captured when he was still human and taken to China to be a slave, where he fell in love with slave master’s daughter Li Lei who helped her escape, but stayed behind. When he came for her years later she drowned in a storm at sea, even though Dougal was right behind her he couldn’t save her. This back-story is supposed to explain why all of a sudden Dougal knows Chinese and none of his friends knew about it (apparently except his maker). Dougal thinks Dr. Leah Chin is his reincarnated love from about 300 years ago. Leah has come to Romatech to help solve the genetic manipulation of Master Han’s soldiers so they can become normal again so the Vamps don’t have to kill them.
Of course, at the beginning Leah has time adjusting to the information that vampires, shifters, demons etc. are real. Then Dougal tries courting her and it takes her awhile to warm up to that. So the first part of the book is good, the middle really, really drags (which is why it took me so long to get through it), but by the end it picks up again to it’s very heart-wrenching conclusion.
Darafer, a powerful demon the Vamps have come across before, kidnaps Leah and forcers her to be evil through a demon’s bite. All Leah feels is hatred and all she wants to do is kill. Dougal is beside himself, he and the other Vamps and shifters search for her with the help of the angel God Warriors who have to get involved because Darafer broke the rule about free will. The Vamps and angles find her, she is with Darafer, who is quickly surrounded by the 7 flaming swards and is sent back to hell. Darafer before he died told Leah to kill for him, so she moves to kill Dougal, but the Grand Tiger (head of the Tiger shape shifters, kin to Rajiv) stepped in front of Dougal and took Leah’s dagger into himself. He said to Dougal it was for true love, and then died. As soon as Darafer is sent to hell Leah becomes herself again and is hysterical about what she’s done to the Grand Tiger. She won’t it, can’t sleep, and can’t look at Dougal. Dougal decides to erase her memories of him and her kidnapping and what she’s done. So for a couple of weeks Leah is working at Romatch on the genetic stuff as she was before, but gets little clues that she’s not remembering everything. Dougal stays away, but Leah still notices him and is attracted to him.
Since Dougal took away Leah’s free will also, an angel asks her every day if he can be of assistance. One day she says she needs to remember. He takes her to the Grand Tiger’s memorial and when she hears Dougal play his bag-pipes she remembers everything. Her love for him and the pain. Fortunately, the angels help ease her pain, but of course it’s not gone. Dougal and Leah reconnect and she tells him she is in fact the reincarnation of Li Lei.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2013
Review from Backchatting Books
I can’t believe we are up to #14 now in this series. We head off to Asia in this instalment which combined with a bit of reincarnation, introduced a freshness that was desperately needed to compensate for the lack of Malcontent fighting. Our vamps are worried about killing the demon Darafer’s human army. They hire Dr Leah Chin, a genius geneticist to help them remove Darafer’s influence. When Dougal Kincaid, head of security, sees her he feels and immediate connection – she’s just like his long lost love Li Lei. His dragon tattoo seems to recognise her too.
Dougal is a verra complicated man with a mysterious past and a massive dragon tattoo. His pre-vamp life was one of the most interesting I have read in this series. He made it all the way from Scotland to China and back whereas others barely made it 10 miles away from home. We do have a really positive representation of him and his disability. Dougal may have lost his hand but no one isolates him or ridicules him and there is no suggestion he can no longer do his job. Over the course of the novel he realises that he still has a lot to offer and a prosthesis doesn’t automatically make him incompetent. The prosthesis only functions when he uses mind control on it and when that control evaporates (usually around Leah) it leads to some very amusing situations.
Leah undergoes a massive transformation from a lonely geek that was used solely for her intelligence, to someone surrounded by friends and being involved in a relationship. Her entire family is full of geniuses and she’s considered the dumbest of the lot because she didn’t become a doctor until she hit her 20s. She broke out of her shell fairly quickly although the self-doubt remained, especially when she found out the similarities between her and Li Lei. She’s brave however especially when confronted by all manner of paranormal activity that is completely at odds with her scientific understanding of life. The vamps’ success against Darafer rested heavily on Leah’s shoulders and although she didn’t have super powers, she made a massive difference to the lives of thousands of people.
There is an undercurrent of Christian values in this series that has really ramped up in the last few novels. It was present from the start as the first vamp we met (Roman) was a former monk and the vamps regularly attend church. Sparks seems to be expanding on this theme however with God’s Warrior Angels the only beings that can defeat demons and angels healing suffering etc. The morality of our vamps is also emphasised as they don’t want to harm Darafer’s human army because they have no way of knowing if the soldiers actually wanted to fight for Darafer or if they were tricked into it. I’m not sure whether this is a plus for you or not but it is an interesting development in a series about the un-dead.
I love curling up with a Love at Stake novel and this one was no different. Romance, fighting and kilts abound. This can be read as a standalone and is perfect for those interested in a fun and flirty paranormal romance.
I can’t believe we are up to #14 now in this series. We head off to Asia in this instalment which combined with a bit of reincarnation, introduced a freshness that was desperately needed to compensate for the lack of Malcontent fighting. Our vamps are worried about killing the demon Darafer’s human army. They hire Dr Leah Chin, a genius geneticist to help them remove Darafer’s influence. When Dougal Kincaid, head of security, sees her he feels and immediate connection – she’s just like his long lost love Li Lei. His dragon tattoo seems to recognise her too.
Dougal is a verra complicated man with a mysterious past and a massive dragon tattoo. His pre-vamp life was one of the most interesting I have read in this series. He made it all the way from Scotland to China and back whereas others barely made it 10 miles away from home. We do have a really positive representation of him and his disability. Dougal may have lost his hand but no one isolates him or ridicules him and there is no suggestion he can no longer do his job. Over the course of the novel he realises that he still has a lot to offer and a prosthesis doesn’t automatically make him incompetent. The prosthesis only functions when he uses mind control on it and when that control evaporates (usually around Leah) it leads to some very amusing situations.
Leah undergoes a massive transformation from a lonely geek that was used solely for her intelligence, to someone surrounded by friends and being involved in a relationship. Her entire family is full of geniuses and she’s considered the dumbest of the lot because she didn’t become a doctor until she hit her 20s. She broke out of her shell fairly quickly although the self-doubt remained, especially when she found out the similarities between her and Li Lei. She’s brave however especially when confronted by all manner of paranormal activity that is completely at odds with her scientific understanding of life. The vamps’ success against Darafer rested heavily on Leah’s shoulders and although she didn’t have super powers, she made a massive difference to the lives of thousands of people.
There is an undercurrent of Christian values in this series that has really ramped up in the last few novels. It was present from the start as the first vamp we met (Roman) was a former monk and the vamps regularly attend church. Sparks seems to be expanding on this theme however with God’s Warrior Angels the only beings that can defeat demons and angels healing suffering etc. The morality of our vamps is also emphasised as they don’t want to harm Darafer’s human army because they have no way of knowing if the soldiers actually wanted to fight for Darafer or if they were tricked into it. I’m not sure whether this is a plus for you or not but it is an interesting development in a series about the un-dead.
I love curling up with a Love at Stake novel and this one was no different. Romance, fighting and kilts abound. This can be read as a standalone and is perfect for those interested in a fun and flirty paranormal romance.
August 25, 2013
I just couldn’t resist this title, even though I haven’t read the other books in this series (and there are 13 of them), and did not feel lost or confused about the story at all. Kerrelyn Sparks managed to include enough background information to make the story make sense, even as this is a story about Dougal. Swoon-worthy Dougal: the vampire with a large tattoo of a dragon on his chest for a constant reminder of a lost love.
Dougal is a Scotsman: a kilted, pipe playing, touch of the brogue Scot: cleverly played by Ms. Sparks with the occasional phonetic inclusion of spoken words to remind us of his heritage. He was injured in his last battle: losing a hand, and has been recovering from the trauma and learning to work with his new disability. One would think that a warrior with one hand would be a liability: but his protective nature and determination make up for any perceived disability, much to his opponent’s dismay.
Enter Leah, a talented geneticist brought in to study the new threat to the vampires. While she is perfectly content to work in the lab and study the anomalies, her acceptance of her new situation does not extend to a belief in Vampires. Unfortunately, Dougal realizes that she is his mate: the soul of his lost love those many years ago is now in Leah. While he doesn’t feel that he can speak the words he needs to her, he tries to convince her of his love by encouraging her to visit him during his death sleep.
Leah is starting to believe in, against all odds, the existence of vampires, but the other supernatural creatures that have become part of the story are just too much. And, what happens when she finds herself, against all reason, falling for the gorgeous Scotsman?
The story was sweet and believable, with plenty of UF and other paranormal activity and characters from other stories intermingled in to keep the plot moving forward. Dougal was so sweetly off-balance and tongue tied, while Leah’s curiosity overrode her fear and allowed her those moments to fantasize and formulate questions to ask in hopes of discovering why she is so drawn to him.
This was such a fun book from the romance to the inclusions of the characters from previous stories as we are able to see that their bonds have strengthened and grown. This could easily become one of my ‘must read’ series on my TBR pile, and since there are thirteen previous volumes I don’t think I could go wrong picking up any of them. A good introduction to this series, and a satisfying romance as yet another match is made for those who have read all of the previous books.
I received an eBook copy from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Dougal is a Scotsman: a kilted, pipe playing, touch of the brogue Scot: cleverly played by Ms. Sparks with the occasional phonetic inclusion of spoken words to remind us of his heritage. He was injured in his last battle: losing a hand, and has been recovering from the trauma and learning to work with his new disability. One would think that a warrior with one hand would be a liability: but his protective nature and determination make up for any perceived disability, much to his opponent’s dismay.
Enter Leah, a talented geneticist brought in to study the new threat to the vampires. While she is perfectly content to work in the lab and study the anomalies, her acceptance of her new situation does not extend to a belief in Vampires. Unfortunately, Dougal realizes that she is his mate: the soul of his lost love those many years ago is now in Leah. While he doesn’t feel that he can speak the words he needs to her, he tries to convince her of his love by encouraging her to visit him during his death sleep.
Leah is starting to believe in, against all odds, the existence of vampires, but the other supernatural creatures that have become part of the story are just too much. And, what happens when she finds herself, against all reason, falling for the gorgeous Scotsman?
The story was sweet and believable, with plenty of UF and other paranormal activity and characters from other stories intermingled in to keep the plot moving forward. Dougal was so sweetly off-balance and tongue tied, while Leah’s curiosity overrode her fear and allowed her those moments to fantasize and formulate questions to ask in hopes of discovering why she is so drawn to him.
This was such a fun book from the romance to the inclusions of the characters from previous stories as we are able to see that their bonds have strengthened and grown. This could easily become one of my ‘must read’ series on my TBR pile, and since there are thirteen previous volumes I don’t think I could go wrong picking up any of them. A good introduction to this series, and a satisfying romance as yet another match is made for those who have read all of the previous books.
I received an eBook copy from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
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