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Immortality Bites #4
Stakes & Stilettos
Newly vamped Sarah Dearly wants her normal life back, but fate is fighting against her. She tries to get a regular job and gets staked in the interview, only to be rescued by a masked vampire who calls himself the Red Devil. Then a wallflower-turned-witch curses her, making her a bloodthirsty, sun-allergic nightwalker--the worst vampire there is. As if all that weren't enough, she can't get married because her 600-year-old boyfriend, Thierry, is in a centuries-long marriage of convenience he can't escape.
As Sarah's nightwalker tendencies make her more dangerous, even to those she loves, she'll have to counteract that curse, unmask the increasingly intriguing Red Devil, and get a commitment from her man. But if that's what it takes to secure her happiness, Sarah is ready...even if it means embracing her inner vamp to do it.
As Sarah's nightwalker tendencies make her more dangerous, even to those she loves, she'll have to counteract that curse, unmask the increasingly intriguing Red Devil, and get a commitment from her man. But if that's what it takes to secure her happiness, Sarah is ready...even if it means embracing her inner vamp to do it.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 2009
66 people are currently reading
1785 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Rowen
67 books2,723 followersNational bestselling author MICHELLE ROWEN writes paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and young adult fantasy, both light and dark, sexy and sweet, long and short -- it all depends on the story! She's won a Holt Medallion for Best First Book and a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice award for Vampire Romance. For more information, please visit Michelle at her website at www.michellerowen.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
October 4, 2022
The first two books in this series, Bitten & Smitten and Fanged & Fabulous, made a valuable contribution to this reviewer's life: laughter when I needed it. They have humor at two levels, the usual one for a romantic comedy with vampires and a telling spoof of the plot devices of paranormal romances.
The third book focuses on important side characters from the first two, and I haven't read it yet. This one takes up where #2 left off and continues the first-person narration of newbie vampire Sarah Dearly, interspersed this time with chapters from her heartthrob Thierry de Bennicoeur's perspective that go a long way toward filling in his 600-year past.
The humorous way Sarah tells her story continues, although things get much more serious as the adventure goes along. I found myself wondering, though, if we're still at that "meta" level of having fun with tropes. For example, there's a mystery (unmask the Red Devil, as the blurb says). Now is it just a weak little mystery with a fairly obvious solution, or does a certain little bit of news really say, "Oh, look at the splendid red color of this herring!"? I'll vote for a chuckle, but you might not.
Another example: the High School Wallflower who nurses a hurt till it grows all out of proportion, and in her commitment to revenge becomes a powerful witch so she can curse poor Sarah ten years later. Funny when I look at it one way, but the content of the curse and the witch's control of Sarah's life set up a gripping plot line that threatens to bring death to Sarah, Thierry, and others. The result (told, I agree, with touches of humor) is suspenseful urban fantasy.
So far, I've mentioned story elements that either happen early in the book or are revealed by the blurb (reprinted at the top of this Goodreads page). There are two major plots, the curse that turns Sarah into a monster (some of the time) and the business with the Red Devil and whether he wants something from Sarah in return for saving her life .
What came as a dawning shock as I read the final chapters was that neither plot is resolved--both of them become more intense, actually, by the last page of this book. As you may know, breaking the story off like this is something I really hate. This is simply part one of a longer novel, and part two is called Tall, Dark & Fangsome (no link here, because the summary of that one is a spoiler for the present book). The author's note says that's "the final book in the series" and hopes it'll be a "satisfying conclusion." I hope so too. (In fact, after a couple years three more books in the series came out.)
For well-drawn and convincing characters, whose sincerity is still the basis for genuine humor even when the humor is dwindling, and for an adventure that was enjoyable through most of the book, I'll say 2.5 stars overall, rounded up.
The third book focuses on important side characters from the first two, and I haven't read it yet. This one takes up where #2 left off and continues the first-person narration of newbie vampire Sarah Dearly, interspersed this time with chapters from her heartthrob Thierry de Bennicoeur's perspective that go a long way toward filling in his 600-year past.
The humorous way Sarah tells her story continues, although things get much more serious as the adventure goes along. I found myself wondering, though, if we're still at that "meta" level of having fun with tropes. For example, there's a mystery (unmask the Red Devil, as the blurb says). Now is it just a weak little mystery with a fairly obvious solution, or does a certain little bit of news really say, "Oh, look at the splendid red color of this herring!"? I'll vote for a chuckle, but you might not.
Another example: the High School Wallflower who nurses a hurt till it grows all out of proportion, and in her commitment to revenge becomes a powerful witch so she can curse poor Sarah ten years later. Funny when I look at it one way, but the content of the curse and the witch's control of Sarah's life set up a gripping plot line that threatens to bring death to Sarah, Thierry, and others. The result (told, I agree, with touches of humor) is suspenseful urban fantasy.
So far, I've mentioned story elements that either happen early in the book or are revealed by the blurb (reprinted at the top of this Goodreads page). There are two major plots, the curse that turns Sarah into a monster (some of the time) and the business with the Red Devil and whether he wants something from Sarah in return for saving her life .
What came as a dawning shock as I read the final chapters was that neither plot is resolved--both of them become more intense, actually, by the last page of this book. As you may know, breaking the story off like this is something I really hate. This is simply part one of a longer novel, and part two is called Tall, Dark & Fangsome (no link here, because the summary of that one is a spoiler for the present book). The author's note says that's "the final book in the series" and hopes it'll be a "satisfying conclusion." I hope so too. (In fact, after a couple years three more books in the series came out.)
For well-drawn and convincing characters, whose sincerity is still the basis for genuine humor even when the humor is dwindling, and for an adventure that was enjoyable through most of the book, I'll say 2.5 stars overall, rounded up.
January 31, 2019
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55 points/100 (3 stars/5)
Warning: Cliffhanger (Status: one book cut in two syndrome)
Sarah Dearly's ten year high school reunion is here! She has to find the best dress and she has to convince her boyfriend, Thierry, to go with her. What could possibly go wrong Oh, you mean she can be cursed to become a stereotypical vampire? One who can only go out at night, is intolerant of religious objects, and has a never ending bloodthirst? That could go wrong? Oh...well, gotta find a way to break that curse, huh?
After a brief break from Sarah's sordid love tale, we're back and ready for even more ridiculous scenarios! If there is one thing I've come to expect from this series, it is that Rowen will throw everyone into weird, dangerous things and all of them will just shrug it off, try and fix it, and joke the entire way through. There is no doubt that that happens here, as well. Only, the threat is very real to Sarah and those around her.
Sarah and Thierry's relationship is just so weird. Literally no one around them understand they like one another. Us readers are constantly treated to conversations on this topic. And Sarah just kinds of shrugs them off going "it should be self evident!" It isn't. I have no idea why they like each other except that they're determined to do so. It is all coming to a head though, as Thierry is asking his wife of several hundred years for an annulment. The wife won't sign, because this is "just a phase". The dynamics of this are just a delight.
This worldbuilding is continuing to break my brain, though. How do the humans not know the paranormal exists? They're absolutely everywhere, and they aren't secretive about it. They basically advertise what they are. "Humans are dumb because they don't want to see" only gets you so far. Glaringly obvious, in your face attacks and other witchy nonsense is far, far past that point. Plus, now we're having to contend with witches all over the place, and they're all super powerful. Yet they don't give a shit about anyone but themselves - every single one of them we meet are selfish. And creepy abusive.
She looked up at me. "Actually this is my fiancé. When he's been bad I use a transformation spell to turn him into an animal as punishment. He's been a rat, a weasel, a ferret–" she frowned "–are ferrets and weasels the same thing? Anyhow, he's been a snake, a small, hairy pig, and now a dog."
This paragraph exemplifies everything I hate about the characters in this series and the way the author treats the genders. That is abhorrent. Mad with your fiance for any little thing? Well, gotta turn them into the animal they clearly are! One, that is dispicable, you shouldn't treat someone you're supposed to love like they're a goddamn child if they go against what you think they should be doing. Two, if you're so pissed off at them you're willing to subvert their humanity and turn them into an animal, break up with them, they must have done something heinous to have deserved all that. Three, men are not animals, and if you have enough of a problem with them that you think this, seek help. That is very unhealthy.
What does everyone do in response to this comment? Did you guess that they would say something about how awful that is, and make a note of it to pass on to someone with authority to punish these actions? Well, you would be wrong. I don't think the witches even have a central group who could punish other, bad witches. Really though, everyone just kinds of laughs at it like "yeah, you do you". Yuck.
I'm actually pretty angry in general at this series, how it treats a whole host of issues, such as gender and relationships. Also friendships, and how they're essentially enemies who are constantly making fun of the other, yet are friends. Stakes & Stilettos also introduces the "Sarah was a cheerleader, and was a horrible person, but that is okay because she is better now!" trope, that resulted in someone hating their life so much they're willing to murder others over it. It just really turns me off from truly enjoying this series.
55 points/100 (3 stars/5)
Warning: Cliffhanger (Status: one book cut in two syndrome)
Sarah Dearly's ten year high school reunion is here! She has to find the best dress and she has to convince her boyfriend, Thierry, to go with her. What could possibly go wrong Oh, you mean she can be cursed to become a stereotypical vampire? One who can only go out at night, is intolerant of religious objects, and has a never ending bloodthirst? That could go wrong? Oh...well, gotta find a way to break that curse, huh?
After a brief break from Sarah's sordid love tale, we're back and ready for even more ridiculous scenarios! If there is one thing I've come to expect from this series, it is that Rowen will throw everyone into weird, dangerous things and all of them will just shrug it off, try and fix it, and joke the entire way through. There is no doubt that that happens here, as well. Only, the threat is very real to Sarah and those around her.
Sarah and Thierry's relationship is just so weird. Literally no one around them understand they like one another. Us readers are constantly treated to conversations on this topic. And Sarah just kinds of shrugs them off going "it should be self evident!" It isn't. I have no idea why they like each other except that they're determined to do so. It is all coming to a head though, as Thierry is asking his wife of several hundred years for an annulment. The wife won't sign, because this is "just a phase". The dynamics of this are just a delight.
This worldbuilding is continuing to break my brain, though. How do the humans not know the paranormal exists? They're absolutely everywhere, and they aren't secretive about it. They basically advertise what they are. "Humans are dumb because they don't want to see" only gets you so far. Glaringly obvious, in your face attacks and other witchy nonsense is far, far past that point. Plus, now we're having to contend with witches all over the place, and they're all super powerful. Yet they don't give a shit about anyone but themselves - every single one of them we meet are selfish. And creepy abusive.
She looked up at me. "Actually this is my fiancé. When he's been bad I use a transformation spell to turn him into an animal as punishment. He's been a rat, a weasel, a ferret–" she frowned "–are ferrets and weasels the same thing? Anyhow, he's been a snake, a small, hairy pig, and now a dog."
This paragraph exemplifies everything I hate about the characters in this series and the way the author treats the genders. That is abhorrent. Mad with your fiance for any little thing? Well, gotta turn them into the animal they clearly are! One, that is dispicable, you shouldn't treat someone you're supposed to love like they're a goddamn child if they go against what you think they should be doing. Two, if you're so pissed off at them you're willing to subvert their humanity and turn them into an animal, break up with them, they must have done something heinous to have deserved all that. Three, men are not animals, and if you have enough of a problem with them that you think this, seek help. That is very unhealthy.
What does everyone do in response to this comment? Did you guess that they would say something about how awful that is, and make a note of it to pass on to someone with authority to punish these actions? Well, you would be wrong. I don't think the witches even have a central group who could punish other, bad witches. Really though, everyone just kinds of laughs at it like "yeah, you do you". Yuck.
I'm actually pretty angry in general at this series, how it treats a whole host of issues, such as gender and relationships. Also friendships, and how they're essentially enemies who are constantly making fun of the other, yet are friends. Stakes & Stilettos also introduces the "Sarah was a cheerleader, and was a horrible person, but that is okay because she is better now!" trope, that resulted in someone hating their life so much they're willing to murder others over it. It just really turns me off from truly enjoying this series.
March 27, 2012
I do talk about my series OCD sometimes, and here I made a mistake, that in the end turned out great. I thought this was one of those normal PNR series, you know, a new couple in each. Since I did check the previous books, or perhaps I dreamed it. Anyway, my point is that this was book 4, and all the previous books were all about Sarah. Still it worked, cos of the beginning I thought this was her "book 1", and first when something was mentioned that happened 2 weeks ago I thought, huh..that would have made a cool book. Which it obviously was too ;)
It worked so well on it's own. I was never lost. I came into their relationship with fresh new eyes. Sarah, a new vampire who is in love with Thierry, a old vampire who is rich and hot. What is there not to like? She has also given him a new will to live and love. They seem good for each other.
Sarah is fun and has a bit of an reputation, Slayer of Slayers. Which is so untrue, poor girl is not a Hunter Slayers, but they think so. Quite amusing in a way. I also liked the world, vampires are hidden, and hunters hunt them. Which is so unfair, because most vampires are nice, drink blood from glasses and hide among the rest of the populace. They can walk in the sun and they are just like the rest of us. Almost.
It was fun and light and I liked the few flashbacks there were, where we got to see a bit of Thierry's past. There was a nice cast of people and in the end, well start with this one, start with another one or start at the beginning :) Though at least in this one there is a tiny cliffie. All is good, kind of.
Conclusion:
I do like my PNR light and nice. Good paranormal books should be easy to read just like this one and just like I like it. And while reading you just relax and let yourself be swept away.
It worked so well on it's own. I was never lost. I came into their relationship with fresh new eyes. Sarah, a new vampire who is in love with Thierry, a old vampire who is rich and hot. What is there not to like? She has also given him a new will to live and love. They seem good for each other.
Sarah is fun and has a bit of an reputation, Slayer of Slayers. Which is so untrue, poor girl is not a Hunter Slayers, but they think so. Quite amusing in a way. I also liked the world, vampires are hidden, and hunters hunt them. Which is so unfair, because most vampires are nice, drink blood from glasses and hide among the rest of the populace. They can walk in the sun and they are just like the rest of us. Almost.
It was fun and light and I liked the few flashbacks there were, where we got to see a bit of Thierry's past. There was a nice cast of people and in the end, well start with this one, start with another one or start at the beginning :) Though at least in this one there is a tiny cliffie. All is good, kind of.
Conclusion:
I do like my PNR light and nice. Good paranormal books should be easy to read just like this one and just like I like it. And while reading you just relax and let yourself be swept away.
January 26, 2025
Sex and the City - with vampires. Sexy, funny, sexy and witty. Did I mention it's sexy? Well, it is! Not exactly my cup of tea when it comes to vampire literature which I adore, but not at all insulting to great vampire literature authors like some (...). S%S is a light summer book and I bloody recomend it.
December 1, 2023
Registered on Bookcrossing - https://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/...
Another great book in the Sarah Dearly vampire series. Looking forward to the next book to see what happens between Thierry and Sarah.
Another great book in the Sarah Dearly vampire series. Looking forward to the next book to see what happens between Thierry and Sarah.
December 9, 2014
Mon avis en Français
My English review
Voilà une autre série que j’ai commencé il y a bien longtemps et que je n’ai pas terminé malgré le fait que j’ai tous les romans. Je pense que c’est juste le manque de temps, parce que j’apprécie beaucoup Sarah Dearly et c’était finalement un grand plaisir de la retrouver une fois encore. J’enchaine d’ailleurs avec le dernier tome de la série à présent. Mais sachez qu’il existe aussi une série spin-off un peu moins chick-lit que celle-ci, dont deux tomes sont déjà sortis, et je peux vous dire que j’avais beaucoup aimé le premier.
Sarah a toujours du mal à s’adapter à sa condition de vampire et il faut dire qu’en 10 semaines il s’est passé un grand nombre de choses pour elle, et pas seulement des bonnes. C’est assez fou de se rendre compte que si peu de temps est passé malgré tous les événements. Depuis que le leader des chasseurs de vampires est mort dans le tome précédent, on pourrait penser que Sarah et Thierry puissent enfin avoir du temps pour eux pour se reposer, mais c’est sans compter la malchance continuelle de la jeune femme. Oui parce que certains semblent vraiment intéressés par le fait que des sangs différents, appartenant à deux maîtres vampires, soient en elle, et ils rêvent d’être transformés par elle, qu’elle soit d’accord ou pas. Mais il semble aussi qu’une personne censée être morte depuis des siècles soit de retour, bien décidée à s’immiscer dans la vie de notre héroïne. Encore autre chose ? Se rendant à sa réunion d’anciens élèves, Sarah va devoir affronter une ancienne camarade qui a décidé de se venger, chose qui va complètement bouleverser sa vie en la changeant en nocturne, une espèce de vampire qui s’accorde à tous les mythes que nous connaissons et qui lui donnent des pulsions dont elle se serait bien passée. Il faut qu’elle trouve une solution et très vite !
C’est toujours un plaisir de suivre Sarah, c’est un personnage plein d’entrain et de dynamisme. Elle me fait toujours penser à Betsy de la série de MaryJanice Davidson. Il faut dire que les livres tournent autour du même univers : des vampires, beaucoup d’humour et des héroïnes très douées pour se mettre dans des situations catastrophiques. Bien sûr on retrouve aussi les problèmes de la relation entre Sarah et Thierry et je dois dire que j’ai beaucoup aimé voir ce que cet homme était capable de faire pour elle, même si pour les autres ça semble si peu. J’étais aussi impatiente de découvrir l’identité de ce vampire, devenu légende urbaine et c’est vrai que je ne m’attendais pas du tout à ce personnage et encore moins à cette raison derrière son aide. Je ne sais pas si je suis trop naïve mais c’est vrai que ça a été une vraie surprise. Mais les problèmes ne font que commencer et le prochain tome apportera les réponses que nous attendons, et je suis curieuse de voir comment nos héros vont s’en sortir.
Un nouveau tome très agréable à lire et comme je le disais, je me lance maintenant dans le dernier pour savoir la finalité de l’histoire.
My English review
Voilà une autre série que j’ai commencé il y a bien longtemps et que je n’ai pas terminé malgré le fait que j’ai tous les romans. Je pense que c’est juste le manque de temps, parce que j’apprécie beaucoup Sarah Dearly et c’était finalement un grand plaisir de la retrouver une fois encore. J’enchaine d’ailleurs avec le dernier tome de la série à présent. Mais sachez qu’il existe aussi une série spin-off un peu moins chick-lit que celle-ci, dont deux tomes sont déjà sortis, et je peux vous dire que j’avais beaucoup aimé le premier.
Sarah a toujours du mal à s’adapter à sa condition de vampire et il faut dire qu’en 10 semaines il s’est passé un grand nombre de choses pour elle, et pas seulement des bonnes. C’est assez fou de se rendre compte que si peu de temps est passé malgré tous les événements. Depuis que le leader des chasseurs de vampires est mort dans le tome précédent, on pourrait penser que Sarah et Thierry puissent enfin avoir du temps pour eux pour se reposer, mais c’est sans compter la malchance continuelle de la jeune femme. Oui parce que certains semblent vraiment intéressés par le fait que des sangs différents, appartenant à deux maîtres vampires, soient en elle, et ils rêvent d’être transformés par elle, qu’elle soit d’accord ou pas. Mais il semble aussi qu’une personne censée être morte depuis des siècles soit de retour, bien décidée à s’immiscer dans la vie de notre héroïne. Encore autre chose ? Se rendant à sa réunion d’anciens élèves, Sarah va devoir affronter une ancienne camarade qui a décidé de se venger, chose qui va complètement bouleverser sa vie en la changeant en nocturne, une espèce de vampire qui s’accorde à tous les mythes que nous connaissons et qui lui donnent des pulsions dont elle se serait bien passée. Il faut qu’elle trouve une solution et très vite !
C’est toujours un plaisir de suivre Sarah, c’est un personnage plein d’entrain et de dynamisme. Elle me fait toujours penser à Betsy de la série de MaryJanice Davidson. Il faut dire que les livres tournent autour du même univers : des vampires, beaucoup d’humour et des héroïnes très douées pour se mettre dans des situations catastrophiques. Bien sûr on retrouve aussi les problèmes de la relation entre Sarah et Thierry et je dois dire que j’ai beaucoup aimé voir ce que cet homme était capable de faire pour elle, même si pour les autres ça semble si peu. J’étais aussi impatiente de découvrir l’identité de ce vampire, devenu légende urbaine et c’est vrai que je ne m’attendais pas du tout à ce personnage et encore moins à cette raison derrière son aide. Je ne sais pas si je suis trop naïve mais c’est vrai que ça a été une vraie surprise. Mais les problèmes ne font que commencer et le prochain tome apportera les réponses que nous attendons, et je suis curieuse de voir comment nos héros vont s’en sortir.
Un nouveau tome très agréable à lire et comme je le disais, je me lance maintenant dans le dernier pour savoir la finalité de l’histoire.
August 16, 2009
I do believe this book is my favorite in the series. And I was sad to learn there is only one book left! But Michelle Rowen has certainly hit her stride with Sarah. She is the best anti-heroine.
And thank goodness Thierry's backstory was finally explained. I knew there had to me more to him. You don't become that miserable for no reason. And now all of his moodiness makes perfect sense! And he loves Sarah!! Yippie!
I admit I figured out that the Red Devil was probably Gideon. They mentioned him being dead way too many times for it to be a coincidence. But it was a nice twist, since it made me think how in the world he figured out everything he did about Sarah, Thierry, Thierry's past of being the Red Devil (he has to tell Sarah right?) and all of that? I guess a man with unlimited funds (would he still have access to that if he were believed dead) could get anything...
I related to Sarah's difficulties with her witchy classmate. Having been the brunt of someone's misconstrewed anger and resentment over how they viewed things I have done (it really is amazing how two different sides can see the same thing as something completely different) I could understand her frustration over dealing with someone how hates her so perfectly. And the curse is a doozey. It will be interesting to see how everything plays out in the final book. Will Sarah find a way to break her Nightwalker curse? Will Gideon kill all of those she loves if Sarah does not turn him? Will Thierry ever get divorced or annulled from Veronique and be free to have a life with Sarah? And will he ever come clean about his past?
All these questions...that last book is going to be a doozey!
And thank goodness Thierry's backstory was finally explained. I knew there had to me more to him. You don't become that miserable for no reason. And now all of his moodiness makes perfect sense! And he loves Sarah!! Yippie!
I admit I figured out that the Red Devil was probably Gideon. They mentioned him being dead way too many times for it to be a coincidence. But it was a nice twist, since it made me think how in the world he figured out everything he did about Sarah, Thierry, Thierry's past of being the Red Devil (he has to tell Sarah right?) and all of that? I guess a man with unlimited funds (would he still have access to that if he were believed dead) could get anything...
I related to Sarah's difficulties with her witchy classmate. Having been the brunt of someone's misconstrewed anger and resentment over how they viewed things I have done (it really is amazing how two different sides can see the same thing as something completely different) I could understand her frustration over dealing with someone how hates her so perfectly. And the curse is a doozey. It will be interesting to see how everything plays out in the final book. Will Sarah find a way to break her Nightwalker curse? Will Gideon kill all of those she loves if Sarah does not turn him? Will Thierry ever get divorced or annulled from Veronique and be free to have a life with Sarah? And will he ever come clean about his past?
All these questions...that last book is going to be a doozey!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2009
Just when I'm ready to give up, I find out there's only one book left in the 'Immortality Bites' series by Michelle Rowan. "Stakes and Stilettos" is book four and wouldn't you know it, leaves the reader with not a cliff-hanger, but more of an unfinished ending. The hero and heroine don't get much resolved except for their love for each other. He's still married--to a vampire who doesn't want to give him up even though she doesn't love him and realizes our hero and heroine DO love each other. B#$ch. And Sarah, our heroine, is still cursed with no end to the curse in sight. And she's still in danger from a truly evil human who threatens everyone she cares about. So how is that for an ending? Ummm, bad?
So now I'm left in a quandry. I've read all four books so far in this series. Do I quit and never find out what happens to Sarah? Or do I go ahead and get the last one, "Tall, Dark, & Fangsome" coming out in Aug09? I'll likely get the last one because I'm OC that way. But I would have to say that right now, I'm more irritated than interested.
So now I'm left in a quandry. I've read all four books so far in this series. Do I quit and never find out what happens to Sarah? Or do I go ahead and get the last one, "Tall, Dark, & Fangsome" coming out in Aug09? I'll likely get the last one because I'm OC that way. But I would have to say that right now, I'm more irritated than interested.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2009
Poor cursed Sarah! Only a vampire for two and a half months and she gets betrayed by a friend, staked, and then zapped by a witch. Not all at once, but still! If the story weren't so good, you would quietly close it in sympathy. Problem is, it is a really good story, so you'll just have put aside your heart-felt feelings, stop cursing that evil author (Yes, Michelle, I mean you), and read on through to the end. Thank the gods that this is a series and we can look forward to Tall, Dark, & Fangsome. Maybe Michelle will find her heart and give our darling Sarah a break...
May 3, 2009
This book was the best one of the series so far! It really shows you why Sarah loves Theirry and it makes the reader fall for him too! There is a clifhanger ending because the last book in the series will be out in the fall! I really like this character, I will be sad to see the series end!
April 27, 2009
I loved this, it's a fun, heartfelt paranormal/romance.
May 6, 2024
Stakes & Stilettos
Immortality Bites, Book 4
By: Michelle Rowen
Narrated by: Lillian Yves, Vincent Lee Grayson
Wonderful in every single way!!!
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 05-06-24
When a job offer has strings attached … strings that fledging vamp Sarah Dearly won’t accept, CAN’T accept … she not only finds herself STAKED, she finds herself BETRAYED, and THAT’S just the beginning of her woes! The delightfully fanged, and brilliantly hysterical cast is back for “Stakes & Stilettos, Immortality Bites, Book 4”, and I HAVE to tell you they are fabulous! I laughed till I cried over their antics in this one! The new characters added for this amazingly inventive plot are stellar! There was some “ohh I luv” … some “give me a pole, some straw and matches NOW please”, some that fell somewhere in between who managed to redeem themselves, and one (or three) that went the other way … no spoilers, I don’t want to ruin anyone’s fun by naming names, just know there was plenty of delightfully delicious variety, and not a cookie cuter in the bunch! Now the plot, ohhh the plot, THIS plot, was DEVINE! I love it when the main plot has swirling subplots that form a multifaceted whole, and this one has EXACTLY that! In “Staked & Stilettos”, our girl can’t catch a break, and trust me, that is exactly … where … we … want … her! That is where our Sarah is at her delightful best, surrounded by a beautifully defined, brilliantly developed supporting cast .. and a luscious, “well aged, like fine wine” love interest who has his own challenges! When new protagonists enter the race, some nicely tense edge of seat moments are created, not only adding beautiful balance to the story, but also serving to seamlessly set up the next series’ of events, perfectly bridging the subplots, and connecting the whole of the story magnificently! And the icing on a delightfully delicious cake … the narration! Stunning! Emotive! Close your eyes and see the action play out in your mind perfection! Every character has a voice selected specifically with that character’s personality in mind, AND it fits them perfectly! They are voiced with clear emotion! There is NEVER a doubt what the character is feeling, never a doubt what they are thinking. It is stunning and it feels one hundred percent REAL, like it is happening AS I LISTEN! This was truly a delightful combination of writing and narration perfection, and I absolutely loved every single stunning second. Five stunning stars!
Immortality Bites, Book 4
By: Michelle Rowen
Narrated by: Lillian Yves, Vincent Lee Grayson
Wonderful in every single way!!!
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 05-06-24
When a job offer has strings attached … strings that fledging vamp Sarah Dearly won’t accept, CAN’T accept … she not only finds herself STAKED, she finds herself BETRAYED, and THAT’S just the beginning of her woes! The delightfully fanged, and brilliantly hysterical cast is back for “Stakes & Stilettos, Immortality Bites, Book 4”, and I HAVE to tell you they are fabulous! I laughed till I cried over their antics in this one! The new characters added for this amazingly inventive plot are stellar! There was some “ohh I luv” … some “give me a pole, some straw and matches NOW please”, some that fell somewhere in between who managed to redeem themselves, and one (or three) that went the other way … no spoilers, I don’t want to ruin anyone’s fun by naming names, just know there was plenty of delightfully delicious variety, and not a cookie cuter in the bunch! Now the plot, ohhh the plot, THIS plot, was DEVINE! I love it when the main plot has swirling subplots that form a multifaceted whole, and this one has EXACTLY that! In “Staked & Stilettos”, our girl can’t catch a break, and trust me, that is exactly … where … we … want … her! That is where our Sarah is at her delightful best, surrounded by a beautifully defined, brilliantly developed supporting cast .. and a luscious, “well aged, like fine wine” love interest who has his own challenges! When new protagonists enter the race, some nicely tense edge of seat moments are created, not only adding beautiful balance to the story, but also serving to seamlessly set up the next series’ of events, perfectly bridging the subplots, and connecting the whole of the story magnificently! And the icing on a delightfully delicious cake … the narration! Stunning! Emotive! Close your eyes and see the action play out in your mind perfection! Every character has a voice selected specifically with that character’s personality in mind, AND it fits them perfectly! They are voiced with clear emotion! There is NEVER a doubt what the character is feeling, never a doubt what they are thinking. It is stunning and it feels one hundred percent REAL, like it is happening AS I LISTEN! This was truly a delightful combination of writing and narration perfection, and I absolutely loved every single stunning second. Five stunning stars!
September 28, 2023
Sarah is still mourning the loss of her normal life, which makes her determined to attend her class reunion. There, she encounters a powerful witch, who curses Sarah for being a mean girl to her back in high school. Sarah is now a nightwalker--the worst kind of vampire there is. Her new incarnation makes her a danger to everyone, even those she loves. Sarah is determined to break the curse, no matter the cost. In the meantime, she has more than one encounter with the Red Devil, a legendary, masked vampire thought dead more than a century ago. Sarah's love interest, Thierry, thinks the Red Devil is an imposter, but Sarah isn't so sure. Nor is she sure what a future with Thierry may look like. He's still married to Veronique, and while Thierry would like to annul the marriage, Veronique is being stubborn. It's all enough to make a fledgling vampire cry.
While I enjoyed this book for the most part, it ended without any resolution. None whatsoever. Absolutely nothing was resolved. Douse me with lemon juice and call me bitter. At least I warmed up a bit to Thierry in this one, and I knew who the Red Devil was all along. Called it!
What would have been a rating of four stars is getting knocked down to three for that shoddy ending.
While I enjoyed this book for the most part, it ended without any resolution. None whatsoever. Absolutely nothing was resolved. Douse me with lemon juice and call me bitter. At least I warmed up a bit to Thierry in this one, and I knew who the Red Devil was all along. Called it!
What would have been a rating of four stars is getting knocked down to three for that shoddy ending.
July 20, 2017
"Stakes and Stilettos" picks up neatly after "Fanged and Fabulous" and runs parallel to "Lady and the Vamp" with just a few references so if you have not read the Quinn/Janie side story you're not missing anything important. Sarah learns the hard way that you can't always go home again when she attends her 10 year highschool reunion and crosses path with a vengeful witch who is still carrying a grudge from highschool. The havoc created by the witch puts a definite kink in Sarah's plans to live happily eternally after with Thierry. Add to this the appearance of the mysterious "Red Devil" who everyone thought was the stuff of myth until Sarah comes face to face with him when she has a near death experience and things really heat up.
This book feels like the first half of a tw0-parter as the events and characters continue into the next book, "Tall, Dark and Fangsome" without any interruption to the plotline which is not concluded at the end of "Stakes and Stilettos". I enjoyed having a much more involved storyline because it allowed the author to develop the characters more fully and it paid off.
This book feels like the first half of a tw0-parter as the events and characters continue into the next book, "Tall, Dark and Fangsome" without any interruption to the plotline which is not concluded at the end of "Stakes and Stilettos". I enjoyed having a much more involved storyline because it allowed the author to develop the characters more fully and it paid off.
May 1, 2021
Yes! Sarah is back in the story. Not only that, but the mysterious vampire master, Thierry, also has his part in the story where he revealed the past event. It was interesting to read because seriously, he's a 'man' who spoke little.
In the previous books, the author had included werewolf in the story, and this time, it's witches. This book has two main plots: the mysterious Red Devil's identity and breaking the curse.
Unlike the previous books, this time, the story ended with an unfinished business. But, the cliffhanger wasn't too intense to have me read the next one immediately - they both aware that it's a temporary breakup 😉.
In the previous books, the author had included werewolf in the story, and this time, it's witches. This book has two main plots: the mysterious Red Devil's identity and breaking the curse.
Unlike the previous books, this time, the story ended with an unfinished business. But, the cliffhanger wasn't too intense to have me read the next one immediately - they both aware that it's a temporary breakup 😉.
July 14, 2022
This series is one of the best!
I can honestly say that out of the hundreds maybe even thousands of books/series I've read, THIS ONE is one of my absolute favorites! It just has everything! If you don't read it and your a huge fan of paranormal romance, then I really REALLY feel sorry for you and you mustn't be as big a fan as you think you are! I literally can NEVER put this down! Each one is better than the last! Michelle Rowen is a freaking literary genius! Thank you Michelle!
I can honestly say that out of the hundreds maybe even thousands of books/series I've read, THIS ONE is one of my absolute favorites! It just has everything! If you don't read it and your a huge fan of paranormal romance, then I really REALLY feel sorry for you and you mustn't be as big a fan as you think you are! I literally can NEVER put this down! Each one is better than the last! Michelle Rowen is a freaking literary genius! Thank you Michelle!
September 29, 2021
Stakes & Stilettos
I like these stories, but I didn’t like that this one ended before the resolution. It’s like there was no ending. I am going to read the next book and hopefully will get some satisfaction.
I like these stories, but I didn’t like that this one ended before the resolution. It’s like there was no ending. I am going to read the next book and hopefully will get some satisfaction.
January 24, 2023
Excellent Again 😁
This series just keeps getting better and better 😃. Although having the head hunter wanting our heroine and trying to make her break up with the love of her life, well, it's a cliffhanger 😉. Thanks again Michelle, I can't wait to see what happens next 🤓.
This series just keeps getting better and better 😃. Although having the head hunter wanting our heroine and trying to make her break up with the love of her life, well, it's a cliffhanger 😉. Thanks again Michelle, I can't wait to see what happens next 🤓.
October 12, 2024
I have been having a lot of fun reading this series so far and thought this next book was a great addition. I was a bit disappointed tho that we ended on a huge cliffhanger! Audio narration is well done and enjoyable.
September 26, 2018
This was a decent read, but it finished in a cliff-hanger.
April 11, 2019
The entire series has been pretty generic vampire stories but I was not fond of this book at all. Plus (spoiler, sort of) its a cliffhanger ending.
August 26, 2021
Stakes & Stilettos
Love series books. Getting to know the people and wanting the next book as soon as you finish the last. I'm ready!!!
Love series books. Getting to know the people and wanting the next book as soon as you finish the last. I'm ready!!!
June 11, 2022
Unfortunately, I have grown to be bored by this series. Predictable and not gripping. So, alas, I have decided not to continue.
March 4, 2023
Fangtastic
This is a great series and well worth my kindle subscription
The characters are GREAT and I can’t put the book down too long.
This is a great series and well worth my kindle subscription
The characters are GREAT and I can’t put the book down too long.
March 22, 2023
Light entertainment
May 12, 2023
Stakes & Stilettos
As with the previous three books I really enjoyed reading this one as well and highly recommend you do as well. Looking forward to the next in this series.
As with the previous three books I really enjoyed reading this one as well and highly recommend you do as well. Looking forward to the next in this series.
April 7, 2025
Much, much better than the last book. I like reading about Sarah and Thierry, looking forward to the final book.
August 6, 2013
Michelle Rowen - Ein Sarg für zwei
Blanvalet Verlag
414 Seiten
7,95€
Lesedauer: 3 Tage
Kurzbeschreibung Buchrücken:
Kein Wunder, dass die gerade erst zur Vampirin gewordene Sarah Dearly gerne ihr normales Leben zurück hätte - denn wer will schon beim Vorstellungsgespräch für einen neuen Job gepfählt werden? Und wenn sich zu allem Übel auch noch der Vampir, den Sarah liebt, nicht aus den Fesseln einer seit Jahrhunderten währenden Ehe befreien kann - ja, macht es dann tatsächlich noch Spaß, unsterblich zu sein ...?
Optik:
Die Bücher dieser Reihe sind alle vom Stil her recht ähnlich, haben aber alle immer eine andere Farbe. Ich mag das optisch in meinem Bücherregal. Bunt, aber man sieht, dass sie zusammen gehören. Und die Cover sind generell immer ganz nett. Die Thematik bzgl. der Vampire ist dargestellt, aber man sieht auch direkt, dass es sich um einen modernen Frauenroman handelt.
Mir gefallen die Cover.
Inhalt:
Sarah findet sich gerade mit ihrem neuen Leben als Vampir ab. Ihr größter Feind der Ober-Vampirjäger Gideon ist tot und in ihrer Beziehung mit dem charmanten Thierry läuft es auch immer besser. Jetzt braucht Sarah nur noch einen Job, denn sie will unabhängig sein und finanziell für sich selber sorgen. Also geht sie zu einem Vorstellungsgespräch, dass ihr eine ehemalige Kollegin vermittelt hat. Doch der vermeidliche Traumjob entpuppt sich als Falle. Der angebliche Chef will keinen Job anbieten, sondern von Sarah gezeugt werden. Sie soll ihn durch einen Biss in einen Vampiren verwandeln, da in ihr das mächtige Blut von zwei Vampir-Meistern fließt. Als Sarah ablehnt kippt die Stimmung und Sarah soll umgebracht werden. Sie kann den beiden nur entkommen, da ihr ein Unbekannter zur Hilfe kommt. Obwohl Sarah einen Pflock in der Brust stecken hat kann der sogenannte Rote Teufel sie gerade noch rechtzeitig bei Thierry abliefern, wo ihr das Leben gerettet werden kann. Um den Roten Teufel wabern viele Gerüchte und Geschichten, aber Thierry weiss, dass es ihn nicht mehr geben kann.
Um wen handelt es sich bei dem Unbekannten? Und ist er wirklich der große Retter oder doch eine Gefahr für Sarah?
Lest selbst ...
Meine Meinung:
Ich mag die Reihe und lese die Bücher wie gesagt gerne zwischendurch. Meistens als Lückenfüller vor Leserunden oder wenn ich gerade schwere Kost hinter mir habe und mal was brauche, wo man nicht viel nachdenken muss.
Der Schreibstil von Michelle Rowen ist echt gut. Sie schreibt locker, spritzig und leicht, so dass man flüssig durch die Bücher kommt.
Die Bücher halten einen nicht groß auf, was mir ja sehr liegt ;-)
Die Story in diesem Buch ist wie immer nicht der Brüller, aber auch nicht schlecht. Ich bin durchaus interessiert, wie es mit Sarah und Thierry weitergeht. Und ich mag an diesem Band, dass der Schwerpunkt nicht wie sonst bei den Geschichten um die Vampirjäger liegt. Im Gegenteil ... Die kommen in diesem Band so gut wie gar nicht vor. Dafür der große Unbekannte und ein Fluch ...
Zwei Hauptprotagonisten aus den letzten Bänden stehen auch eher im Hintergrund, was aber nicht stört, sondern eher für Abwechslung sorgt.
Ich werde diese Reihe definitiv weiterlesen und kann sie euch ans Herz legen, wenn ihr Frauenromane mögt, in denen gerne mal ein moderner Vampir vorkommen darf. Liebe, Flirt und Sex spielen hier auch eine Rolle, aber der Fokus liegt woanders. Von daher sind die Bücher auch für junge Damen geeignet ;-)
Ich vergebe für diesen Band 3 Sterne und spreche meine Empfehlung für die o.g. Lesergruppe aus.
Ganz liebe Grüße
BB
Blanvalet Verlag
414 Seiten
7,95€
Lesedauer: 3 Tage
Kurzbeschreibung Buchrücken:
Kein Wunder, dass die gerade erst zur Vampirin gewordene Sarah Dearly gerne ihr normales Leben zurück hätte - denn wer will schon beim Vorstellungsgespräch für einen neuen Job gepfählt werden? Und wenn sich zu allem Übel auch noch der Vampir, den Sarah liebt, nicht aus den Fesseln einer seit Jahrhunderten währenden Ehe befreien kann - ja, macht es dann tatsächlich noch Spaß, unsterblich zu sein ...?
Optik:
Die Bücher dieser Reihe sind alle vom Stil her recht ähnlich, haben aber alle immer eine andere Farbe. Ich mag das optisch in meinem Bücherregal. Bunt, aber man sieht, dass sie zusammen gehören. Und die Cover sind generell immer ganz nett. Die Thematik bzgl. der Vampire ist dargestellt, aber man sieht auch direkt, dass es sich um einen modernen Frauenroman handelt.
Mir gefallen die Cover.
Inhalt:
Sarah findet sich gerade mit ihrem neuen Leben als Vampir ab. Ihr größter Feind der Ober-Vampirjäger Gideon ist tot und in ihrer Beziehung mit dem charmanten Thierry läuft es auch immer besser. Jetzt braucht Sarah nur noch einen Job, denn sie will unabhängig sein und finanziell für sich selber sorgen. Also geht sie zu einem Vorstellungsgespräch, dass ihr eine ehemalige Kollegin vermittelt hat. Doch der vermeidliche Traumjob entpuppt sich als Falle. Der angebliche Chef will keinen Job anbieten, sondern von Sarah gezeugt werden. Sie soll ihn durch einen Biss in einen Vampiren verwandeln, da in ihr das mächtige Blut von zwei Vampir-Meistern fließt. Als Sarah ablehnt kippt die Stimmung und Sarah soll umgebracht werden. Sie kann den beiden nur entkommen, da ihr ein Unbekannter zur Hilfe kommt. Obwohl Sarah einen Pflock in der Brust stecken hat kann der sogenannte Rote Teufel sie gerade noch rechtzeitig bei Thierry abliefern, wo ihr das Leben gerettet werden kann. Um den Roten Teufel wabern viele Gerüchte und Geschichten, aber Thierry weiss, dass es ihn nicht mehr geben kann.
Um wen handelt es sich bei dem Unbekannten? Und ist er wirklich der große Retter oder doch eine Gefahr für Sarah?
Lest selbst ...
Meine Meinung:
Ich mag die Reihe und lese die Bücher wie gesagt gerne zwischendurch. Meistens als Lückenfüller vor Leserunden oder wenn ich gerade schwere Kost hinter mir habe und mal was brauche, wo man nicht viel nachdenken muss.
Der Schreibstil von Michelle Rowen ist echt gut. Sie schreibt locker, spritzig und leicht, so dass man flüssig durch die Bücher kommt.
Die Bücher halten einen nicht groß auf, was mir ja sehr liegt ;-)
Die Story in diesem Buch ist wie immer nicht der Brüller, aber auch nicht schlecht. Ich bin durchaus interessiert, wie es mit Sarah und Thierry weitergeht. Und ich mag an diesem Band, dass der Schwerpunkt nicht wie sonst bei den Geschichten um die Vampirjäger liegt. Im Gegenteil ... Die kommen in diesem Band so gut wie gar nicht vor. Dafür der große Unbekannte und ein Fluch ...
Zwei Hauptprotagonisten aus den letzten Bänden stehen auch eher im Hintergrund, was aber nicht stört, sondern eher für Abwechslung sorgt.
Ich werde diese Reihe definitiv weiterlesen und kann sie euch ans Herz legen, wenn ihr Frauenromane mögt, in denen gerne mal ein moderner Vampir vorkommen darf. Liebe, Flirt und Sex spielen hier auch eine Rolle, aber der Fokus liegt woanders. Von daher sind die Bücher auch für junge Damen geeignet ;-)
Ich vergebe für diesen Band 3 Sterne und spreche meine Empfehlung für die o.g. Lesergruppe aus.
Ganz liebe Grüße
BB
April 21, 2013
10++++++++++++ FANTABULOUS stars for the ENTIRE series
It has earned:
''BEST COUPLE AWARD''
''BEST ROMANCE AWARD''
''BEST HERO AWARD''
I cannot overly state how amazing this book was. I read the entire series for two days. It was UNPUTDOWNABLE! . Once i finished the first book, i am itching for the second until before i knew it, i was up till 5 in the morning. THANK GOODNESS IT'S SUMMER or I'll be sleeping in my desk if this was a school day.
Ok, i should warn you that my opinion is been extremely affected by my personality. well, duh. I am a hopeless romantic. Totally, extremely, utterly hopeless. I love a great romance. I adore and worship a great romance.
as to not be confuse or anything:
Great romance= fidelity, trust, loyatly, chemistry, acceptance, happiness, passion, understanding, nd fierce love
all of this are present in the entire series and with a some mystery, action, drama, friendship, cool vampire creatures...How can i refuse???
Not to mention the amazing characters!!! Our heroine is perfect. She is hilarious, sarcastic, and has a HUGE heart. She makes mistake, but that makes her realistic.And PERFECT for our heroine.
And our hero is HOT HOT HOT! Mysterious, sexy, with a great nay! perfect poker face....and hopelessly in love with our heroine!
Being a 6? hundred year old vamp, he has done some terrible things and thinks he's not worth our heroine, at the start he tries to push her away but one thing our heroin has is courage and an unyielding determination. To bad for him. Great for us!!!
I love the whole series. I lvoe it to death!
Together they tried to work things out. They have some problems on the way...hence the other 4 books that followed, but the more difficult the problems were, the deeper they fell for each other.
SO yeah! Lol, TOTALLY RECOMMENDED! I hope this series NEVER ENDS!
It has earned:
''BEST COUPLE AWARD''
''BEST ROMANCE AWARD''
''BEST HERO AWARD''
I cannot overly state how amazing this book was. I read the entire series for two days. It was UNPUTDOWNABLE! . Once i finished the first book, i am itching for the second until before i knew it, i was up till 5 in the morning. THANK GOODNESS IT'S SUMMER or I'll be sleeping in my desk if this was a school day.
Ok, i should warn you that my opinion is been extremely affected by my personality. well, duh. I am a hopeless romantic. Totally, extremely, utterly hopeless. I love a great romance. I adore and worship a great romance.
as to not be confuse or anything:
Great romance= fidelity, trust, loyatly, chemistry, acceptance, happiness, passion, understanding, nd fierce love
all of this are present in the entire series and with a some mystery, action, drama, friendship, cool vampire creatures...How can i refuse???
Not to mention the amazing characters!!! Our heroine is perfect. She is hilarious, sarcastic, and has a HUGE heart. She makes mistake, but that makes her realistic.And PERFECT for our heroine.
And our hero is HOT HOT HOT! Mysterious, sexy, with a great nay! perfect poker face....and hopelessly in love with our heroine!
Being a 6? hundred year old vamp, he has done some terrible things and thinks he's not worth our heroine, at the start he tries to push her away but one thing our heroin has is courage and an unyielding determination. To bad for him. Great for us!!!
I love the whole series. I lvoe it to death!
Together they tried to work things out. They have some problems on the way...hence the other 4 books that followed, but the more difficult the problems were, the deeper they fell for each other.
SO yeah! Lol, TOTALLY RECOMMENDED! I hope this series NEVER ENDS!
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