*Kerrelyn Sparks ~ The Love At Stake Series*

(Ok I was bad and didn't read this series in order...although I am so not at fault! It's not my fault Sparks made Jean-Luc's story too irresistable to wait for. Anyways, I have only read three of the books from the series. I have yet to read the second book in the series however I really enojoyed the ones I have read and knowing me I will likely forget to read the second book for months and in doing so would likely deprive you of a review and that won't do. WARNING: There may be some spoilers in my review so you may not want to read more than the first book's review...)

How To Marry A Millionaire Vampire: Nobody said love was perfect...Roman Draganesti is charming, handsome, rich...he's also a vampire. But this vampire just lost one of his fangs sinking his teeth into something he shouldn't have. Now he has one night to find a dentist before his natural healing abilities close the wound, leaving him a lop-sided eater for all eternity.

Things aren't going well for Shanna Whelan, either. After witnesing a gruesome murder, she's next on the mob's hit list. And her career as a dentist appears to be on a downward spiral because she's afraid of blood. When Roman rescues her from an assassination attempt, she wonders if she's found the one man who can keep her alive. Though the attraction between them is immediate and hot, can Shanna conquer her fear of blood to fix Roman's fang? And if she does, what will prevent Roman from using his fangs on her...?

Be Still My Vampire Heart: One look at her was enough to stop his heart...if it was still beating. Angus MacKay has been undead for almost five hundred years and it's not often something, or someone, surprises him. Until Emma Wallace. The sight of this luscious agent from the CIA's elite Stake-Out team was enough to stop Angus in his tracks. But then he discovers that she's a vampire slayer, intent on killing the "monsters" who killed her parents. And it's Angus's job to stop her.

The only good vampire is a dead vampire. It's been Emma's motto since she committed her life to the destruction of these things. Now Angus MacKay wants to convince her differently. Sure, he's a sexy Highland warrior who seems to have stepped off the cover of a romance novel, complete with brogue, kilt, and sword, but he's also one of them. And it's her job to kill them.

The war is on, but will it end in the destruction of one or both of them...or in total surrender to a passion for the ages?

The Undead Next Door: Three signs that something is very DIFFERENT with your new man:

1. He sleeps all day...which would be annoying except he's so attentive at night.

2. He's attacked by sword-wielding assailants, yet insists he can handle it on his own.

3. He never seems to age.

Heather Westfield has always lived a quiet life, but that all changes when she helps a very handsome, very mysterious stranger. There's something not quite right about Jean-Luc, but still, she's never been with a man so charming, so attractive...so wonderful. Now if only a murderous villian wasn't after them, they might get their happily-ever-after.

~Taken from the backs of the books themselves...for more information see Spark's site:

http://www.kerrelynsparks.com/ ~

~*~My Review~*~

This was my first encounter with Kerrelyn Sparks's work and I must say I was very impressed. I really liked her Love At The Stake Series (a very good name for a vampire series in my opinion) and I hope she continues writing novels within the series. I do feel a bit ashamed at the fact that not only did I skip one of the books but I also failed to read them in the correct order. I started off with How To Marry A Millionaire and was immediately craving more, however I made the mistake of reading the reviews for The Undead Next Door and simply couldn't resist giving in and reading it before the others. Then once I had finished Jean-Luc and Heather's story, I went on to Be Still My Vampire Heart (another amazing title!) and enjoyed reading about Angus and Emma. I absolutely enjoyed all three books, however if I had to choose a favorite I would likely have to say the first book in the series (Roman and Shanna's story) was my fave - although it is a tough call.

There were many wonderful aspects to this series. Sparks's writing is very witty and entertaining, captivating her audience throughout each story and leaving them longing for more. I also really liked that her books are a nice blend between Lynsay Sands' Argeneau series (with its wit and light-hearted feel) and Christine Feehan's Dark series (with its highly-developed characters and sense of passion/love) - although I'd say it resembles Sands' series more so. And amazingly enough each story is very unique - a huge feat in a romance series. And finally, what I loved most about Kerrelyn Sparks's series was how normal and natural she made it all seem. She introduces you to a wide variety of characters who repeatedly participate in each storyline, giving you the sense that you are progressing with them. By the time you have reached The Undead Next Door each character holds a certain familiarity for the reader - almost as if you and the characters are one big family. I know I certainly had favorites by the time I finished reading the three I read (such as Ian, phil, gregori, and oh...I could go on forever *hee hee*).

Long-story-short, I really enjoyed these books with their lively wit, detailed (loveable) characters, unique situations, and romanctic meanings and am looking forward to being immersed into the fanged world once again.

~*~Excerpts~*~

(How To Marry A Millionaire Vampire)

"He grabbed her by the wrists and pinned her against the door. 'By God, woman, you are hard to control.'

'You better believe it.' She pulled against his grip, but couldn't free her wrists.

He leaned closer. His breath stirred her hair and feathered her brow. 'Shanna,' he whispered her name like a cool breeze.

She shivered. His hypnotic voice tugged at her, lulled her into a sensation of comfort and security. False security. 'I won't let you kill me.'

'I don't want to kill you.'

'Good. Then let me go.'

He lowered his head, his breath tickling her body. Oh God, he was going to touch her. Maybe even kiss her. She waited, her heart hammering in her chest.

His voice whispered in her ear, 'I need you.'..."

(Be Still My Vampire Heart)

"In a mere second, he'd reached behind his head, pulled out a sword, and pointed it at the flasher's neck. With a gasp, Emma froze. He had a sword? And not just any sword. This sword was huge.

The flasher halted, his eyes wide with fear. He gulped and promptly wilted down south.

'I told ye mine was bigger,' the Scotsman growled. 'Make a move for the lass again, and I'll be shortening yers by a few inches.'

'Don't hurt me.' The flasher backed away, closing his coat.

The Scotsman advanced, his sword only inches from the flasher's fluctuating Adam's apple. 'I suggest from now on, ye remember to wear yer knickers.'

'Sure. Whatever you say, man.'

'Leave us.'

The flasher scurried away, disappearing around the bend. The Scotsman lifted the sword over his head so he could slide it back into its sheath. The long blade made a soft scraping noise as it slid home. ...

'Doona worry. Ye're safe now.'

'I'm supposed to feel safe with a stranger who's packing a humongous weapon?'

He smiled slowly. 'I told ye mine was bigger.'

What typical male arrogance. 'I was referring to your sword. Not your wee willie.'

He gave her an injured look. 'If ye're going to insult my size, I'll have to defend myself by offering ye proof.'

'Don't even think about-'

' 'Tis a matter of honor.' His mouth twitched. 'And I'm a verra honorable man.' ... He stepped closer, lowering his voice. 'Admit it lass. Ye were wanting a private showing.'

'Ha! Of all the...I'm going now. Goodnight.' ..."

(The Undead Next Door)

"Show was moving into view. And what a view.

She had curves. And breasts. A derriere a man could grab onto. And mounds of auburn hair that fluffed around her shoulders. She was like the old movie stars he had loved to design clothes for. Marilyn Monroe. Ava Gardner. Lusty, full-figured women. And her was a beautiful one, right in front of him. Her black dress clung to a luscious hourglass figure.

He caught a glimpse of a pert nose, slightly titled up at the tip. The woman in question pushed her hair behind her ear. She had high, wide cheekbones and a sweet curve to her jaw. What color were her eyes? he wondered.

She was a natural beauty. An angel.

She retrieved some items from her purse - a small writing pad and a pen. No, a pencil. She was writing something. No, sketching. His mouth dropped open. She was drawing his new gown. Stealing his design.