Love at Stake #1: How To Marry a Millionaire Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks

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Love at Stake #1: How To Marry a Millionaire Vampire
by Kerrelyn Sparks

I read this book through a BookCrossing bookring ages ago and really loved it- and that's saying a LOT from someone who usually hates reading romances! I ended up buying a copy for myself. Another copy (or two) came through my hands recently so I thought I'd post my thoughts here.

*SMALL SPOILERS FOLLOW- but mostly just drooling over nummy vampire boys*
First off, I wasn't sure I would like this book. I usually detest romances because they're so typical and formulaic, and a few months ago I tried reading a vampire romance novel and gave up on page three. But I *adore* vampires and if so many people wanted to read it for a ring, I figured there had to be something there.

After reading it I'm sooooooooooo glad I got the chance to give it a try. I LOVED it! Okay, so Shanna did get on my nerves a lot: a fear of blood when she's supposed to fall in love with a vampire? no common sense whatsoever? a fiery temper? Urg. This is why I don't read romances! However, I definitely fell in love with Roman (the vampire with a conscience thing is soooo cliche but there was a whole lot more to him than that- and plenty of angst, which always gets me). More importantly, I absolutely fell head over heals for his security force. My biggest weakness in fiction is Highlanders and to have a whole gang of kilt-wearing, authentic vampire Highlanders hanging around all the time? Be still my heart! (Shanna can keep Roman, I want Connor!! Or, mmm, Angus... or Ian... or, hey, a whole harem would work just fine...)

But I liked the variety of characters and the fact that it wasn't just plain good against evil the whole time. The shades of grey and the many different players here made the plot much enjoyable than I had counted on. I've read/seen a ton of vampire stories and I thought this one was actually pretty creative and refreshing. I absolutely loved their world/existence- the science/inventions, the sleeping/healing during the day, the traditions, the red eye indicators, the sex. Another reason I avoid romance novels is the overdone, repetitive sex scenes. But I loved that aspect in this book; the concept of vampire sex was fascinating (though a bit weird) and Roman's appreciation for mental/emotional vs. physical was lovely (just what I, as a woman, like to see). The vampire sex really made the intimacy of the physical connection much more interesting. I've always loved some vampires for their knowledge/experience and passion, so I was glad to see both in good amounts here. Mmm... and sexy Scottish Highlander vamps, did I mention that was my favorite part? *G*