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Love at First Stake
A bubbly bookshop owner with her head in the clouds. A moody century-old vampire with an aversion to clothes. What could go wrong?
When I take over my dad’s bookshop, it’s the dream job I’ve been longing for. Quiet mornings sipping coffee. Lazy afternoons riffling through books. What’s not to love?
That is, ’til he shows up. From one of the books in the occult section, Gabriel Favreau appears in a haze of smoke, naked as the day he was born—or would it be made? Either way, he doesn’t have a stitch of modesty, but he does have a bloodthirsty taste for revenge.
Between running my bookshop and babysitting a bloodsucking vampire, I’m in over my head, especially when said bloodsucking vampire seems to think my neck’s on the dinner menu.
But that’s not even the worst part. Strange things begin happening around town: midnight death parties at graveyards; freaky black cats popping up everywhere; my ex-boyfriend, Daryl, choosing now to rehash our breakup’s greatest hits.
And then there’s Gabriel’s archnemesis, the evil Vampire King, who apparently wants to turn the town into his personal blood bank. It’s up to me and Gabriel to put our differences aside (and for Gabriel to put on a pair of pants) so we can set everything right again . . . or I just might become vampire food for real.
When I take over my dad’s bookshop, it’s the dream job I’ve been longing for. Quiet mornings sipping coffee. Lazy afternoons riffling through books. What’s not to love?
That is, ’til he shows up. From one of the books in the occult section, Gabriel Favreau appears in a haze of smoke, naked as the day he was born—or would it be made? Either way, he doesn’t have a stitch of modesty, but he does have a bloodthirsty taste for revenge.
Between running my bookshop and babysitting a bloodsucking vampire, I’m in over my head, especially when said bloodsucking vampire seems to think my neck’s on the dinner menu.
But that’s not even the worst part. Strange things begin happening around town: midnight death parties at graveyards; freaky black cats popping up everywhere; my ex-boyfriend, Daryl, choosing now to rehash our breakup’s greatest hits.
And then there’s Gabriel’s archnemesis, the evil Vampire King, who apparently wants to turn the town into his personal blood bank. It’s up to me and Gabriel to put our differences aside (and for Gabriel to put on a pair of pants) so we can set everything right again . . . or I just might become vampire food for real.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2022
68 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
August 16, 2022
3.5⭐️ (rounded up because in spite of how cheesy it gets at times, it was very much needed at the time that I read it.)
I don’t know how this author managed to make an epic battle for the vampire throne filled with family betrayal lighthearted enough to fit into a Romcom but she did.
And I respect that.
The dialogue feels slightly dated from the jump and I would’ve liked a bit more sense from our main character but her commitment to talking out of her ass and doing the most bizarre attempts at sass kept such a melodramatic plotline lighthearted and fun to read.
With a handful of memorable and beautifully written romance quotes from our grumpy vampire prince, I think this was a solid paranormal romance.
CW: explicit sexual content, invasion, brief drugging, violence, murder, death, police corruption
I don’t know how this author managed to make an epic battle for the vampire throne filled with family betrayal lighthearted enough to fit into a Romcom but she did.
And I respect that.
The dialogue feels slightly dated from the jump and I would’ve liked a bit more sense from our main character but her commitment to talking out of her ass and doing the most bizarre attempts at sass kept such a melodramatic plotline lighthearted and fun to read.
With a handful of memorable and beautifully written romance quotes from our grumpy vampire prince, I think this was a solid paranormal romance.
CW: explicit sexual content, invasion, brief drugging, violence, murder, death, police corruption
May 17, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book is the perfect comfort book for a relaxing day. The book had me gripped by the plot and loving a character that is difficult to love.
Pros:
-The main character. Charlotte is amazing. Her quirks are relatable and do not diminish her character.
-The love interest. Gabriel is a moody, broody, grumpy vampire… that you cannot helo but love. His character growth is funny and witty.
Cons:
-Speed of the plot: I loved the plot, but at some points, it seems like the plot just appears and jumps into conflict. Not necessarily a bad thing, just something to note.
Overall 4.5 stars.
Keywords: romcom, romance, paranormal romance, cozy romance, vampires
This book is the perfect comfort book for a relaxing day. The book had me gripped by the plot and loving a character that is difficult to love.
Pros:
-The main character. Charlotte is amazing. Her quirks are relatable and do not diminish her character.
-The love interest. Gabriel is a moody, broody, grumpy vampire… that you cannot helo but love. His character growth is funny and witty.
Cons:
-Speed of the plot: I loved the plot, but at some points, it seems like the plot just appears and jumps into conflict. Not necessarily a bad thing, just something to note.
Overall 4.5 stars.
Keywords: romcom, romance, paranormal romance, cozy romance, vampires
May 10, 2022
3.5 stars
What happens when a Bubbly bookstore owner, Charlotte finds centuries-year-old vampire, Gabriel in her store?
It's pure chaos. Soon Charlotte & Gabriel are thrown into a mix of strange events such as midnight death parties at graveyards, freaky black cats popping everywhere, wanna-be vampire King terror, upcoming war and what not.
This was a fast-paced paranormal read with a side of satisfactory steam. The banter between Charlotte & Gabriel was hilarious with so many culture & era related topics.
I enjoyed the Vampire Diaries feels it gave me & can't wait for the sequel.
Thank you author, I received an arc, I exchange for an honest review.
What happens when a Bubbly bookstore owner, Charlotte finds centuries-year-old vampire, Gabriel in her store?
It's pure chaos. Soon Charlotte & Gabriel are thrown into a mix of strange events such as midnight death parties at graveyards, freaky black cats popping everywhere, wanna-be vampire King terror, upcoming war and what not.
This was a fast-paced paranormal read with a side of satisfactory steam. The banter between Charlotte & Gabriel was hilarious with so many culture & era related topics.
I enjoyed the Vampire Diaries feels it gave me & can't wait for the sequel.
Thank you author, I received an arc, I exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2024
The concept is cute, I didn’t enjoy the execution and it was hard for me to get through.
Maybe it’s because what appeals to me about monster romance (especially w/Black MCs) is the “touch her I’ll kill you” thing, the “one true soulmate” thing, and the sex scenes being hot and monstrous. This book didn’t really give me any of that in a way I liked (if it was given at all).
The premise is that a woman whose entire diet appears to consist of Mac and cheese accidentally releases a vampire that’s been trapped in a book. What transpires is her getting wrapped up in his war against his evil vampire brother. Or really she chose to get involved for reasons I don’t entirely understand.
Fact is, I could’ve just squinted at that plot and read on but the vampire aspect of this wasn’t hot to me. Of all vampire lore to keep, why the spider monkey running scene from Twilight? Why is the sex in front of an innocent hamster?? Gabriel’s flirting with Imani made me feel like he would’ve been just as happy with whoever unleashed him. It didn’t have to be Charlotte.
Charlotte seemed she’d fit in to Charmaine Harris’ vampire world with the cheesy, nerd dialogue. At times, I found her a bit annoying, tbh. I didn’t get why she went running to warn Gabriel he was walking into a trap when he was the one that said over and over that it was a trap? Also, what was she going to do to help?
There was a lot of vampire plot stuff, if that’s interesting to you. Overall, this didn’t work for me but it might work for others.
Maybe it’s because what appeals to me about monster romance (especially w/Black MCs) is the “touch her I’ll kill you” thing, the “one true soulmate” thing, and the sex scenes being hot and monstrous. This book didn’t really give me any of that in a way I liked (if it was given at all).
The premise is that a woman whose entire diet appears to consist of Mac and cheese accidentally releases a vampire that’s been trapped in a book. What transpires is her getting wrapped up in his war against his evil vampire brother. Or really she chose to get involved for reasons I don’t entirely understand.
Fact is, I could’ve just squinted at that plot and read on but the vampire aspect of this wasn’t hot to me. Of all vampire lore to keep, why the spider monkey running scene from Twilight? Why is the sex in front of an innocent hamster?? Gabriel’s flirting with Imani made me feel like he would’ve been just as happy with whoever unleashed him. It didn’t have to be Charlotte.
Charlotte seemed she’d fit in to Charmaine Harris’ vampire world with the cheesy, nerd dialogue. At times, I found her a bit annoying, tbh. I didn’t get why she went running to warn Gabriel he was walking into a trap when he was the one that said over and over that it was a trap? Also, what was she going to do to help?
There was a lot of vampire plot stuff, if that’s interesting to you. Overall, this didn’t work for me but it might work for others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2022
Mila Nicks writes one of my favorite cozy paranormal romance series so I was ecstatic to read another paranormal romance from her but this time it’s of the vampire verity and It was so much fun!!
Love at First Stake follows Charlotte who has recently started her dream job of taking over her family’s bookstore. Everything is just as she hoped until she discovers a book from the occult section and Gabriel Favreau appears from it in a cloud of smoke completely naked and with fangs in the middle of her bookstore. Charlotte is in over her head trying to run her bookstore and babysit the grumpy vampire. When strange things begin to happen to the town, and Gabriel’s nemesis wants to turn the town into his own personal blood bank, Charlotte and Gabriel are forced to pit their differences aside and team up and fix everything.
I adored this story, It had me laughing and smiling the whole time. The characters were so fun to read about, Charlotte was such a lovable mess and Gabriel was so grumpy and I just found his confusion over things in present day so endearing. I especially loved their banter, and all the hilarious situations the two end up in. While it is a bit of a slow burn, the steamy scenes are worth the wait! This was such a fun fast paced story and I enjoyed every minute of reading it! So if you’re a fan of paranormal romances you should definitely check this one out!!
Love at First Stake follows Charlotte who has recently started her dream job of taking over her family’s bookstore. Everything is just as she hoped until she discovers a book from the occult section and Gabriel Favreau appears from it in a cloud of smoke completely naked and with fangs in the middle of her bookstore. Charlotte is in over her head trying to run her bookstore and babysit the grumpy vampire. When strange things begin to happen to the town, and Gabriel’s nemesis wants to turn the town into his own personal blood bank, Charlotte and Gabriel are forced to pit their differences aside and team up and fix everything.
I adored this story, It had me laughing and smiling the whole time. The characters were so fun to read about, Charlotte was such a lovable mess and Gabriel was so grumpy and I just found his confusion over things in present day so endearing. I especially loved their banter, and all the hilarious situations the two end up in. While it is a bit of a slow burn, the steamy scenes are worth the wait! This was such a fun fast paced story and I enjoyed every minute of reading it! So if you’re a fan of paranormal romances you should definitely check this one out!!
June 14, 2022
I typically don’t read paranormal/vampire romances but this book was fun to read. It’s a nice way to escape from reality because it was so entertaining. It was hilarious, spicy, and had action–packed scenes like a movie. Charlotte was so funny and I enjoyed reading about her thoughts on everything. I really wished she was a real person! She has a bubbly personality but also needs her alone time like an introvert. However, I do wish her character developed a bit more. We find out from the very beginning that her ex-boyfriend cheated on her and how that affected her self-esteem. I was rooting for her to find love and even though she did find it with Gabriel, I was waiting to see changes. I wanted to see her feel better about herself and be confident. I also wanted to learn more about Gabriel and see him be more romantic with Charlotte. I know it’s supposed to be a grump/sunshine book but I needed more swoon worthy moments. The romantic moments we do get are well-written and you can feel the intensity between the characters. Overall, this book keeps you engaged and intrigued. It has you wondering about what is going to happen next outside of the romance. I look forward to reading the next book to learn more about Charlotte’s family and her best friend (who hopefully finds love too).
November 4, 2022
The story was definitely a cute rom-com...
The author came through with great punchlines and comedy even in the dyer of moments. I appreciated that...
Charlotte is taking over the book shop from her father now that he's retiring and with her recent breakup still being the scandal of the town she can at least escape to the book shop plus her bestie imani always keeps a smile on her face. Then her life starts to get chaotic from break-ins to a Uncle Fester looking man tearing through her occult section. If that's not enough no one believes it actually happened especially having to call the police in which her ex is a officer and finding a book that has a vampire trapped in it butt naked with a impressive dangle bit standing in front of her. The interaction between Charlotte and Gabe is hilariously funny...the sexual tension is more of Charlotte being in denial that the tall pale skinned giant with white hair and muscular scrumptious body vampire burns a fire deep in her meow meow region. Not to mention she gives into those desires by way of the said vampire rowing her boat and making her meow meow purr. This was a great story and funny with a few cheesy moments, but a rom-com to read.
The author came through with great punchlines and comedy even in the dyer of moments. I appreciated that...
Charlotte is taking over the book shop from her father now that he's retiring and with her recent breakup still being the scandal of the town she can at least escape to the book shop plus her bestie imani always keeps a smile on her face. Then her life starts to get chaotic from break-ins to a Uncle Fester looking man tearing through her occult section. If that's not enough no one believes it actually happened especially having to call the police in which her ex is a officer and finding a book that has a vampire trapped in it butt naked with a impressive dangle bit standing in front of her. The interaction between Charlotte and Gabe is hilariously funny...the sexual tension is more of Charlotte being in denial that the tall pale skinned giant with white hair and muscular scrumptious body vampire burns a fire deep in her meow meow region. Not to mention she gives into those desires by way of the said vampire rowing her boat and making her meow meow purr. This was a great story and funny with a few cheesy moments, but a rom-com to read.
July 5, 2024
Tropes: Danger, Opposites Attract (Grumpy vs Sunshine)
Genres, settings, categories, themes: contemporary romance (M/F), fantasy, paranormal, vampires
POV: 1st person (from h's perspective)
Series/Sequencing Style: standalone
Overall ratings
Heat level: sensual (from Susanna Carr's categorizations – wholesome/clean, sweet, sensual, sexy, erotic)
Pacing 3/5
Plot 3/5
Romantic connection 1/5
Suspense/action 3/5
Comedy 2/5 for effort (even though I found it pretty cringe-y personally)
Writing 4/5
Diversity & representation: Black h
CW/Triggers: uh vampires? So I mean there's blood & some violence, but I feel like it's done in the most mild way possible for vamps.
Review/Notes
Not too fussed to go into a long review...just wasn't really my thing, I guess. Bit cheesy, wasn't really into either of the MCs or their romance. Really didn't like the H still being in love with his first love from forever ago. Maybe this is for a younger audience, not sure, it just wasn't it for me. But I always want to support newer authors like this, so hopefully it's for other people.
Genres, settings, categories, themes: contemporary romance (M/F), fantasy, paranormal, vampires
POV: 1st person (from h's perspective)
Series/Sequencing Style: standalone
Overall ratings
Heat level: sensual (from Susanna Carr's categorizations – wholesome/clean, sweet, sensual, sexy, erotic)
Pacing 3/5
Plot 3/5
Romantic connection 1/5
Suspense/action 3/5
Comedy 2/5 for effort (even though I found it pretty cringe-y personally)
Writing 4/5
Diversity & representation: Black h
CW/Triggers: uh vampires? So I mean there's blood & some violence, but I feel like it's done in the most mild way possible for vamps.
Review/Notes
Not too fussed to go into a long review...just wasn't really my thing, I guess. Bit cheesy, wasn't really into either of the MCs or their romance. Really didn't like the H still being in love with his first love from forever ago. Maybe this is for a younger audience, not sure, it just wasn't it for me. But I always want to support newer authors like this, so hopefully it's for other people.
May 28, 2022
3 stars
ARC copy was given to me for review, all thoughts and opinions are mine!
I'll conduct my review with pro (what I like) and con (what I feel is lacking) in the book.
Pro:
- Easy to read and very captivating
- Funny main character
- Diverse main lead (who doesn't love black woman in a paranormal romance?)
- Cute pet - Cheeks is the cutest!
- I like this author
Now to the con of this book
- The story couldn't decide what it wants to be, it was trying to be contemporary and paranormal with realism making it very messy. It could not pin down what type of setting it wanted to be.
- The reality of vampires being real in my opinion was taken lightly and accepted easily by the main female character even though she never knew about them. I expected a bit more freaking out.
- The male love interest is severely underdeveloped and I felt nothing towards him or his conflicts.
- The antagonist was really cartoonish, one dimensional, and is a villain just because the story needed him to be a villain.
- The romace was lukewarm and predictable
Overall, this book has potential and it seems like there is going to be a second book possibly involving the best friend and her Tinder date. Hopefully we will get more development and depth.
ARC copy was given to me for review, all thoughts and opinions are mine!
I'll conduct my review with pro (what I like) and con (what I feel is lacking) in the book.
Pro:
- Easy to read and very captivating
- Funny main character
- Diverse main lead (who doesn't love black woman in a paranormal romance?)
- Cute pet - Cheeks is the cutest!
- I like this author
Now to the con of this book
- The story couldn't decide what it wants to be, it was trying to be contemporary and paranormal with realism making it very messy. It could not pin down what type of setting it wanted to be.
- The reality of vampires being real in my opinion was taken lightly and accepted easily by the main female character even though she never knew about them. I expected a bit more freaking out.
- The male love interest is severely underdeveloped and I felt nothing towards him or his conflicts.
- The antagonist was really cartoonish, one dimensional, and is a villain just because the story needed him to be a villain.
- The romace was lukewarm and predictable
Overall, this book has potential and it seems like there is going to be a second book possibly involving the best friend and her Tinder date. Hopefully we will get more development and depth.
May 22, 2022
Love at First Stake was a fun urban fantasy novel sprinkled with romance and a bit of drama. Charlotte is a bookstore owner, content to have a quiet life with her pet hamster. After some mysterious break-ins and the reading of some words from a mysterious book, she finds herself having summoned a buff, moody, naked vampire. They spend the book getting to know each other while trying to figure out how to get Gabriel, the vampire, back to where he belongs.
It did take a bit of time to get going and at the end I really wished there had been some depth to some of the story lines (more about her father, what being a 'keeper' meant for her, who cursed the vampires into the book, etc.). I took a star off for that as I don't like having so many open questions when finishing a book! I know there will be another book in the series, but this seemed like a stand-alone story for these characters,
I would recommend it though - it really was fun, light and well written.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It did take a bit of time to get going and at the end I really wished there had been some depth to some of the story lines (more about her father, what being a 'keeper' meant for her, who cursed the vampires into the book, etc.). I took a star off for that as I don't like having so many open questions when finishing a book! I know there will be another book in the series, but this seemed like a stand-alone story for these characters,
I would recommend it though - it really was fun, light and well written.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 5, 2022
What was Gabriel’s hair color again?
Lol, I jest.
This book was so much fun! It is written in 1st person, the POV being the heroine, Charlotte. That was interesting because you are learning about the paranormal world with her. And what a world it was! It was a fantastic plot, great world building, and fantastic characters. To top it off, the pacing was great. I didn’t get bored at any moment in the book.
Charlotte was hysterical. I love characters who are able to find humor in any situation. I loved that Charlotte was 30. Usually characters in books, at the most, are 21. Then they are settled down with 2 kids and a dog by 25. I also loved that she doesn’t have everything figured out yet either. She’s still learning about herself and the world, and you see that in the book. Gabriel was great too, but for me, Charlotte was the star of the show.
I look forward to the next installment of the series.
Lol, I jest.
This book was so much fun! It is written in 1st person, the POV being the heroine, Charlotte. That was interesting because you are learning about the paranormal world with her. And what a world it was! It was a fantastic plot, great world building, and fantastic characters. To top it off, the pacing was great. I didn’t get bored at any moment in the book.
Charlotte was hysterical. I love characters who are able to find humor in any situation. I loved that Charlotte was 30. Usually characters in books, at the most, are 21. Then they are settled down with 2 kids and a dog by 25. I also loved that she doesn’t have everything figured out yet either. She’s still learning about herself and the world, and you see that in the book. Gabriel was great too, but for me, Charlotte was the star of the show.
I look forward to the next installment of the series.
June 26, 2022
🌸 This is lots of fun! 🌸
🌸 You know when you just want to say…. lots and lots and all of it will give the story away! And it's frustrating, to say the least! By the end of the first chapter, I was hooked. What ever could go wrong, had gone wrong, and in an adorable clutsy, bookish way, we fall in love with our newly appointed (Father finally retired) proprietor of Little Bookshop, Charlotte.
🌸 I don't suppose, "OMGosh, you've got to read the book!" (Even if this is what I told me friend?) is the right comment for a review but, it's amazing… crazy mysterious, intriguing, sexy, everything you want from your current romantic suspense filled read… Hey, did I say there's a vampire? That's Gabriel, not Gabe Lol… (It's on the blurb that's not giving anything away!)
🌸 If I say more I am going to give the story away…
🌸 I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
🌸 What are you waiting for?
💕 Happy Reading! 💕
🌸 You know when you just want to say…. lots and lots and all of it will give the story away! And it's frustrating, to say the least! By the end of the first chapter, I was hooked. What ever could go wrong, had gone wrong, and in an adorable clutsy, bookish way, we fall in love with our newly appointed (Father finally retired) proprietor of Little Bookshop, Charlotte.
🌸 I don't suppose, "OMGosh, you've got to read the book!" (Even if this is what I told me friend?) is the right comment for a review but, it's amazing… crazy mysterious, intriguing, sexy, everything you want from your current romantic suspense filled read… Hey, did I say there's a vampire? That's Gabriel, not Gabe Lol… (It's on the blurb that's not giving anything away!)
🌸 If I say more I am going to give the story away…
🌸 I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
🌸 What are you waiting for?
💕 Happy Reading! 💕
August 3, 2022
Good
It was relatively clean with moderate lovemaking but still interesting. As for the storyline it started a bit slow and then was steady. The falling climax did not make sense and was a major plot hole to me. There is/will be a second book but I'm not interested enough to read it, it was a decent book to read on a lazy Saturday day. Not something to mull over and really engage in conversation about. I hope this helps.
STOP READING NOW FOR SPOILER!!!!
Okay, so the plot hole that I couldn't get over was that she's a "Keeper" but her dad didn't raise her to know how to "Keep" like that seems Hella reckless. If "Keepers" run and the family AND she's the only child why not raise her for the family business! And to not even tell his wife like WTF! What if she didn't want to run the shop then what would he have done he's At Least in his mid to late 50s. That took away from the storyline to me. As for yhe second book I'm not interested enough to read it.
It was relatively clean with moderate lovemaking but still interesting. As for the storyline it started a bit slow and then was steady. The falling climax did not make sense and was a major plot hole to me. There is/will be a second book but I'm not interested enough to read it, it was a decent book to read on a lazy Saturday day. Not something to mull over and really engage in conversation about. I hope this helps.
STOP READING NOW FOR SPOILER!!!!
Okay, so the plot hole that I couldn't get over was that she's a "Keeper" but her dad didn't raise her to know how to "Keep" like that seems Hella reckless. If "Keepers" run and the family AND she's the only child why not raise her for the family business! And to not even tell his wife like WTF! What if she didn't want to run the shop then what would he have done he's At Least in his mid to late 50s. That took away from the storyline to me. As for yhe second book I'm not interested enough to read it.
May 17, 2022
Love at First Stake is a delightful, light hearted, fun , cheesy little paranormal romp. Char is a book shop owner living an ordinary life with her pet hamster Cheeks when her world is flipped upside down by the sudden appearance of an old Vampire who is rather hot. This small town paranormal story is absolutely charming with an interesting cast of characters that you will fall for. Cheeks definitely grew on me and I am partial to Papa Little. This story has a dash of everything humor, paranormal cheese, action and adventure, intrigue, and some steamy times. Perfect for fans of Vampire Diaries, Buffy, Super Natural and Charmed.
May 17, 2022
Whilst this was an interesting story, and did have some funny moments (loved the unbelievably smart hamster!), I found this story to be a bit plodding and overwritten for most of the book. There were plenty of action and plenty of plot points, including some unexpected ones with no foreshadowing, but the main characters progress towards these points was often a bit slow with some very conflicting internal monologue.
I can see the author was aiming for fun, flirty and irreverent, but the narrative felt like it was trying a little too hard.
Full disclosure: I was given an ARC of the book, however this review is my own honest opinion.
I can see the author was aiming for fun, flirty and irreverent, but the narrative felt like it was trying a little too hard.
Full disclosure: I was given an ARC of the book, however this review is my own honest opinion.
May 22, 2022
Huge fan of Mila Nicks stories. Love at First Stake is no exception. We get sexy vampire, Gabe...i mean Gabriel, with an eggplant for a limb (🤣), we have Charlotte- whom is so unapologetically herself you either love her or fight not to love her, we have Mr. Cheeks who along with Ichabod are the true stars of this novel. Filled with an interesting and irritating cast of supporting characters, small town living, a splash of who-done-it, sexy times, an ending that leaves you satisfied yet craving for more, this opposites attract PNR rom-com is an instant classic. The only reason i'm not giving it 5 stars is because i wanted some Gabe POV. Maybe in the second book??
June 7, 2022
3.5/5
I received this for free via booksirens, and in return I’m leaving my honest review voluntarily.
I requested this book because the cover is cute, and I am a sucker for vampire books at the same time. The comedy is pretty golden, and Gabriel is awesome. But those sex scenes are kind of cringey. I’m no expert on this stuff by any means whatsoever, but referring to a penis as an anaconda gave me secondhand embarrassment. The story is good, and the characters are likable. I’m kind of immature though so that’s probably why I laughed at sex scenes idk. I’m interested in the sequel though and plan to follow Mila on various social media.
I received this for free via booksirens, and in return I’m leaving my honest review voluntarily.
I requested this book because the cover is cute, and I am a sucker for vampire books at the same time. The comedy is pretty golden, and Gabriel is awesome. But those sex scenes are kind of cringey. I’m no expert on this stuff by any means whatsoever, but referring to a penis as an anaconda gave me secondhand embarrassment. The story is good, and the characters are likable. I’m kind of immature though so that’s probably why I laughed at sex scenes idk. I’m interested in the sequel though and plan to follow Mila on various social media.
Read
July 9, 2022I was initially intrigued, because it reminded me of a few vampire paranormal romances I stayed up all night reading when I was 14/15, so it was very nostalgic in the beginning.
But it never moved beyond a parody of those books for me. Not that those books themselves were the peak of literature, but the world of this story lacked any shape, the pacing was in disarray and the heroine felt like a caricature rather than a real person. It’s a romcom but every interaction is exaggerated in order to make it humorous. Which makes for tedious reading.
The LI being the ex-Vampire King was truly the last straw for me.
Another Mika Nicks dnf. Geez.
But it never moved beyond a parody of those books for me. Not that those books themselves were the peak of literature, but the world of this story lacked any shape, the pacing was in disarray and the heroine felt like a caricature rather than a real person. It’s a romcom but every interaction is exaggerated in order to make it humorous. Which makes for tedious reading.
The LI being the ex-Vampire King was truly the last straw for me.
Another Mika Nicks dnf. Geez.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2022
Char and Gabe - Matching hearts
This book really kept me wondering how Gabriel became undead and how his brother Geffrey found him. I laughed so hard at some of Gabe’s antics and Charlotte and her hamster Mr Cheeks. SPOILER ALERT: Yet this book was serious, and the town suddenly erupted into all things vampires as the undead converged on the little town of Litchcrest, to make sure Gabe doesn’t take his rightful place as the Vampire King. All hail the King!
I loved what Gabriel said to Charlotte in a tense moment: “You have my heart. It is cold, dark and unalive…but it is yours.”
This book really kept me wondering how Gabriel became undead and how his brother Geffrey found him. I laughed so hard at some of Gabe’s antics and Charlotte and her hamster Mr Cheeks. SPOILER ALERT: Yet this book was serious, and the town suddenly erupted into all things vampires as the undead converged on the little town of Litchcrest, to make sure Gabe doesn’t take his rightful place as the Vampire King. All hail the King!
I loved what Gabriel said to Charlotte in a tense moment: “You have my heart. It is cold, dark and unalive…but it is yours.”
May 23, 2022
This story was a fun and light-hearted romance.
After a weird break-in at her bookshop, Charlotte finds a book she’s never seen before in her occult section. The only thing written in it is an inscription in a different language. She tries to read and when she does, a centuries-old naked vampire somehow pops out.
Gabriel is your typical vampire: hot, brooding, in an epic battle with his brother. As he hangs around, Char learns more about him, the world of vampires, and even her own paranormal legacy.
This book doesn’t give us much new in the world of vampire romances, but Char is fun and doesn’t take herself too seriously. The supporting characters are just quirky enough and the book sets us up for what should be an equally enjoyable second book in the series.
I received a free copy for my honest review.
After a weird break-in at her bookshop, Charlotte finds a book she’s never seen before in her occult section. The only thing written in it is an inscription in a different language. She tries to read and when she does, a centuries-old naked vampire somehow pops out.
Gabriel is your typical vampire: hot, brooding, in an epic battle with his brother. As he hangs around, Char learns more about him, the world of vampires, and even her own paranormal legacy.
This book doesn’t give us much new in the world of vampire romances, but Char is fun and doesn’t take herself too seriously. The supporting characters are just quirky enough and the book sets us up for what should be an equally enjoyable second book in the series.
I received a free copy for my honest review.
May 21, 2022
This is a fast paced paranormal read. Charlotte has recently taken over running her family’s bookstore which has been a dream come true for her. She comes across an occult/ paranormal book and Gabriel appears from it. Charlotte is lovable to Gabriel’s grumpiness. They soon have to work together when strange events start to unfold in her town. Their witty banter is fab to read, bit of a slow burn spice wise but this doesn’t take away from the story. Fun read
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 22, 2022
This was a fun start to a new series. It took me awhile to get into it, I felt the first half wasn't grabbing my attention but things really picked up for the last half. I love the Black Witch Magic series and can't wait to see where this one goes. There are a lot of unanswered questions at the end so you will have to keep reading the series to find out. If you like a steamy paranormal romance, grumpy/sunshine romance and cute hamster sidekick then this is a read for you.
I received this book as an eARC.
I received this book as an eARC.
September 21, 2022
well
Not gonna lie, I was disappointed in this book. It had great potential but in the end it fell flat. I found it rather immature to be honest. Charlotte was so incredibly annoying at times and then hilarious at others. The plot was all over the place and many holes were in the story. Gabe was broody from start to finish with no real character development. This was my first read with the author but I am not 100% sure I will continue for more. I glad this was a free kindle unlimited read, I would have really been disappointed if I had paid for this book.
Not gonna lie, I was disappointed in this book. It had great potential but in the end it fell flat. I found it rather immature to be honest. Charlotte was so incredibly annoying at times and then hilarious at others. The plot was all over the place and many holes were in the story. Gabe was broody from start to finish with no real character development. This was my first read with the author but I am not 100% sure I will continue for more. I glad this was a free kindle unlimited read, I would have really been disappointed if I had paid for this book.
August 8, 2022
3.7
It was cute, pretty funny (I lol'd once, but mostly just smiles from me). Good plot twists at the end.
It would've truly benefited from Gabriel's perspective to get his feelings about Charlotte and perspectives on things. It would've added more interest to the story, seeing what he was up to and how he was processing his interactions with Charlotte.
P.S. Char baby, her nickname, sounds like a racial slur. Oof >.<
It was cute, pretty funny (I lol'd once, but mostly just smiles from me). Good plot twists at the end.
It would've truly benefited from Gabriel's perspective to get his feelings about Charlotte and perspectives on things. It would've added more interest to the story, seeing what he was up to and how he was processing his interactions with Charlotte.
P.S. Char baby, her nickname, sounds like a racial slur. Oof >.<
November 17, 2022
I tried
I tried to get through this book but I dnf it at about 60 percent. I wanted to like the fmc so badly but she just wasn’t it for me. At being aged 30 she gave off 19 year old energy. The male man character wasn’t sexy I’m sorry… the pale skin with pale hair just makes me think of a snowman. The plot was all over the place and it wasn’t a super enjoyable book. Just not for me
I tried to get through this book but I dnf it at about 60 percent. I wanted to like the fmc so badly but she just wasn’t it for me. At being aged 30 she gave off 19 year old energy. The male man character wasn’t sexy I’m sorry… the pale skin with pale hair just makes me think of a snowman. The plot was all over the place and it wasn’t a super enjoyable book. Just not for me
April 5, 2023
Everything I've been looking for!
I wish this book had a bigger audience because it was everything a paranormal romantic comedy should be. I devoured it in two days because I was hard pressed to put it down. I laughed, I got teary-eyed, and I was thoroughly entertained. This is my first book by Mila Nicks, and it certainly won't be my last. I plan to jump right into another one after this review.
I wish this book had a bigger audience because it was everything a paranormal romantic comedy should be. I devoured it in two days because I was hard pressed to put it down. I laughed, I got teary-eyed, and I was thoroughly entertained. This is my first book by Mila Nicks, and it certainly won't be my last. I plan to jump right into another one after this review.
May 16, 2022
Hilarious paranormal romcom
I love Mila’s books and this was no exception. I literally snorted with laughter more times than I could count while reading this book. Fast paced, I read it in two days. The characters jump of the page and the romance is so steamy it nearly short circuited my kindle (kidding, but you get what I mean). I cannot wait for the next book!
I love Mila’s books and this was no exception. I literally snorted with laughter more times than I could count while reading this book. Fast paced, I read it in two days. The characters jump of the page and the romance is so steamy it nearly short circuited my kindle (kidding, but you get what I mean). I cannot wait for the next book!
June 11, 2022
Overall, I enjoyed reading Love At First Stake. It was delightfully entertaining with just enough fast paced action and steamy romance to satisfy all my reading guilty pleasures. Charlotte and Gabriel have great spicy chemistry, and the evil Geoffrey is definitely the character you love to hate. I was excited at the end to read a sequel coming when I thought I was a standalone.
August 10, 2022
Quirky RomCom.
This is a cute, quirky RomCom vampire story. Think the snarkyness of Buffy the Vampire Slayer with more Scooby gang nerdiness. The FL is such an awkward Black girl (nod to Issa Rae) and utterly appealing. Spoiler alert: while not a cliffhanger ending, there does seem to be more coming.
This is a cute, quirky RomCom vampire story. Think the snarkyness of Buffy the Vampire Slayer with more Scooby gang nerdiness. The FL is such an awkward Black girl (nod to Issa Rae) and utterly appealing. Spoiler alert: while not a cliffhanger ending, there does seem to be more coming.
May 10, 2022
This paranormal/vampire romance is superb fun! I really loved it! It is very unique and original, page-turning and sassy..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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