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Showing posts with label Love at Stake. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Love at Stake. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Book Review: Crouching Tiger, Forbidden Vampire (Love at Stake book 16) by Kerrelyn Sparks

Crouching Tiger, Forbidden Vampire (Love at Stake book 16)
By: Kerrelyn Sparks
Paranormal Romance
384 pages
Plot:
Russell wakes from a coma to find he's become a vampire. Now he has a thirst for revenge. Determined to hunt down the master vampire who turned him, he's used to working alone . . . until he meets Jia. She is after the same vampire for murdering her parents and insists she can help Russell on this mission. Reluctantly, he agrees, and sets up some ground rules:
Rule #1: Their partnership is strictly business. If he holds her a little too close . . . if she looks at him with those exotic eyes . . . well, that has to stop.
Rule #2: He's in charge. Jia isn't used to taking orders and questions every move he makes. So he stops her the only way he knows how.
Rule #3: Don't fall in love. But the kiss that was supposed to quiet her awakens something else in him . . . something forbidden. Because Jia is engaged. To someone else.

With the final conclusion on the Love at Stake series, I'm left a little sad and already missing these guys and gals who have won me over. I would have LOVED one last whacky commercial from the DVN network. Some of the funniest moments were reading about that network. Maybe the network itself will have a spinoff series, who knows but either way I am bummed to see this saga end.

Mrs. Sparks has always had the ability to write heartfelt and touching stories in this PNR world. There's emotional situations and adventure for sure, but there is never an over the top amount of gruesome killing and gore. The whole Love at Stake saga in based off each character finally finding that happily ever after. You know this after the first few books and that's why you keep coming back for more.

I personally enjoy the warmth that these books created, like a blanket you want to wrap up in during a cold winters night. Russell and Jia's story is yet another example of finding warmth in the coldness. While I didn't really feel an off the charts love connection, the two seemed a compatible fit that was sweet and caring.

Tons of development and some final twists that helps bring the series around to the ending place. Some loose ends here and there but maybe we will see a more in this word down the line! I recommend this series to anyone who likes well written and developed characters, but don't need the big bang and booms of hard hitting PNR.

Getting 4 Sheep





KD


About the Author:
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Kerrelyn Sparks’ first paranormal romance, How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire, zoomed out of the bat cave so fast it became Borders bestselling debut romance of 2005. Each book in the Love at Stake series has become a USAToday bestseller. When the fourth book,The Undead Next Door, landed on the New York Times bestseller list, even the Undead sat up and took notice, which made Kerrelyn a bit nervous. She lives in the Greater Houston area with her husband, children, and a house full of garlic. So far, there are no vampires in her family. Werewolves are another matter entirely.

You may email Kerrelyn by using the link on the sidebar. She would love to hear from you! Most email will receive a response, except on the night of a full moon.


Thursday, September 5, 2013

Sheep Book Review: The Vampire With the Dragon Tattoo by Kerrelyn Sparks


The Vampire with The Dragon Tattoo 
Love At Stake Series (Book 14) 
Paranormal Romance 

Plot: 
Dougal Kincaid has something to prove. After being injured in a battle with the Malcontents, he's ready for active duty protecting unsuspecting mortals from these villainous vampires who want to rule the world. But first he has to get control of himself . . . because just the sight of a certain lovely doctor has his injured hand doing some peculiar things, not to mention the sizzling sensation that burns along his dragon tattoo.

Vampires? Vampires?! As a scientist, Leah is having trouble believing that these immortal creatures exist. But there they are, standing in front of her, asking for help in solving a genetic puzzle that can save mankind. There's even one in a sexy kilt! Just one look into Dougal's gorgeous green eyes sets her pulse racing. But can she trust him—and the overwhelming desire that refuses to be ignored?

Kerrelyn Sparks is by far, one of my favorite writers. I've enjoyed every single edition of her PNR series to date. The Vampire with The Dragon Tattoo is no exception. FINALLY my man Dougal has his day under the moonlight! It's been a long time coming, but the wait was well worth it. 

When you pick up a Kerrelyn book you know that the next few hours are going to make you laugh, cry, pull for the underdog and cheer when love falls into place. Every aspect of these stories deliver. Plus, you have some of the funniest and wittiest lines right here for the reading. 

With an ongoing saga of this caliber you've got to mix things up a bit and Kerrelyn has done that. New bad guys move further into the spotlight while adding more characters to keep the whole thing moving along. While Dougal's story was less on the action side, you get just enough to keep the pace rolling until the very end. 

Personally, I would have loved to see Dougal forced into a cheesy vampire network TV ad. (Maybe in just his kilt. Sorry Dad!) But that's my own secret wish. In with keeping of an honest review, I wanted a little more action. Dougal is a seasoned warrior and while I enjoyed his romantic side, I desperately wanted to see him kick more butt! The man's been around for 300 years and he's got the metal prosthetic. I was hopeful that we would see that thing in action. 

Even though I was not the leading lady of this book *sniffs*, I did actually like Leah. I was ready for the gag-me-with-a-stick feelings, but they never came. The only bone I can pick with her character is not jumping on the Dougal train when she first meets him! Who needs talking! Pfft. Overrated if you ask me. 

Overall, this latest edition adds to the saga as a whole. You can most certainly pick up the series from this point, but why would you want to! The fun's getting to know these guys and gals. Plus, you would miss all the vampire commercials! 


Getting 4 'meek as lamb' Sheep 
KD


Thursday, August 1, 2013

Character Interview: Dougal Kincaid from Kerrelyn Sparks + Giveaway!

Today we bring you our one on one interview with Dougal Kincaid, the hero from The Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo, book 14 in the epic Love at Stake series by PNR author Kerrelyn Sparks. We had a TON of fun with this sexy man and Kerrelyn was kind enough to throw in some goodies that you can win! 



Katie's Diary Entry: It's a cold and stormy night; we've traveled to an undisclosed location high in the Scottish mountains. Before the journey up the treacherous wall of never-ending rock, we're blindfolded and tied up. It took us days to reach the summit, but it was a journey that would forever change our lives, a journey that would lead us to the man who's held my heart for years. The one whose eyes burn with a fire that never goes out, with a love for his fellow countrymen and honor that would take your breath away. A man whose body I've dreamed about for-

Sharon: Riiight, so before Katie goes on and on, let's just stop her. Someone please pull out the duct tape... the one with sheep on it. We keep it handy around here. Anywho, it's nice to meet you Dougal, thanks for taking the time to sit down and chat with us today. 


Katie: Dougal, for those that don't know, please tell us a little about yourself. *makes googly eyes* 
Dougal: *shifts uncomfortably in his chair by the giant fireplace*  I’m a Scot, as ye well know, and a vampire. As for my past, I doona like to talk aboot it. I was fatally wounded at Culloden in 1746, but Connor found me where I lay dying, and he transformed me. 
Katie: I know! Gods above my heart broke for you! I'll avenge those bastards for you! Sharon, grab my battle axe and let's do this!
*Sharon hits Katie on the head with a rolled up newspaper* 
Sharon: Bad Katie, bad! No battle axes for you! You know what happened last time…



Katie: What's happened since we last touched base with you in Wild About You*scoots closer* 
Sharon: *Hands Dougal a flyswatter* We’ve had this problem before…continue.
Dougal: *frowns at the flyswatter he’s now holding in his prosthetic hand* I work for MacKay Security and Investigation, and I lost my right hand in battle in 2008. Since then, I’ve been head of security for Jean-Luc Echarpe and his family in Texas. Jean-Luc is an expert swordsman, so he doesna need much protection.  *Sighs*  I was more of a glorified babysitter. But now, Roman and Abigail (Gregori’s wife) have fitted me with this new hand, and I’ve learned to fence with it. My boss, Angus, has finally decided I can do more than babysit, so I’ve just accepted a new job as head of security at Romatech. I’m looking forward to proving myself worthy.  And there’s a new scientist arriving tonight. Everyone says she’s a genius. Her name is Leah Chin. *His prosthetic hand clenches, and the flyswatter snaps in two*
Katie: Oh, head of security? I do love a man in uniform….
Sharon: You mean “out of”.
Katie: You say Potato, I say potatoe
Dougal: *wincing, he kicks the broken flyswatter under his chair* Well, actually, I’ll still be wearing my kilt.

Sharon: Are you into art? Have a favorite type?
Katie: Beside me of course. 
Dougal: Art? I... *His eyes glaze over as he remembers*  I like Oriental art.
Katie: You've got this faraway look in your eyes Dougal, why the interest in that particular art? Hmm? 
Dougal: *his prosthetic hand clenches suddenly and he frowns at it*  I doona like to discuss my past.

Katie: Moving on. Can I touch your prosthetic hand and since this is purely for science, I'll need to sit in your lap. 
*Sharon hands Dougal a taser*
Dougal: *blinks in surprise at the girl in his lap and the taser in his hand* I doona want to hurt you, lass.  *He sets the taser down, then gently sets Katie on her feet*  I doona know why, but my new hand is behaving a wee bit strangely.   *He winces*  Ye willna tell Angus that, will ye? He may no’ let me keep my new job if he thinks I canna control my hand.
Katie: Oh no, your secret is safe with us. 

Sharon: What do you think about your author? She seems like a really nice lady. Got something you want to say to her?
Dougal: Och, ye mean Kerrelyn.  She frightens me a wee bit. She knows all my secrets, and she’s bound and determined to write it all doon.  She keeps telling me no’ to fash, that she can make all my dreams come true. I doona know how, since all my hope died long ago.
Katie: Poor, dear, sweet man. Let me hold you close and never let go. 
*Sharon tases Katie… just a little bit*

[The very non-frighting Kerrelyn looking sexy!]

Katie: I've a bone to pick with you. Why a dragon tattoo? I thought we talked about my name across your chest?
Dougal: *gives Katie a sad look* Och, lass. I appreciate yer concern, but I lost my heart many years ago.  As for the dragon... *He places his left hand over his chest as his eyes glaze over with a faraway look* It was her idea to use a symbol of power to cover up my mark of shame.  *He blinks and sits up*  I doona like to talk aboot it.

Katie: Can you play us a little melody on your bagpipes? I'm just going to lay across you while we listen. 
Dougal: *smiles*  The bagpipes are verra loud, ye ken. I prefer the Uillean pipes, but they rest in my lap while I’m sitting.  I canna hold ye both. *His smile fades away*  And I canna play verra well with this new hand. I can only manage a slow melody, the kind that tears at yer heart. So I’m afraid the rest of my life will be filled with nothing but sad music.  Och, wait a minute. *The strains of Auld Lang Syne fill the room and he reaches into his sporran for his cell phone*  Aye. Aye. Verra well. *He hangs up*  That was Kerrelyn, and she told me to stop being so bloody morose. She’s going to give me a happy ending if it kills her.
Sharon: Geez! I hope so cause your story is just so… so… *sniff* it’s just my allergies…

Sharon: It's time for some Rapid Fire questions. Hang on to your kilts! 

Dougal: *his prosthetic hand clutches his kilt*
*Sharon throws a moonpie at Katie when she tries to peek under his kilt*

Katie: Blondes or brunettes? 
Dougal: *gets that faraway look again* She had long black hair.
Katie: I distinctly just heard him say blonde. NEXT question! 

Sharon: Short gals or tall? 
Dougal: She was tall for her time, but I doona think she would be now.
Katie: Short, he said short. 

Katie: Feisty or subdued? 
Dougal: *smiles* She was raised to be subdued, but she surprised everyone.

Sharon: Star Trek or Star Wars? 
Dougal: *blinks* Och, I’ll have to go with Star Trek because of Scottie.

Katie: Choc body paint or message oil? 
Dougal: *sniffs* Is that why ye smell like chocolate, lass?
Katie: Hehe. Just a little something, for later. 

Sharon: Mint or gum?
Dougal: I have never tried gum, but I do like Vampos. That’s the after-dinner mint for vampires to get rid of blood breath. 

Katie: Hair up or hair down?
Dougal: Doon.

Sharon: Bleer or Bubbly Blood? 
Dougal: Bleer, though I like Blissky even better.

Katie: Fight a zombie or fight a dragon? 
Dougal: A dragon. A Chinese dragon like the one on my tattoo. I’d want to tame him, so I could ride him through the air. There’s no’ much ye can do with a zombie other than kill the puir bugger.

Sharon: Ride an elephant or Ride a bull?
Dougal: An elephant. There’s room for two.
Katie: Someone bring us an elephant! 
Sharon: NO! don’t bring us an elephant! Do you know how much they… um… just NO!

Katie: Dougal, you continue to rock my vampire world. Thank you for 
coming over to chat. You'll be taking me home as a door prize! 
Dougal: *winces and teleports away*
Katie: Not to worry. I know where he lives. 
*Sharon tases Katie, again* 
Sharon: Sorry, Katie, but we can’t afford another lawsuit.



The Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo releases August 27th. For more information, visit www.kerrelynsparks.com.

***GIVEAWAY***
Kerrelyn is offering up a signed copy of Wild About You and the anthology Vampires Gone Wild! To enter, fill out the raffledude below. 

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