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Love at Stake #2
Vampiri & the City
Chi dice che un vampiro non può avere tutto?
Darcy Newhart pensa che sia un vero colpo di genio – il primo reality tv in assoluto dove mortali e vampiri si sfidano per il titolo dell' Uomo più Sexy della Terra. Come direttore del programma, Darcy potrà riprendere la sua carriera e finalmente potrà avere una vita lontano dall' Harem di vampiri. Okay, tecnicamente lei è ancora morta, ma non è male. Ora deve solo assicurarsi che i mortali non vincano. Se solo non fosse così distratta dal super sexy e vivo concorrente di nome Austin...
Ma ancora Darcy non sa che Austin Erickson è in realtà un uccisore di vampiri e che lui ha messo gli occhi sulla bionda dalle lunghe gambe che dirige il programma. E non sa che Austin non ha mai voluto nessuna donna tanto intensamente.
Darcy Newhart pensa che sia un vero colpo di genio – il primo reality tv in assoluto dove mortali e vampiri si sfidano per il titolo dell' Uomo più Sexy della Terra. Come direttore del programma, Darcy potrà riprendere la sua carriera e finalmente potrà avere una vita lontano dall' Harem di vampiri. Okay, tecnicamente lei è ancora morta, ma non è male. Ora deve solo assicurarsi che i mortali non vincano. Se solo non fosse così distratta dal super sexy e vivo concorrente di nome Austin...
Ma ancora Darcy non sa che Austin Erickson è in realtà un uccisore di vampiri e che lui ha messo gli occhi sulla bionda dalle lunghe gambe che dirige il programma. E non sa che Austin non ha mai voluto nessuna donna tanto intensamente.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2006
277 people are currently reading
4299 people want to read
About the author
Kerrelyn Sparks
37 books5,779 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 569 reviews
November 7, 2016
Attention: everything we have been waiting for in vampire fiction has finally happened in this book:
Vampire Pig
Blisskey (blood whiskey)
We can all die in peace now.
That's right, there is a pig who was turned into a vampire. Okay, so he didn't exactly last long, but he was there and that's all that counts.
Apparently there is a guy on deviant art who does comics with Hampire, the vampire pig. I think we all need to take a minute to appreciate this. And, the fact that you can find anything on the internet. It's a wonderful time we live in.
So, the heroine of this book was a little bit annoying, but it was still a fun and quirky read. She was just too whiny for my taste. Poor me, turned into an undead creature of the night who drinks blood. I'm so sad to never see the sun and give up everything and everyone I've ever loved to keep the vampire secrets. Blah.Blah.Blah. Cry me a river, girl. We've all got problems. Right now I'm feeling kind of sad that we ran out of cake. Stupid family, eating all the cake. But, you don't see me whining about it. Okay, I'm whining a little. But, still. Buck up and be the best damn undead evil creature of the night that you can be! Here's a cake to cheer you up:
Too bad you can't eat it!! Bwuahaha!
Though the best part of this book is that the vampires are doing a reality show that is somewhat like The Bachelor. Yes, there is a hot tub.
We really do..
And, we learn that vampire men can be a little metrosexual.
Darcy passed one group, noting the heavy makeup and clothes that showed too much skin. Sheesh. Whatever happened to manly men? She turned to check out the females instead.
They just want to sparkle!
There are lots of fun mishaps on the reality show and lots of laughs in the book. It's a cute, cheesy, silly series and I love it.
Vampire Pig
Blisskey (blood whiskey)
We can all die in peace now.
That's right, there is a pig who was turned into a vampire. Okay, so he didn't exactly last long, but he was there and that's all that counts.
Apparently there is a guy on deviant art who does comics with Hampire, the vampire pig. I think we all need to take a minute to appreciate this. And, the fact that you can find anything on the internet. It's a wonderful time we live in.
So, the heroine of this book was a little bit annoying, but it was still a fun and quirky read. She was just too whiny for my taste. Poor me, turned into an undead creature of the night who drinks blood. I'm so sad to never see the sun and give up everything and everyone I've ever loved to keep the vampire secrets. Blah.Blah.Blah. Cry me a river, girl. We've all got problems. Right now I'm feeling kind of sad that we ran out of cake. Stupid family, eating all the cake. But, you don't see me whining about it. Okay, I'm whining a little. But, still. Buck up and be the best damn undead evil creature of the night that you can be! Here's a cake to cheer you up:
Too bad you can't eat it!! Bwuahaha!
Though the best part of this book is that the vampires are doing a reality show that is somewhat like The Bachelor. Yes, there is a hot tub.
We really do..
And, we learn that vampire men can be a little metrosexual.
Darcy passed one group, noting the heavy makeup and clothes that showed too much skin. Sheesh. Whatever happened to manly men? She turned to check out the females instead.
They just want to sparkle!
There are lots of fun mishaps on the reality show and lots of laughs in the book. It's a cute, cheesy, silly series and I love it.
April 14, 2011
People did not seem to like this book as much as the other Love at stake series.
Well I did!
In this day and age a lot of people love to watch reality shows.
I’m not one of them but I acknowledge that they can have spark.
This particular vampire show made me shed laughter tears all over the place.
I love the humor in these books!
‘You see. It is easy!’ Otto started to lower the chair when he yelped ‘Aagh!’ The chair tipped spilling Maria Consuela onto the floor whit a splat. Her scream was cut off when the chair landed on her head.
‘Aagh!’ Otto doubled over ‘I broke a nail. De fingernail bent backward!’
Gregori rushed forward and pulled the chair off Maria Consuela ‘Are you all right?’
‘No’ she scrambled to her feet, glaring at Otto ‘You clumsy fool! I haven’t been so abused since the Spanish Inquisition!’
‘But de Otto is hurt’ Otto stuck his sore finger into his mouth and sucked.
Darcy’s eye twitched.
I was one the floor myself after this. Doubled over from laughing.
But other then the humor this was a complex book. I loved how Austin watched her old videos, or how Darcy hated it all, hated Connor…I even loved the things that happened in the background with Vanda and Maggie.
Oh and the biological/scientific revelations that Romans company are doing are just so real! Aside from the synthetic blood we now have getting back to being human, paranormal babies and daytime drugs!
And I can completely see how it could be done.
The author know what she is talking about!
And like a little cherry on top, again in the background, we have our introduction to Emma, a plot part revolving around the Stake out team, their dynamics and the subplot whit the Malcontents.
All in all a book worth reading. And a series you are sure to love.
Well I did!
In this day and age a lot of people love to watch reality shows.
I’m not one of them but I acknowledge that they can have spark.
This particular vampire show made me shed laughter tears all over the place.
I love the humor in these books!
‘You see. It is easy!’ Otto started to lower the chair when he yelped ‘Aagh!’ The chair tipped spilling Maria Consuela onto the floor whit a splat. Her scream was cut off when the chair landed on her head.
‘Aagh!’ Otto doubled over ‘I broke a nail. De fingernail bent backward!’
Gregori rushed forward and pulled the chair off Maria Consuela ‘Are you all right?’
‘No’ she scrambled to her feet, glaring at Otto ‘You clumsy fool! I haven’t been so abused since the Spanish Inquisition!’
‘But de Otto is hurt’ Otto stuck his sore finger into his mouth and sucked.
Darcy’s eye twitched.
I was one the floor myself after this. Doubled over from laughing.
But other then the humor this was a complex book. I loved how Austin watched her old videos, or how Darcy hated it all, hated Connor…I even loved the things that happened in the background with Vanda and Maggie.
Oh and the biological/scientific revelations that Romans company are doing are just so real! Aside from the synthetic blood we now have getting back to being human, paranormal babies and daytime drugs!
And I can completely see how it could be done.
The author know what she is talking about!
And like a little cherry on top, again in the background, we have our introduction to Emma, a plot part revolving around the Stake out team, their dynamics and the subplot whit the Malcontents.
All in all a book worth reading. And a series you are sure to love.
June 5, 2012
Vamps and the City is the second book in the Love at Stake series from Kerrelyn Sparks. This one only got 2 stars from me. It wasn't bad. I just didn't really care for it. But since I didn't hate it, I didn't give it 1 star.
In this book, Darcy Newhart is the focus. In book 1, she was less than a bit player. In fact, I could barely remember her. I had to go on Kerrelyn Sparks' website to remember who and what she was. Here, she is lacking purpose and is very bored. I wasn't sure if she was a vampire or not (she is). She's part of Roman's displaced harem but she's a modern woman and wants to DO something. So she goes to DVN (Digital Vampire Network - TV for vampires) and applies for a job. She convinces the scumbag of a station manager to let her be the director for a new show. A dating reality show. But she comes up with her own twist. She will get the displaced harem women to be judges. She will get vampire men AND mortal men to audition and she'll call it The Sexiest Man on Earth. Vampires think they're so superior anyways; it might do them good to be taken down a notch or two, by NOT being voted Sexiest Man. Somewhere along the way, the competition becomes a way for the harem to choose their new "Master".
One of the mortals that apply for the dating show is Austin Erickson. He's on the Stake Out detail. As we learned in Book 1, the Stake Out detail is a small group from the CIA who are aware of vampires' existence and are fighting to kill them all. He gets sent in to the auditions, undercover, and gets accepted. Along the way, he falls in love with Darcy. Darcy falls in love with him.
And that's all fine and wonderful. But I, for one, did not connect with the characters at all. Here I am, reading a paranormal romance novel. Presumably, I'm reading it because I like the paranormal elements: magic, vampires, shapeshifters, whatever. But Darcy doesn't want to be a vampire. Austin dislikes vampires (at first). So why am I reading this??? **SPOILERS** So at the end of the book, there's this miraculous "procedure" that is being tinkered with that can turn a vampire back into a human. Oh and how wonderful, it works on Darcy! She and Austin can be together, as humans! Yay! Whatever. By the end of the book, Austin of course realizes that not ALL vampires are bad. There are the good, normal ones and there are the evil ones, dubbed "Malcontents". He and Darcy end up working for a company that works for the vampires, trying to find the original Malcontent that everyone thought was destroyed a long time ago. Yeah, because having two normal humans with no extra gifts chase after vampires is gonna work out so well. Sure.
So I didn't love this book. But maybe books are like music albums: the second one is never the best one. I'll do one more of this series but if it isn't good, I won't be reading any more of them. I love to read but I don't love reading things that bore me. And this book bored me to tears.
In this book, Darcy Newhart is the focus. In book 1, she was less than a bit player. In fact, I could barely remember her. I had to go on Kerrelyn Sparks' website to remember who and what she was. Here, she is lacking purpose and is very bored. I wasn't sure if she was a vampire or not (she is). She's part of Roman's displaced harem but she's a modern woman and wants to DO something. So she goes to DVN (Digital Vampire Network - TV for vampires) and applies for a job. She convinces the scumbag of a station manager to let her be the director for a new show. A dating reality show. But she comes up with her own twist. She will get the displaced harem women to be judges. She will get vampire men AND mortal men to audition and she'll call it The Sexiest Man on Earth. Vampires think they're so superior anyways; it might do them good to be taken down a notch or two, by NOT being voted Sexiest Man. Somewhere along the way, the competition becomes a way for the harem to choose their new "Master".
One of the mortals that apply for the dating show is Austin Erickson. He's on the Stake Out detail. As we learned in Book 1, the Stake Out detail is a small group from the CIA who are aware of vampires' existence and are fighting to kill them all. He gets sent in to the auditions, undercover, and gets accepted. Along the way, he falls in love with Darcy. Darcy falls in love with him.
And that's all fine and wonderful. But I, for one, did not connect with the characters at all. Here I am, reading a paranormal romance novel. Presumably, I'm reading it because I like the paranormal elements: magic, vampires, shapeshifters, whatever. But Darcy doesn't want to be a vampire. Austin dislikes vampires (at first). So why am I reading this??? **SPOILERS** So at the end of the book, there's this miraculous "procedure" that is being tinkered with that can turn a vampire back into a human. Oh and how wonderful, it works on Darcy! She and Austin can be together, as humans! Yay! Whatever. By the end of the book, Austin of course realizes that not ALL vampires are bad. There are the good, normal ones and there are the evil ones, dubbed "Malcontents". He and Darcy end up working for a company that works for the vampires, trying to find the original Malcontent that everyone thought was destroyed a long time ago. Yeah, because having two normal humans with no extra gifts chase after vampires is gonna work out so well. Sure.
So I didn't love this book. But maybe books are like music albums: the second one is never the best one. I'll do one more of this series but if it isn't good, I won't be reading any more of them. I love to read but I don't love reading things that bore me. And this book bored me to tears.
January 4, 2012
This was quite a disappointing follow-up to How to marry a millionaire vampire! I really enjoyed the first book in the series but this book proved very cheesy and the heroine's constant whining was really annoying. The book also lacked the inventiveness and humor of the first installment. I think that what disappointing me most is the ending of the book and the choice made by Darcy... I definitely hope the third book in the series (Be still my vampire heart) is better than this one!
March 15, 2015
Audiobook-
Cute fun story, light humor, light drama, extra cheese.
I like this series there is a sense of fun that you don't find with many paranormal romance reads. It's a perfect audiobook for those long drives, walks... when you just want something light to chuckle at and forget the time.
What happened when humans are sneaked onto the Sexiest Man in the Universe which is supposed to have only vampire contestants ? Will the sexiest man be human ? No, it is impossible, just ask the vampires. Yes, their egos are overinflated. Well, what about when vampire slayers sneak in and infiltrate the show ? They are vile horrible creatures, wait no the vampires are vile, or well crisp who is the big bad ? Romantic, Westside Story love, with nasty family action, evil blood suckers and well aged ladies.
I have one complaint, the narration was very good for most of it but a few of the voices . A couple sounded like old time smokers who had spent their life in a dirty bar.
Cute fun story, light humor, light drama, extra cheese.
I like this series there is a sense of fun that you don't find with many paranormal romance reads. It's a perfect audiobook for those long drives, walks... when you just want something light to chuckle at and forget the time.
What happened when humans are sneaked onto the Sexiest Man in the Universe which is supposed to have only vampire contestants ? Will the sexiest man be human ? No, it is impossible, just ask the vampires. Yes, their egos are overinflated. Well, what about when vampire slayers sneak in and infiltrate the show ? They are vile horrible creatures, wait no the vampires are vile, or well crisp who is the big bad ? Romantic, Westside Story love, with nasty family action, evil blood suckers and well aged ladies.
I have one complaint, the narration was very good for most of it but a few of the voices . A couple sounded like old time smokers who had spent their life in a dirty bar.
November 21, 2013
A vast improvement on the first in the series, I'm glad I kept reading. Fun and slightly surprising. PRN books have become a little predictable.
Boy meets mortal, mortal falls in love with vampire, vampire can't live without mortal. Sparkling may occur.
(Isn't that the best picture ever?)
Normally, I want to shake the crap out of the mortal.
But there's always a HEA, and that makes me happy.
I liked this story. First because the female vampire wasn't completely pathetic. She hates being a vampire, but she's not completely whiny about it. She actually gets to know the main character (kinda) before declaring her love. Shocking!
It's a good read. I'm on to the next.
Boy meets mortal, mortal falls in love with vampire, vampire can't live without mortal. Sparkling may occur.
(Isn't that the best picture ever?)
Normally, I want to shake the crap out of the mortal.
But there's always a HEA, and that makes me happy.
I liked this story. First because the female vampire wasn't completely pathetic. She hates being a vampire, but she's not completely whiny about it. She actually gets to know the main character (kinda) before declaring her love. Shocking!
It's a good read. I'm on to the next.
July 6, 2025
4.75 Stars
So well written that it flows like a silky stream of decadent cream.
Before you know it, you have drank every last drop!!
The characters and situations they find themselves in are often highly comical and sometimes a little scary. It is a perfect blend.
Kerrelyn Sparks 'Love At Stake' series has made it to my top 10 Series Following file!
And this was only the 2nd book in the series.
Warning: The sex scenes are on the mild side. They are there. They are adult. But they are NOT erotica.
So well written that it flows like a silky stream of decadent cream.
Before you know it, you have drank every last drop!!
The characters and situations they find themselves in are often highly comical and sometimes a little scary. It is a perfect blend.
Kerrelyn Sparks 'Love At Stake' series has made it to my top 10 Series Following file!
And this was only the 2nd book in the series.
Warning: The sex scenes are on the mild side. They are there. They are adult. But they are NOT erotica.
July 1, 2020
I enjoy silliness and three stars means "I liked it," but there's nothing in this sequel that matches the wildly funny beginning of the Love at Stake series. I still remember it (How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire) after these years--wealthy vampire Roman Draganesti test-bites an experimental sex dummy and loses a fang, must get it fixed before sunrise or he'll be One Fang forever, finds an all-night dental clinic (!) staffed by Shanna, saves her from attack by the Russian mob, and their happy ending is only a book away.
That's right, their wedding takes place in this book, but it's the vampire harem that Roman released--so he could pair up with Shanna--that carries this story. And what a silly bunch they are! Ranging all the way from a medieval princess to a four-year newbie (that's Darcy, our main character here), they take themselves dreadfully seriously and most of them are perpetuating the characters and clothing they had as mortals. Only Darcy's harem buddies Vanda and Maggie have modernized, and they're the youngest of the lot after Darcy.
Vanda and Maggie have also picked up a little of the modern attitude from Darcy, while the others cannot imagine living without a master to do everything for them and run their lives. As for Darcy, she deeply regrets that bossy Connor turned her to save her life when he could have teleported her to a hospital instead to treat her injury. She blames him for being too wrapped up in his secrecy agenda, and the other side claims she was seconds from death--the jury is still out on that one, I think. But Darcy lives constantly in her memories of life as a mortal, and that's what sets up this story.
Shanna's daddy, whom we met in book #1, heads up a small CIA team of vampire slayers who believe all vampires are evil demons to be killed on sight, and his #2 man Austin Erickson is passionately committed to their cause. He rates 10 out of 10 on the team's psychic power scale (yes, not your usual CIA crowd) with mind reading and telekinesis. He's the one who falls madly in love, lust, and everything else with Darcy as soon as he meets her, and being a CIA spy he immediately plunges into her mind and finds all those sunny scenes and happy memories. So he's convinced she's "alive" and being kept prisoner by the vampires he's infiltrating.
It's a neat set-up, and the overwhelming insta-love is mutual, so since this is a romance novel after all, the story must be all about Overcoming Obstacles to the Happy Ending, right? No, sorry. The story between Darcy and Austin, who is posing as "Adam" for the Bachelor-type reality show Darcy is running for the vampire TV network, is hampered by Attitude more than Obstacles. I'm talking about Austin's "the only good vampire is a staked vampire" Attitude--Darcy being Genuine, Sincere, and let's root for her all the way. Even though he's surrounded day after day by perfectly nice, some of them even silly, people who happen to be vampires, Austin can't see it. Every one of them must be an evil demon.
The TV production is fun, with the ex-harem ladies as judges and 10 male contestants to judge; the winner will be their new master and receive great wealth. (Four of the contestants are mortals in disguise--Darcy's risky idea). But Austin's thick-headedness and Darcy's many quandaries make for some tedious reading until they reach their obligatory (it's a romance novel) happy ending in a somewhat unconvincing way that leaves several threads unresolved .
That's right, their wedding takes place in this book, but it's the vampire harem that Roman released--so he could pair up with Shanna--that carries this story. And what a silly bunch they are! Ranging all the way from a medieval princess to a four-year newbie (that's Darcy, our main character here), they take themselves dreadfully seriously and most of them are perpetuating the characters and clothing they had as mortals. Only Darcy's harem buddies Vanda and Maggie have modernized, and they're the youngest of the lot after Darcy.
Vanda and Maggie have also picked up a little of the modern attitude from Darcy, while the others cannot imagine living without a master to do everything for them and run their lives. As for Darcy, she deeply regrets that bossy Connor turned her to save her life when he could have teleported her to a hospital instead to treat her injury. She blames him for being too wrapped up in his secrecy agenda, and the other side claims she was seconds from death--the jury is still out on that one, I think. But Darcy lives constantly in her memories of life as a mortal, and that's what sets up this story.
Shanna's daddy, whom we met in book #1, heads up a small CIA team of vampire slayers who believe all vampires are evil demons to be killed on sight, and his #2 man Austin Erickson is passionately committed to their cause. He rates 10 out of 10 on the team's psychic power scale (yes, not your usual CIA crowd) with mind reading and telekinesis. He's the one who falls madly in love, lust, and everything else with Darcy as soon as he meets her, and being a CIA spy he immediately plunges into her mind and finds all those sunny scenes and happy memories. So he's convinced she's "alive" and being kept prisoner by the vampires he's infiltrating.
It's a neat set-up, and the overwhelming insta-love is mutual, so since this is a romance novel after all, the story must be all about Overcoming Obstacles to the Happy Ending, right? No, sorry. The story between Darcy and Austin, who is posing as "Adam" for the Bachelor-type reality show Darcy is running for the vampire TV network, is hampered by Attitude more than Obstacles. I'm talking about Austin's "the only good vampire is a staked vampire" Attitude--Darcy being Genuine, Sincere, and let's root for her all the way. Even though he's surrounded day after day by perfectly nice, some of them even silly, people who happen to be vampires, Austin can't see it. Every one of them must be an evil demon.
The TV production is fun, with the ex-harem ladies as judges and 10 male contestants to judge; the winner will be their new master and receive great wealth. (Four of the contestants are mortals in disguise--Darcy's risky idea). But Austin's thick-headedness and Darcy's many quandaries make for some tedious reading until they reach their obligatory (it's a romance novel) happy ending in a somewhat unconvincing way that leaves several threads unresolved .
May 20, 2019
We have a reality show, damn sweet
July 28, 2018
2.5
I was terribly disappointed. Their romance didn't convince me at all. The first one because of the overuse of "I love you". I was sick of it. It seems they proclaimed their love in every page until I found it became a cheap thing. The second one was the fact that they were not in love, but in lust. There was no friggin' way they loved each other when they spent so little time together (at the beginning of their confession). And I was sick with the way ms. Sparks tried to convince us, readers, the opposite.
What's more, at the beginning of his discovery of Darcy being a vampire, he was awfully disgusted by it. But the next thing I knew was he was head over heels for her. That was freaking impossible, I'd say. Darcy also had her own flaw. She hated Connor so much that I thought she had a really good reason for that. But you know what I found? She hated him because he "saved" her from the edge of death by changing her into a vampire. Did she prefer to be dead instead? Then she could just killed herself. Easy, right? Well, I might sound insensitive and rude, but that was because I didn't see a need why she hated the poor man so.
And the last thing was the humor. It was so freaking off! It was nowhere near the first book level. It was like ms. Sparks didn't know where to stand, so she chose being in the middle, which was one bad choice, because it felt like a half attempt. Too bad.
I was terribly disappointed. Their romance didn't convince me at all. The first one because of the overuse of "I love you". I was sick of it. It seems they proclaimed their love in every page until I found it became a cheap thing. The second one was the fact that they were not in love, but in lust. There was no friggin' way they loved each other when they spent so little time together (at the beginning of their confession). And I was sick with the way ms. Sparks tried to convince us, readers, the opposite.
What's more, at the beginning of his discovery of Darcy being a vampire, he was awfully disgusted by it. But the next thing I knew was he was head over heels for her. That was freaking impossible, I'd say. Darcy also had her own flaw. She hated Connor so much that I thought she had a really good reason for that. But you know what I found? She hated him because he "saved" her from the edge of death by changing her into a vampire. Did she prefer to be dead instead? Then she could just killed herself. Easy, right? Well, I might sound insensitive and rude, but that was because I didn't see a need why she hated the poor man so.
And the last thing was the humor. It was so freaking off! It was nowhere near the first book level. It was like ms. Sparks didn't know where to stand, so she chose being in the middle, which was one bad choice, because it felt like a half attempt. Too bad.
December 29, 2010
This is the second book in the Love at Stake series. I read the first one on an all night work shift...it was good, this one was way better. I love the depth Sparks brings to her characters, how you can actually see them caught between disaster and happiness and longing and pain. Its amazing. I love Darcy and Austin, they are adorable together, now I am ready to see Connor get his girl. I am a bit annoyed that Darcy couldn't see past her anger to not blame Connor so much, he just wanted to try and help and she is always, well, not very nice to him. I do have to say the ending is a bit predictable, not the end end, but the climax, it is pretty predictable, not complaining though, it is still a very good story. There is a sufficient amount of steam in this book...I'd say somewhere between the first book in this series and the third Anita Blake. I enjoyed this book and will continue to enjoy it as well one my favorites I think.
December 29, 2020
I hate writing reviews like this but I sadly could not get past the narration it really put a downer on my whole experience.
I didn’t liked how Austin couldn’t get past his prejudice. And all he could fixate on was dead this and dead that.
I like the idea of the show and how the harem came to some realizations that was the best part for me.
I hate to give it such a bad rating but I was just over it.
I didn’t liked how Austin couldn’t get past his prejudice. And all he could fixate on was dead this and dead that.
I like the idea of the show and how the harem came to some realizations that was the best part for me.
I hate to give it such a bad rating but I was just over it.
July 9, 2023
all reviews in one place:
night mode reading ;
skaitom nakties rezimu
About the Book: Roman Draganesti’s former harem is without a master. Darcy Newhart is without a job, as she was turned into a vampire. And vampire television is without new viewers. Three problems, one solution. A reality show! Ladies of former Draganesti harem will choose themselves a new master. Curated and produced by Darcy. With viewing ratings, well, numbers speak for themselves! But no good show is without a good twist. The wonderful vampire ladies will have to choose themselves a man, a provider, without knowing whether he’s a superior vampire, or just a lowly human man.
My Opinion: Sexist, homophobic, and so dull I could cry. Everyone is a stereotype in the worst way, and those who don’t per se fit stereotype role are written down as clowns. Boring love story, token character development to extremely dull and two-dimentional characters. Overall upsetting. Not sure I’ll read farther, reading shouldn’t feel like work.
night mode reading ;
skaitom nakties rezimu
About the Book: Roman Draganesti’s former harem is without a master. Darcy Newhart is without a job, as she was turned into a vampire. And vampire television is without new viewers. Three problems, one solution. A reality show! Ladies of former Draganesti harem will choose themselves a new master. Curated and produced by Darcy. With viewing ratings, well, numbers speak for themselves! But no good show is without a good twist. The wonderful vampire ladies will have to choose themselves a man, a provider, without knowing whether he’s a superior vampire, or just a lowly human man.
My Opinion: Sexist, homophobic, and so dull I could cry. Everyone is a stereotype in the worst way, and those who don’t per se fit stereotype role are written down as clowns. Boring love story, token character development to extremely dull and two-dimentional characters. Overall upsetting. Not sure I’ll read farther, reading shouldn’t feel like work.
May 9, 2016
Vamps and the City by Kerrelyn Sparks
Second in the Love at Stake series
3.5 stars
Whimsical Writing Scale: 4.25
Kick-Butt Heroine Scale: 3.75
Swoon Worthy Scale: 3.5
Villain Scale: 2
Character Scale: 3.5
Plotastic Scale: 4
Cover Thoughts: I like it well enough. I’m not blown away by it, but I don’t dislike it either. I do like the bat on the window… or outside? It’s cute, but I’m not sure why it’s there since these Vamps down turn into bats.
Second in the Love at Stake series
3.5 stars
OK, I'm pissed I just rewrote this really good review and then that bitch sitting in the chair popped up telling me Goodreads was over capacity and deleted it. ARGGGGH! Well here it goes. I'm still annoyed. How dare that little girl come and delete my review! Darcy Newhart used to be one of the vampire women in Roman Draganesti’s harem. Darcy thought having a vampire TV reality show where mortals compete with vampires for the title of The Sexiest Man on Earth would be a great idea. There’s a catch for the judges who were also once apart of Roman’s harem- no one knows that they have humans in the contest. There’s no way a human could win anyway. But when Darcy meets Austin she begins to wonder if it was such a good idea. Austin signs up for the show under the direction of his boss, Sean Whelan, along with a partner in hopes of taking down the vamps. This CIA Stake-Out member never expected to find that he’s falling on the show and he thinks Darcy is a human forcibly held captive by the Vamps. What’s he going to do when he finds out the truth about Darcy? Compared to How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire this book was a letdown. I was interested in reading a book through a female Vamps eyes. But not just any female Vamp, but an ex-member of Roman’s harem. This should've been amazing right? Well it wasn't. It fell flat. It was entertaining and I did enjoy reading it, but I didn't like the characters and it ruined my experience.
Whimsical Writing Scale: 4.25
The main female character is Darcy. I liked Darcy well enough. Was she a great character? Not at all; compared to the previous heroine, Shanna, she fell flat. I found she wasn’t nearly as likable or well developed. She wasn’t nearly as interesting or strong of a character. I felt like she was fake and not really real.
Kick-Butt Heroine Scale: 3.75
The main male character is Austin. I honestly don’t really like Austin all that much. He’s not a bad guy, but I personally just don’t like him. There’s just something about him that I don’t like. You know how there’s people you just don’t like and can’t explain why? Well, this is one of those moments, but he’s a character. He didn’t charm me or make my heart race. I thought he was mediocre. The thought of him is intriguing, but his character isn’t likable or interesting to me.
Swoon Worthy Scale: 3.5
The Villain- Honestly I was expecting there to be an interesting battle scene or standoff like in the previous book. I got zip, nada, zilch of that and I was disappointed. The ending fell flat and I was not impressed.
Villain Scale: 2
I don’t see the point in talking about the other characters in this book. This book isn’t bad it’s just not nearly as good as the previous and a letdown for me.
Character Scale: 3.5
Darcy and Austin’s chemistry was not believable for me. It was just so fake feeling. I didn’t like it at all. I think they aren’t right for each other and it’s just forced. I have read the sequels though and they aren’t a letdown at all. I think it’s just suffering from Second Book Syndrome. I did enjoy the story and couldn’t put it down at times, but it also fell flat in other places. I do like the reality show idea. Props for thinking up of something creative and I would definitely watch it if it was on TV. I'm sorry if I sounded somewhat cranky throughout the review, but I'm mad about having to rewrite this review and I also didn't like the characters and talking about characters I don't like aggravates me.
Plotastic Scale: 4
Cover Thoughts: I like it well enough. I’m not blown away by it, but I don’t dislike it either. I do like the bat on the window… or outside? It’s cute, but I’m not sure why it’s there since these Vamps down turn into bats.
May 23, 2019
Although I enjoyed the first book in this series I had serious reservations about the way Roman's vampire harem was described. They're all vampire women who are hundreds of years old but they act like idiotic teenagers constantly cat fighting amongst themselves and belittling other women. Even worse is the fact that they are simply incapable of making a single decision for themselves and are totally reliant on a man for every single part of their lives. The old male vampires in this series are all warriors or scientists, men who have embraced modern society and technology while the women are totally stuck in the past when women were just supposed to be pretty ornaments there to do whatever their husbands told them to. I HATE this sexist attitude and I absolutely hate that more often than not it is women who continue to perpetuate it.
You may wonder why I'm ranting about problems I had with the first book in this review so I'll point out that the vampire harem have a HUGE part in the sequel. To be honest if I'd known that going in I probably would have been reluctant to read Vamps and the City at all but I prefer not to read blurbs for books in ongoing series. The main focus of this book isn't the romance between Darcy and Austin, it's about a reality show for vampire TV where the women of the vampire harem are judging a competition to find the sexiest man on earth, the "lucky" winner doesn't just come away with a million dollar prize they also get to become the proud new owner of Roman's rejected harem of women. Just excuse me while I vomit at the thought of it! As if that wasn't bad enough the women choose the most ridiculously shallow things to judge the men on, looks, strength, chivalry, wealth etc. Nothing about being a nice person with a good sense of humour or anything else for that matter. The whole reality show part of this book (which gets more page time than ANYTHING else) was offensive and insulting and any humour that the author was trying to achieve flew straight over my head and missed the mark completely. The only good thing I can say about the book is that the women did start to rethink their lives and consider the possibility of independence. It came too late to save the story but it did give me a tiny glimmer of hope for the future.
To make it worse I didn't particularly like either of the main characters. Darcy had been through a tough time after being turned into a vampire without giving her permission, but it was done to save her life after she had been attacked and she had a pretty good life now even if it wasn't the life she expected but she was just so whiney and ungrateful for everything. I hated her woe is me attitude and just found her really difficult to connect with. Austin was a member of the CIA vampire slaying team and he'd gone undercover as part of the reality show trying to get details of more vampires so his team could kill them all afterwards. I hated the way he treated Darcy and I actually have a lot of problems with the whole CIA vampire slaying team too. Are you seriously telling me that they would have knowledge of where a whole bunch of vampires were spending their days and yet they wouldn't try to stake them all while they slept? Also, since the vampires were aware he was there undercover why the heck didn't they have security at the penthouse to prevent that from happening? Not only do we have ridiculously stupid bad guys but the good vampires are idiots too.
I think it's pretty obvious that I didn't enjoy this story much. I'm actually pretty surprised I even finished reading it. I have friends who tell me later books in the series are really good but I'm honestly not sure I want to continue reading it. I'll give it a few months and see if I change my mind though.
You may wonder why I'm ranting about problems I had with the first book in this review so I'll point out that the vampire harem have a HUGE part in the sequel. To be honest if I'd known that going in I probably would have been reluctant to read Vamps and the City at all but I prefer not to read blurbs for books in ongoing series. The main focus of this book isn't the romance between Darcy and Austin, it's about a reality show for vampire TV where the women of the vampire harem are judging a competition to find the sexiest man on earth, the "lucky" winner doesn't just come away with a million dollar prize they also get to become the proud new owner of Roman's rejected harem of women. Just excuse me while I vomit at the thought of it! As if that wasn't bad enough the women choose the most ridiculously shallow things to judge the men on, looks, strength, chivalry, wealth etc. Nothing about being a nice person with a good sense of humour or anything else for that matter. The whole reality show part of this book (which gets more page time than ANYTHING else) was offensive and insulting and any humour that the author was trying to achieve flew straight over my head and missed the mark completely. The only good thing I can say about the book is that the women did start to rethink their lives and consider the possibility of independence. It came too late to save the story but it did give me a tiny glimmer of hope for the future.
To make it worse I didn't particularly like either of the main characters. Darcy had been through a tough time after being turned into a vampire without giving her permission, but it was done to save her life after she had been attacked and she had a pretty good life now even if it wasn't the life she expected but she was just so whiney and ungrateful for everything. I hated her woe is me attitude and just found her really difficult to connect with. Austin was a member of the CIA vampire slaying team and he'd gone undercover as part of the reality show trying to get details of more vampires so his team could kill them all afterwards. I hated the way he treated Darcy and I actually have a lot of problems with the whole CIA vampire slaying team too. Are you seriously telling me that they would have knowledge of where a whole bunch of vampires were spending their days and yet they wouldn't try to stake them all while they slept? Also, since the vampires were aware he was there undercover why the heck didn't they have security at the penthouse to prevent that from happening? Not only do we have ridiculously stupid bad guys but the good vampires are idiots too.
I think it's pretty obvious that I didn't enjoy this story much. I'm actually pretty surprised I even finished reading it. I have friends who tell me later books in the series are really good but I'm honestly not sure I want to continue reading it. I'll give it a few months and see if I change my mind though.
October 12, 2022
I hate that these are good ok? I hate it. it started as joke, but what if it’s not a joke anymore
February 18, 2012
Summary: Darcy Newhart used to be part of Roman Draganesti's vampire harem. This meant that she lived in Roman's home and never had to worry about working or taking care of herself. Most of the harem was perfectly content with this arrangement, but Darcy is a modern woman and she desperately missed her human life. So when Roman fell in love with Shanna in How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire, and then freed his harem to make their own lives, Darcy was thrilled.
There aren't a lot of job options for single vampire women, but Darcy's TV experience in the human world provided her with an opportunity to interview with the local vampire television station. She earns an opportunity to produce the very first vampire reality TV show titled The Sexiest Man on Earth. The judges are the remaining women from Roman's dispersed harem, giving them all an opportunity to make choices for themselves for the first time in their lives. To everyone's surprise, Darcy throws in a twist at the last minute - the male contestants are a mix of vampires and humans.
Austin Erickson was just cast on Darcy's new show as one of the human male contestants. He isn't there for the women or the money, Austin is there on a reconnaissance mission for the CIA vampire hunters. At first he was dreading the experience, but when he discovers that the producer is the same woman he was already infatuated with, he becomes far more interested in the show. He is absolutely convinced that Darcy is a human and somehow being held captive by the vampires against her will.
Darcy and Austin are both keeping secrets, and it is just a matter of time before they both know the truth. Can Austin still love Darcy when he discovers that she is a vampire? And can Darcy still love Austin when she discovers that he is a vampire hunter?
Review: This second installment in the Love at Stake Series didn't quite live up to the first book. There was still humor, particularly involving the harem's experiences with their new lives in the penthouse. But as a whole, the book did not have the humorous undertones that we experienced in How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire. In fact, the two main characters didn't seem to have much of a sense of humor at all - not even ironically. Darcy was a bit of a Darcy-Downer throughout much of the book, and Austin was very serious. I missed the humor. Without it, the reality-TV storyline fell a little flat.
As far as the romance, I really liked the concept of the vampire hunter falling in love with a reluctant vampire. I liked seeing Austin try to convince himself that Darcy was human, and I liked seeing him realize that the vampires are not all evil. I was never quite sure why he fell so hard for Darcy though, other that her physical appearance. It seemed like he fell for the human Darcy he had seen in her in old news footage from when she had been a reporter, but the current Darcy isn't the same happy, cheerful personality. I also wasn't totally on board with how this romance is resolved in the end. Granted, it is not something I've seen done before, so it gets some points for creativity. I just though it was way too easy.
On the positive side, this book closed up a few of the storylines that were left open at the end of the first book, such as Roman and Shanna's wedding and Shanna's father's reaction to the news that his daughter is marrying a vampire. I was glad to see that these things were not forgotten. I am also continuing to enjoy the presence of the Scottish Highlander vampires, and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series because it features the leader of the Scots, Angus McKay.
I can't give this book more than an average rating, but I do plan to continue reading the series at this point. If it goes back to the sense of humor that the first book had, I think it has a lot of potential. There are currently 12 Love at Stake books, so I'm hoping to find some gems in the series as it progresses.
There aren't a lot of job options for single vampire women, but Darcy's TV experience in the human world provided her with an opportunity to interview with the local vampire television station. She earns an opportunity to produce the very first vampire reality TV show titled The Sexiest Man on Earth. The judges are the remaining women from Roman's dispersed harem, giving them all an opportunity to make choices for themselves for the first time in their lives. To everyone's surprise, Darcy throws in a twist at the last minute - the male contestants are a mix of vampires and humans.
Austin Erickson was just cast on Darcy's new show as one of the human male contestants. He isn't there for the women or the money, Austin is there on a reconnaissance mission for the CIA vampire hunters. At first he was dreading the experience, but when he discovers that the producer is the same woman he was already infatuated with, he becomes far more interested in the show. He is absolutely convinced that Darcy is a human and somehow being held captive by the vampires against her will.
Darcy and Austin are both keeping secrets, and it is just a matter of time before they both know the truth. Can Austin still love Darcy when he discovers that she is a vampire? And can Darcy still love Austin when she discovers that he is a vampire hunter?
Review: This second installment in the Love at Stake Series didn't quite live up to the first book. There was still humor, particularly involving the harem's experiences with their new lives in the penthouse. But as a whole, the book did not have the humorous undertones that we experienced in How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire. In fact, the two main characters didn't seem to have much of a sense of humor at all - not even ironically. Darcy was a bit of a Darcy-Downer throughout much of the book, and Austin was very serious. I missed the humor. Without it, the reality-TV storyline fell a little flat.
As far as the romance, I really liked the concept of the vampire hunter falling in love with a reluctant vampire. I liked seeing Austin try to convince himself that Darcy was human, and I liked seeing him realize that the vampires are not all evil. I was never quite sure why he fell so hard for Darcy though, other that her physical appearance. It seemed like he fell for the human Darcy he had seen in her in old news footage from when she had been a reporter, but the current Darcy isn't the same happy, cheerful personality. I also wasn't totally on board with how this romance is resolved in the end. Granted, it is not something I've seen done before, so it gets some points for creativity. I just though it was way too easy.
On the positive side, this book closed up a few of the storylines that were left open at the end of the first book, such as Roman and Shanna's wedding and Shanna's father's reaction to the news that his daughter is marrying a vampire. I was glad to see that these things were not forgotten. I am also continuing to enjoy the presence of the Scottish Highlander vampires, and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series because it features the leader of the Scots, Angus McKay.
I can't give this book more than an average rating, but I do plan to continue reading the series at this point. If it goes back to the sense of humor that the first book had, I think it has a lot of potential. There are currently 12 Love at Stake books, so I'm hoping to find some gems in the series as it progresses.
February 26, 2014
So I didn't hate this book. It has some good points, some things that annoyed me, and some things that were just plain COOOOORRRRNNNYYY! Did I think this book was LOL funny? Naaaah. More like "Oh, that's cute" cue the small smile.
The GOOD:
I liked Darcy up until about 83% through the book. She got really hot and cold at that point about her relationship with Austin and it became really annoying. Other than that she was strong, indepedent, but also likable aside from her whiny "Woe is me, I'm a vampire" Waaa Waaa Waaa
Other than that she was an enjoyable character who had some real feelings and insecurities.
The side characters were interesting as well. At first the harem ladies got on my nerves but then I think about them dressed in their traditional garb and can only imagine how that looks. I think Maria Consuela's constant references to the Spanish Inquisition were funny. Also her references about everything being evil. Funny stuff there.
The BAD:
Austin/Adam whomever....ugh. Didn't like him until about 63% into the book when he stopped making excuses about whether or not Darcy was a vampire. He was too.... slick for me. A smooth talker who ended up catching feelings basically but I didn't totally believe at first. Eventually I think but like I said it took a while. I guess his team would be classified as Human Supremacists. They hate all vampires regardless of individual background. Happy to see he jumped ship but I just couldn't stand him at first.
The UGLY:
I didn't like the way the romance developed so fast. I mean really fast. One minute they fantasizing about all things sexual and the next they talking about marriage. What??!!!
What part of the game is that?
Overall Iwould continue this series however Im not inclined to read these books close together. It would be a little too much fluff for me.
The GOOD:
I liked Darcy up until about 83% through the book. She got really hot and cold at that point about her relationship with Austin and it became really annoying. Other than that she was strong, indepedent, but also likable aside from her whiny "Woe is me, I'm a vampire" Waaa Waaa Waaa
Other than that she was an enjoyable character who had some real feelings and insecurities.
The side characters were interesting as well. At first the harem ladies got on my nerves but then I think about them dressed in their traditional garb and can only imagine how that looks. I think Maria Consuela's constant references to the Spanish Inquisition were funny. Also her references about everything being evil. Funny stuff there.
The BAD:
Austin/Adam whomever....ugh. Didn't like him until about 63% into the book when he stopped making excuses about whether or not Darcy was a vampire. He was too.... slick for me. A smooth talker who ended up catching feelings basically but I didn't totally believe at first. Eventually I think but like I said it took a while. I guess his team would be classified as Human Supremacists. They hate all vampires regardless of individual background. Happy to see he jumped ship but I just couldn't stand him at first.
The UGLY:
I didn't like the way the romance developed so fast. I mean really fast. One minute they fantasizing about all things sexual and the next they talking about marriage. What??!!!
What part of the game is that?
Overall Iwould continue this series however Im not inclined to read these books close together. It would be a little too much fluff for me.
September 20, 2016
Austin sudah jatuh cinta pada pandangan pertama kpd Darcy, saat mengintai. Austin sampai rela menyamar jadi kontestan "Lelaki Terseksi di Dunia" agar bisa mendekati Darcy.
Austin boleh dibilang beruntung. Darcy juga jatuh hati dan memuja pada Austin. Sebegitu mabuk kepayangnya Austin sampai dia berkali-kali "menyangkal" bhw Darcy itu vampire, dan berkeras hati bhw Darcy adalah manusia. Nah ketika akhirnya Austin mengetahui kebenarannya, doi frustrasi dan patah hati. Darcy yg merasa diPHP dgn Austin mulai galau. Ketika mengetahui Austin adalah agen CIA Stake Out yg menyusup, Darcy marah. Darcy memperingatkan Austin utk membuat dirinya tersisih sbg kontestan, demi karier Darcy juga. Tapi Austin selalu "ngeyel" sampai dirinya menjadi finalis. Apakah Austin bisa memenangkan hati Darcy?
Buku ini menawarkan parodi kocak bachelorette versi vampire. Author dgn lihay menggabungkan satire dari vampire-vampire wanita ex harem Ramon Draganesti yg gagal move on dgn reality show televisi, menyuguhkan joke-joke segar dan menggigit. Mungkin saya tidak bisa lagi memandang penis tanpa mengingat istilah tamale, atau chocolate dgn istilah chocolood dsb (banyak nambah kosakata benda2 aneh sejak membaca buku ini).
Oya, terjemahan buku Dastan ini sangat bagus, menjadikan buku ini sangat enak dibaca dan mengalir ceritanya. Saya jadi terbawa suasana seandainya jadi salah satu juri utk memilih Master baru yg tampan, banyak uang dan tentu saja SEXY.
Duh... jadi pengen baca lanjutan buku ini.
April 26, 2010
I really enjoy reading it, but I can't say that I adored it. I mean, the story is really nice and the book is a very interesting, funny, quick read.
Nevertheless, I can't enjoy this books as much as I do others more serious. Comedy is nice, but makes me not take the book as serious as I take other prn romances. Even Lynsay Sand's books were a bit more mature and with a more developed plot than this ones. Maybe the problem is that the word that describes these books is "cheesy". LOL. I like them,Don't get me wrong. I enjoyy reading this kind of books every once in a while, that's why I'm reading the series, it's just that every time I finish this books I have the feeling that they could have been so much better if some kind of things wouldn't have happened.
But the stories are really good and the romance is great.And I'll definitely keep reading them for sure.
Nevertheless, I can't enjoy this books as much as I do others more serious. Comedy is nice, but makes me not take the book as serious as I take other prn romances. Even Lynsay Sand's books were a bit more mature and with a more developed plot than this ones. Maybe the problem is that the word that describes these books is "cheesy". LOL. I like them,Don't get me wrong. I enjoyy reading this kind of books every once in a while, that's why I'm reading the series, it's just that every time I finish this books I have the feeling that they could have been so much better if some kind of things wouldn't have happened.
But the stories are really good and the romance is great.And I'll definitely keep reading them for sure.
July 9, 2013
Много ми хареса тази книга! Беше по-свежа от колкото първата с това риалити шоу, което, по мое мнение, беше доста особено странно, като оставим на страна вампирите в него, или пък смъртните, зависи от коя гледна точка виждаш... :D
October 8, 2017
Le bachelor version vampire xD ... c’est gentillet mais moins drôle que le 1.
Le début est un peu bancale niveau parodie et second degré, mais ça se rattrape après.
Le début est un peu bancale niveau parodie et second degré, mais ça se rattrape après.
February 24, 2011
Two words: Austin Erickson.
Swoon!
Book two in the Love At Stake series picks up where we left off in How To Marry A Millionaire Vampire. The CIA Stake Out team headed by Sean Whelan, is on the warpath, taking out good vamps along with the bad in their search for Sean's daughter Shanna.
Enter Austin Erickson. He's a hunky spy with some serious psychic mojo. Boyfriend can enter anyone's mind (both vamp and human) and read/manipulate thoughts. He's also got some kick ass telekineses going on. Sean's number one operative and the best man for the job, Austin goes undercover in a new vampire reality TV show, The Sexiest Man Alive. His mission: to get info on the whereabouts of Sean's daughter and compile intel with which to bring the vamps down. But then he meets Darcy Newhart, and his world is turned upside down. Austin is forced to take a good, hard look at his beliefs. Maybe all vamps weren't bad.
Darcy Newhart is a young vamp. Just four years into her vampire existence, she's bottle fed and a virgin when it comes to biting humans. Like the rest of her friends (the good vamps) she doesn't believe in harming humans and drinks synthetic blood. Turned against her will, she doesn't care for her life as a vampire and longs for daylight, warm sun and sandy beaches. Producer for the new vamp reality show, The Sexiest man Alive, Darcy's finds her job hanging in the balance when she falls for Adam (Austin) one of the sexy contestants who she refers to as "The Sun God Apollo."
When I read the blurb for this book I wasn't sure if I would like it. I'm usually all about the hero and was looking forward to reading about one of the Scottish warriors like Conner or Angus. I'm happy to say that any reluctance I had in reading this story flew out the window in the first few pages. Darcy and Austin drew me in right away and I loved their story.
I particularly enjoyed the small moments we got to spend with the harem ladies. Stuck in different eras dependent on when they were turned, their odd speech and mannerisms provided endless laughter throughout the story.
Can't wait to read the next installment!
Swoon!
Book two in the Love At Stake series picks up where we left off in How To Marry A Millionaire Vampire. The CIA Stake Out team headed by Sean Whelan, is on the warpath, taking out good vamps along with the bad in their search for Sean's daughter Shanna.
Enter Austin Erickson. He's a hunky spy with some serious psychic mojo. Boyfriend can enter anyone's mind (both vamp and human) and read/manipulate thoughts. He's also got some kick ass telekineses going on. Sean's number one operative and the best man for the job, Austin goes undercover in a new vampire reality TV show, The Sexiest Man Alive. His mission: to get info on the whereabouts of Sean's daughter and compile intel with which to bring the vamps down. But then he meets Darcy Newhart, and his world is turned upside down. Austin is forced to take a good, hard look at his beliefs. Maybe all vamps weren't bad.
Darcy Newhart is a young vamp. Just four years into her vampire existence, she's bottle fed and a virgin when it comes to biting humans. Like the rest of her friends (the good vamps) she doesn't believe in harming humans and drinks synthetic blood. Turned against her will, she doesn't care for her life as a vampire and longs for daylight, warm sun and sandy beaches. Producer for the new vamp reality show, The Sexiest man Alive, Darcy's finds her job hanging in the balance when she falls for Adam (Austin) one of the sexy contestants who she refers to as "The Sun God Apollo."
When I read the blurb for this book I wasn't sure if I would like it. I'm usually all about the hero and was looking forward to reading about one of the Scottish warriors like Conner or Angus. I'm happy to say that any reluctance I had in reading this story flew out the window in the first few pages. Darcy and Austin drew me in right away and I loved their story.
I particularly enjoyed the small moments we got to spend with the harem ladies. Stuck in different eras dependent on when they were turned, their odd speech and mannerisms provided endless laughter throughout the story.
Can't wait to read the next installment!
November 24, 2010
Vamps and the City is the second novel in the Love at Stake series by Kerrelyn Sparks. I'm really enjoying this series. Some are better than others, but I find I always enjoy Kerrelyn Sparks books. If your a fan of Lynsay Sands, then you should check out Sparks! Both guarantee a great, light read!
I didn't read this series in order, like I usually would and should, but even though I didn't read it in order, I wasn't completely lost. Sure, you get more of a background on the characters if you read it in order, but it's not necessary.
This time around we're dealing with Darcy Newhart and Austin Erickson. Darcy is a Vampire and Austin is a Vampire slayer. This isn't your usual vampire and vampire slayer book though.. Although they are that, they start to date not realizing what each other really are, and once it comes out, they S**t hits the fan. They both have strong feelings for each other, but can they make it work, even with the hate Austin has for Vampires? Vampires are evil right?
I enjoyed the banter and chemistry between Darcy and Austin. The secondary characters were really great, and helped liven(even if they weren't) up some scenes.
Although this wasn't my favorite of the series, I would still recommend it for vampire romance lovers. Sparks is great, and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!
I didn't read this series in order, like I usually would and should, but even though I didn't read it in order, I wasn't completely lost. Sure, you get more of a background on the characters if you read it in order, but it's not necessary.
This time around we're dealing with Darcy Newhart and Austin Erickson. Darcy is a Vampire and Austin is a Vampire slayer. This isn't your usual vampire and vampire slayer book though.. Although they are that, they start to date not realizing what each other really are, and once it comes out, they S**t hits the fan. They both have strong feelings for each other, but can they make it work, even with the hate Austin has for Vampires? Vampires are evil right?
I enjoyed the banter and chemistry between Darcy and Austin. The secondary characters were really great, and helped liven(even if they weren't) up some scenes.
Although this wasn't my favorite of the series, I would still recommend it for vampire romance lovers. Sparks is great, and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!
May 16, 2012
Ugh. Austin was such jerk it made it hard for me to enjoy the story. Frankly, I liked the nonromance parts of the book much better because I wasn't grinding my teeth over Austin's attitude. He just was not an admirable hero at all.
MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD
I really enjoyed the other parts of the book, however! I'd love to read more about the other women in the harem and see what they do next.
MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD
I really enjoyed the other parts of the book, however! I'd love to read more about the other women in the harem and see what they do next.
June 27, 2019
The second in the Love at Stake series, this book is just as good as the first.
Combining comedy, romance, and some interesting situations this book has become one of my favorites.
Meet Austin, a man who believes he is helping save innocent lives by joining the CIA Stake-Out team and helping rid the world of the creatures known as vampires, who is on his next mission: join onto DVN's newest show and gather information on the vampires.
Meet Darcy, former journalist turned vampire hoping to start a new career in a male-driven vampire society by directing the first ever vampire reality show. The twist is some of the contestants are mortal, and one of them has caught her eye.
Desire abounds between the two as they attempt to fight their growing attraction to each other. Austin's job is to destroy the vampire menace, but he finds it hard to do when he's falling for one.
This book was funny and had several moments of drama and heartbreak mixed in as well.
I laughed out loud and felt the despair that both Austin and Darcy felt. A must read for any true vampire nut. :)
Combining comedy, romance, and some interesting situations this book has become one of my favorites.
Meet Austin, a man who believes he is helping save innocent lives by joining the CIA Stake-Out team and helping rid the world of the creatures known as vampires, who is on his next mission: join onto DVN's newest show and gather information on the vampires.
Meet Darcy, former journalist turned vampire hoping to start a new career in a male-driven vampire society by directing the first ever vampire reality show. The twist is some of the contestants are mortal, and one of them has caught her eye.
Desire abounds between the two as they attempt to fight their growing attraction to each other. Austin's job is to destroy the vampire menace, but he finds it hard to do when he's falling for one.
This book was funny and had several moments of drama and heartbreak mixed in as well.
I laughed out loud and felt the despair that both Austin and Darcy felt. A must read for any true vampire nut. :)
February 25, 2009
This series is excellent! I really enjoyed this book, as much as the first, even though the characters were different. I loved Darcy and her obsession with the sun and finding her perfect sun god in Austin. And I loved Austin's devotion to the cause but realizing her may be fighting on the wrong side. The way these people/vampires come together is entertaining, but I especially loved the whole vampire reality show concept. And Darcy being able to become mortal again to be with Autsin and live int he sun, all while helping her vampire friends as well, that is just the perfect ending. :)
I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. And now that I know this series doesn't follow the same characters through each book but expands upon them through other characters I can follow everyone's story while learning new ones. This group of characters is interesting and I look forward to more.
I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. And now that I know this series doesn't follow the same characters through each book but expands upon them through other characters I can follow everyone's story while learning new ones. This group of characters is interesting and I look forward to more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2011
I didn´t like this one. The humor from book 1 was totally missing, the story was oh-so-predictible and I didn´t feel the lovestory at all. It was really boring in fact.
The whole book Austin was disgusted by the idea that Darcy might be a vampire and from out of nowhere he loves her and is willing to sacrifice himself for her? No.Friggin.Way!!!
Sorry but I couldn´t take this book seriously enough to like it. The candidates in the vampire reality show (seriously?) were supposed to be funny I guess but I kept telling myself "what the hell" all the time. And the harem ladies were literally annoying and stupid. I like my vampires dark and dangerous and not childish and shallow.
I hope next book will be much better.
The whole book Austin was disgusted by the idea that Darcy might be a vampire and from out of nowhere he loves her and is willing to sacrifice himself for her? No.Friggin.Way!!!
Sorry but I couldn´t take this book seriously enough to like it. The candidates in the vampire reality show (seriously?) were supposed to be funny I guess but I kept telling myself "what the hell" all the time. And the harem ladies were literally annoying and stupid. I like my vampires dark and dangerous and not childish and shallow.
I hope next book will be much better.
November 8, 2016
Buku yang ke-2 ini jauh lebih lucu daripada buku pertamanya dan aku suukaaaaa banget.
Darcy, harem termuda Roman adalah vampir yang paling cepat beradaptasi ketika pria itu membubarkan haremnya. Aku suka pada penggambaran gadis vampir ini yang manusiawi banget.
Austin sudah muncul di buku pertama dan aku tak menyangka dia bakalan tampil adorable di bukunya sendiri.
Banter buku ini kocak, storyline ringan tapi lebih unik karena bak membaca parodi acara Bachelorette di TV. Ujian-ujian uji nyali yang di susun para mantan harem Roman benar-benar seru dan super kocak. Chemistry Austin dan Darcy kuat dan bisa dipercaya. Aku bonding kepada 2 h/h yang gampang di sukai ini.
Seri ini ringan dan cocok buat pembaca yang mulai membaca buku paranorm.
Darcy, harem termuda Roman adalah vampir yang paling cepat beradaptasi ketika pria itu membubarkan haremnya. Aku suka pada penggambaran gadis vampir ini yang manusiawi banget.
Austin sudah muncul di buku pertama dan aku tak menyangka dia bakalan tampil adorable di bukunya sendiri.
Banter buku ini kocak, storyline ringan tapi lebih unik karena bak membaca parodi acara Bachelorette di TV. Ujian-ujian uji nyali yang di susun para mantan harem Roman benar-benar seru dan super kocak. Chemistry Austin dan Darcy kuat dan bisa dipercaya. Aku bonding kepada 2 h/h yang gampang di sukai ini.
Seri ini ringan dan cocok buat pembaca yang mulai membaca buku paranorm.
August 26, 2016
3.5 stars. Kind of a mad-cap happy vampire world. Darcy is a semi-new vampire that is the director of a new reality show starring Roman's ex-harem girls. Austin, from book one and one of the Stake-Out team, gets on the reality show and falls for Darcy convincing himself that she's a living human, but she's really a vampire. Now he's all conflicted and Darcy is trying not to get her heart broken.
Cute book. The series is enjoyable but I think I'm going to hold off on reading the rest because I don't think I appreciated it as much as I should have. I know, I'm confusing myself!
Cute book. The series is enjoyable but I think I'm going to hold off on reading the rest because I don't think I appreciated it as much as I should have. I know, I'm confusing myself!
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