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Love at Stake #1
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 witnessing 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?
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 witnessing 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?
371 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 26, 2005
660 people are currently reading
27489 people want to read
About the author
Kerrelyn Sparks
40 books5,773 followersKerrelyn Sparks apparently has issues with reality. After writing more than a dozen books about vampires, she has now completely gone off the deep end and wound up on another planet. But how thrilling that she can share this magical new world with her readers! Although she is best known (so far) for the Love at Stake series, which has hit as high as number 5 on the New York Times list and 22 on the USA Today list, she hopes her readers will love The Embraced as much as they did her merry band of vamps and shifters. To learn more about her paranormal, historical, and upcoming out-of-this-world fantasy romances, please visit Kerrelyn on Facebook, Twitter, or her website at www.kerrelynsparks.com.
Kerrelyn loves hearing from readers, even those who howl at the moon. Letters may be sent to P.O. Box 5512, Katy, TX 77491-5512. If you would like bookmarks and signed bookplates, please mail a Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope to her P.O. Box, and she will send those items to you.
Kerrelyn loves hearing from readers, even those who howl at the moon. Letters may be sent to P.O. Box 5512, Katy, TX 77491-5512. If you would like bookmarks and signed bookplates, please mail a Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope to her P.O. Box, and she will send those items to you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,052 reviews
December 29, 2012
What can I say...
The ideas in the book are interesting, it's what kept me reading. BUT the quality was horrible. felt like I was reading the draft of a book. Some things could have been fleshed out a lot more. Many things were repetitive! God's blood it was repetitive!! lol.
I give the ideas 3/5, quality 2/5.
Would I read it again? NO...
Continue the series? NO!
Recommend it? Maybe not. It annoyed me for the most part, especially the dumb rushed ending.
The ideas in the book are interesting, it's what kept me reading. BUT the quality was horrible. felt like I was reading the draft of a book. Some things could have been fleshed out a lot more. Many things were repetitive! God's blood it was repetitive!! lol.
I give the ideas 3/5, quality 2/5.
Would I read it again? NO...
Continue the series? NO!
Recommend it? Maybe not. It annoyed me for the most part, especially the dumb rushed ending.
May 28, 2021
Shanna arbeitet als Zahnärztin in einer Klinik, die 24 Stunden geöffnet ist. Eines Nachts taucht ein etwas seltsamer Patient bei ihr auf. Sie soll ihm seinen ausgefallenen Zahn wieder implantieren. Der Zahn sieht jedoch wie ein Wolfszahn aus; merkwürdig! Und dann überstürzen sich die Ereignisse, denn Shanna muss zusammen mit dem gutaussehenden Patienten fliehen... Auftragsmörder sind hinter ihr her...
**
Ein recht humorvoller und temporeicher Vampir-Liebes-Roman. Sehr leicht zu lesen und gut zum Abschalten und Entspannen!
**
Ein recht humorvoller und temporeicher Vampir-Liebes-Roman. Sehr leicht zu lesen und gut zum Abschalten und Entspannen!
November 5, 2016
You know those Master Vampires who are all suave, debonair, alpha-sexy, and charming as hell? This guy is the anti-that. Roman is a master vamp who is depressed, sexless, and a bit of a geek. He's into that sciency stuff. Now, I admit that I like to science with my friends, especially if it involves researching abs, alien sex, or mermen who don't have tails (or fins, or gills - why were they called mermen again?), and such. But, Roman spends all of his time in the lab doing non-vampire sex stuff. What the hell? He doesn't even wear leather pants! Seriously, he needs to give-up his sexy vampire membership card.
On the other hand, he employs an army of vampire highlanders. In kilts. So, come back, Roman, all is forgiven.
His kilted army finds out that there is a special CIA task force dedicated to wiping out all vampires.
"Can't we convince the CIA that some of us are peaceful?"
"we'll have to try" Angus folded his arms across his broad chest. "And if they doona believe we're peaceful, then we'll have to kill the bastards."
Roman frowned, somehow their Highlander logic escaped him.
Ooooh, I hope they fight! Maybe their kilts will get updrafted and we can get some answers to the age-old question.
This book was funny and very quirky. It was exactly what you would expect from a book that began with a vampire losing one of his fangs in a sex toy. But, even though it was pretty light and fluffy fun, the characters were super charming - and there were a lot of characters. I am really looking forward to reading more of this series.
really looking forward to it...
On the other hand, he employs an army of vampire highlanders. In kilts. So, come back, Roman, all is forgiven.
His kilted army finds out that there is a special CIA task force dedicated to wiping out all vampires.
"Can't we convince the CIA that some of us are peaceful?"
"we'll have to try" Angus folded his arms across his broad chest. "And if they doona believe we're peaceful, then we'll have to kill the bastards."
Roman frowned, somehow their Highlander logic escaped him.
Ooooh, I hope they fight! Maybe their kilts will get updrafted and we can get some answers to the age-old question.
This book was funny and very quirky. It was exactly what you would expect from a book that began with a vampire losing one of his fangs in a sex toy. But, even though it was pretty light and fluffy fun, the characters were super charming - and there were a lot of characters. I am really looking forward to reading more of this series.
really looking forward to it...
May 25, 2017
4.5 Stars I really enjoyed this book. I seen all the mixed reviews and I was worried so I put off reading this series for awhile, but this book was really good! This book was so funny. I enjoyed Roman and Shanna as a couple they were very cute, and I like the layout of this vampire world. I liked a lot of the other characters that you meet in this story and hope they get stories of their own.
Looking forward to reading the next one and I would highly recommend this book to any vamp book lovers!
Looking forward to reading the next one and I would highly recommend this book to any vamp book lovers!
January 24, 2011
^^HOW TO DO NUMEROUS EYE ROLLS!^^
I do believe this book was feckin with me, it was outrageous, and a little bit on the cheesy side. Let us rephrase, a lot on the cheesy side, and through all this, the book moves quite well. I laughed a little, and I did like some of the characters introduced, but sadly, it wasn’t the main characters.
Shanna is in the witness protection program, and is working as a dentist.
Ridiculous 1- she is afraid of blood, but she is a bloody dentist. I don’t know who thought this was a good idea but so the book went.
When a tall dark and handsome man walks into the 24hr dentist clinic (eye roll) Shanna has to get him out immediately. Seems the Russians who want her dead have found her and the tall, dark, and good-looking man is about to lose his life along with hers.
Roman needs a dentist when his fang breaks off in sex doll that also administers blood (eye roll #2). He has to get it fixed before he becomes the one fanged vampire, and become the laughing stock of the undead world. When he finds the 24hr clinic and meets its sexy dentist, he gets a lot more than having a broken a fang. He finds Shanna fascinating, because she is able to fight his mind control. Plus, she wild, funny and all that. When some thugs show up at the clinic, it seems Roman is just in time. He has the manpower to protect her, and protect her he will.
Alright, so the book becomes pretty typical. Girl starts to like man, man struggles with the fact that he is a monster, blah blah blah. I really believe this was some kind of vampire spoof. With all the bats and capes (eye roll #3). These vampires revel in the outrageousness with all the black and gloom.
I really have no strong feelings for Roman or Shanna, but I did like Roman’s security team. All the Scots with their kilt and burr, mmmm yummy.
Ridiculous 2- Mind sex! That’s only cool when I am faraway and we can’t have physical contact, or if I am in a meeting.
I have no idea if I will be continuing the series because of the whole series is set up like this, I am gonna need my crazy cap. Truthfully, I liked some parts of the book but in all honesty this book adds nothing to the PNR genre. It’s light, fluffy and super sweet.
I do believe this book was feckin with me, it was outrageous, and a little bit on the cheesy side. Let us rephrase, a lot on the cheesy side, and through all this, the book moves quite well. I laughed a little, and I did like some of the characters introduced, but sadly, it wasn’t the main characters.
Shanna is in the witness protection program, and is working as a dentist.
Ridiculous 1- she is afraid of blood, but she is a bloody dentist. I don’t know who thought this was a good idea but so the book went.
When a tall dark and handsome man walks into the 24hr dentist clinic (eye roll) Shanna has to get him out immediately. Seems the Russians who want her dead have found her and the tall, dark, and good-looking man is about to lose his life along with hers.
Roman needs a dentist when his fang breaks off in sex doll that also administers blood (eye roll #2). He has to get it fixed before he becomes the one fanged vampire, and become the laughing stock of the undead world. When he finds the 24hr clinic and meets its sexy dentist, he gets a lot more than having a broken a fang. He finds Shanna fascinating, because she is able to fight his mind control. Plus, she wild, funny and all that. When some thugs show up at the clinic, it seems Roman is just in time. He has the manpower to protect her, and protect her he will.
Alright, so the book becomes pretty typical. Girl starts to like man, man struggles with the fact that he is a monster, blah blah blah. I really believe this was some kind of vampire spoof. With all the bats and capes (eye roll #3). These vampires revel in the outrageousness with all the black and gloom.
I really have no strong feelings for Roman or Shanna, but I did like Roman’s security team. All the Scots with their kilt and burr, mmmm yummy.
Ridiculous 2- Mind sex! That’s only cool when I am faraway and we can’t have physical contact, or if I am in a meeting.
I have no idea if I will be continuing the series because of the whole series is set up like this, I am gonna need my crazy cap. Truthfully, I liked some parts of the book but in all honesty this book adds nothing to the PNR genre. It’s light, fluffy and super sweet.
July 13, 2011
Want to play a fun drinking game? Take a shot every time any character in this book cries, tears up, or their eyes start to burn. You'll be tanked for 12 hours straight.
June 27, 2017
Fluffy vamp book. I enjoyed how not cool Roman was. Yeah, he was tall, dark, and handsome, but he was so nerdy and morose that made him have zero charm and zero alpha-ness. He's not wimpy, just too busy being depressed to put forth alpha effort.
Shanna wasn't stupid or TSTL, appreciated that a lot. Would've liked to have seen her get mad more about some things and be less weepy. Overall, liked that she was boringly normal, a dentist.
Now gimme those kilted vamps. Woohoo.
Shanna wasn't stupid or TSTL, appreciated that a lot. Would've liked to have seen her get mad more about some things and be less weepy. Overall, liked that she was boringly normal, a dentist.
Now gimme those kilted vamps. Woohoo.
August 27, 2013
I just...I just...I just can't. I tried.
November 6, 2020
Mental vampire orgies, y’all.
November 20, 2015
A big thanks to my GR friends who recommended this story! You were all right; it's funny, quirky, sexy, and I'm looking forward to reading more!
May 20, 2017
Roman Draganesti has been a vampire for over 500 hundred years, and is simply put a genius; especially when it comes to the sciences. He is the leader of his coven and is responsible for everyone in it. Roman is a tormented vampire, who believes he is a 'demon from Hell' and even though has helped hundreds in need, he is very miserable. One evening, one of his scientists, Lazlo brings in a fake female body, that is nude and looks real, but thinks will help vampires with the need to sink their fangs into mortals necks, this way there is no risk to humans. Lazlo has also filled this fake specimen with blood, so Roman decides to sink his teeth into it, only by doing so one of his fangs comes out. He is horrified, since it has never happened to a vampire before, let alone someone as old as he is. So he intends to go to a dentist to fix this mess before the sun comes up. Shanna Whelan, is on the run from the russian mafia, who wants her dead. She is in witness protection, and is a dentist since it is something that she loves doing; however she has one slight problem she has a fear of blood. Then she gets a call and she knows the mafia has found her so she runs to flee and runs into Roman Draganesti, who seems charming and handsome but not knowing who he really is she pulls a gun on him. Of course guns with regualar bullets won't harm very much vampires, so Roman of course finds the situation humorous. Who wouldn't if one was a vampire right? Roman, accustomed to danger sweeps her off her feet (literally) and saves her life and protects her from those that want to kill her. Therein starts this sensational but dramatic love story, that goes on a ride with ups and down and gives you a thrill of adventure, passion and love.
I have always loved reading Kerrelyn Sparks, every time I read one of her books, I find myself unable to turn away from any of them, this one is no different. I realize I am totally reading this 'Love At Stake' Series out of order, but then I just discovered Sparks not too long ago. So I was really excited when I found this one at the library. I have really wanted to read Roman and Shanna's story, which was just as enchanting as I thought that it would be. You have Roman who is a tormented man, who struggles with his past, since before he became a vampire he was a monk, and believes that God has betrayed him. But throughout this book, Roman figures out the God doesn't betray anyone, especially those that are good. In this one there is a bit of spiritual element, due to the fact of who Roman is as a person, who has tried to right all of the wrongs in his past. Then he finds Shanna who is unlike any mortal that he has ever met. First off she can resist his mental manipulation, which alone makes her special; and the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that he cannot possibly live without her. Shanna has been on the run, ever since her friend died, and has had to leave all that she knew behind and start a new life. However right when she does, danger and the threats come back to haunt her once more, until she meets the enigmatic handsome stranger that saves her life and protects her. Shanna knows there is something suspicious about him and his personnel, besides the fact that most of his security at night wear kilts and sporans and swords, its like she has been taken back to the medieval time. I definitely loved this one, (especially the whole security guards that are handsome, virile Scots and wear kilts who can resist such a read right?) This book had me cracking up, and tearing up a few times. It was a emotional roller coaster, a ride that I definitely enjoyed taking and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
I have always loved reading Kerrelyn Sparks, every time I read one of her books, I find myself unable to turn away from any of them, this one is no different. I realize I am totally reading this 'Love At Stake' Series out of order, but then I just discovered Sparks not too long ago. So I was really excited when I found this one at the library. I have really wanted to read Roman and Shanna's story, which was just as enchanting as I thought that it would be. You have Roman who is a tormented man, who struggles with his past, since before he became a vampire he was a monk, and believes that God has betrayed him. But throughout this book, Roman figures out the God doesn't betray anyone, especially those that are good. In this one there is a bit of spiritual element, due to the fact of who Roman is as a person, who has tried to right all of the wrongs in his past. Then he finds Shanna who is unlike any mortal that he has ever met. First off she can resist his mental manipulation, which alone makes her special; and the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that he cannot possibly live without her. Shanna has been on the run, ever since her friend died, and has had to leave all that she knew behind and start a new life. However right when she does, danger and the threats come back to haunt her once more, until she meets the enigmatic handsome stranger that saves her life and protects her. Shanna knows there is something suspicious about him and his personnel, besides the fact that most of his security at night wear kilts and sporans and swords, its like she has been taken back to the medieval time. I definitely loved this one, (especially the whole security guards that are handsome, virile Scots and wear kilts who can resist such a read right?) This book had me cracking up, and tearing up a few times. It was a emotional roller coaster, a ride that I definitely enjoyed taking and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
September 26, 2018
Read for 2018 URR Halloween challenge: vampire romance.
I put off reading this for a long time because I just knew it would be campy. And silly. But then I thought to myself What's wrong with campy and silly? Campy and silly can be fun. And you know what? I'm right. It can be fun. But this wasn't campy and silly, this was just ridiculous and bordering on cringe-worthy. It wasn't that there was one thing that disappointed me or a few things that could have been better, it was just all of it.
So Roman, a super old woe is me I'm damned because I'm a vampire, God has abandoned me, and no one will ever love me because I'm a demon from hell vampire decides to test a new (designed by someone who works for him) sex doll that not only functions in its original capacity, has been altered to also provide a simulated experience of feeding on humans. You know, as a safe alternative to sucking people dry. So, Roman goes for it and his fang falls out. You know, because apparently rubber or whatever is super strong. So, knowing that if his body heals without the tooth in there, he'd lose it forever, he decides to find a 24-hour dentist. He does. So he barges in and meets Shanna, his dentist. Roman tries to use his mind mojo to make her do the procedure without her freaking out about the fact that it's a fang and finds her strangely resistant to it. Color him intrigued. At the same time, Shanna is found by the people who are responsible for the fact that she's in the witness protection program and they come after her. Luckily for her, Roman decides to help and he realizes she has a connection to a vampire he's been in a feud with for centuries. So naturally, he takes Shanna to his place for protection while hoping he can hide the fact that he's a vampire. This is a logical decision because there's nothing like taking a human to a giant mansion filled with literally dozens of other vampires to make sure she'll never figure out that you're a vampire.
So then there's a bunch of She must never know I'm a vampire! and then I must show her that it can work between a vampire and a human! with a little good vamp vs bad vamp action thrown in. A few bad humans join in the mix with major prejudice against the living-challenged. There was some really strange cultural vampire stuff thrown in that really could have been cool but just fell flat. I'm still baffled by the fact that for the most part, Roman was almost as vulnerable as Shanna. Sure, he might heal, but only if A, B, and C happened and if E, F, and G, weren't happening at the same time. For me personally, half the point of PNR is the sexy super powerful vamp/shifter/immortal/whathaveyou. Roman was so killable he was in essence, just a guy with weird teeth and a strange feeding habit who was decent at hand to hand combat.
This book was just basically one swing and miss after another. Roman was strong, but not really. Because he didn't drink from humans, he and all other "good" vampires were weak. Half of every day he was literally dead and useless. Hell, a large portion of garlic-y bruschetta would hurt these vampires. And don't even get me started on the whole harem thing. Yuck.
I'm sitting here trying to balance all of my complaints with something nice to say and I'm not going to lie, I can't think of a single thing I liked about this book. It wasn't an atrocious dear god, how did this book get made kind of book, I can see how this book could be entertaining, I just didn't like it. I didn't even enjoy the romance. Shanna was genuinely repulsed by the fact that Roman was a vampire and had to work really hard to convince herself that he was an okay guy. The fact that he was a brilliant scientist was the main selling point. What if he had just been a run of the mill super old vampire? What if night gardening was his thing? Would she have walked away? Probably. His vampirism was just something she had to learn to live with. He had to train himself not to want her blood, and she had to learn to accept that his instinct was to eat people. Which, in my opinion, is really not romantic. Which is kind of the point of a romance novel.
So much wasted potential. I love funny rom-com style PNR but I can't really recommend this.
I put off reading this for a long time because I just knew it would be campy. And silly. But then I thought to myself What's wrong with campy and silly? Campy and silly can be fun. And you know what? I'm right. It can be fun. But this wasn't campy and silly, this was just ridiculous and bordering on cringe-worthy. It wasn't that there was one thing that disappointed me or a few things that could have been better, it was just all of it.
So Roman, a super old woe is me I'm damned because I'm a vampire, God has abandoned me, and no one will ever love me because I'm a demon from hell vampire decides to test a new (designed by someone who works for him) sex doll that not only functions in its original capacity, has been altered to also provide a simulated experience of feeding on humans. You know, as a safe alternative to sucking people dry. So, Roman goes for it and his fang falls out. You know, because apparently rubber or whatever is super strong. So, knowing that if his body heals without the tooth in there, he'd lose it forever, he decides to find a 24-hour dentist. He does. So he barges in and meets Shanna, his dentist. Roman tries to use his mind mojo to make her do the procedure without her freaking out about the fact that it's a fang and finds her strangely resistant to it. Color him intrigued. At the same time, Shanna is found by the people who are responsible for the fact that she's in the witness protection program and they come after her. Luckily for her, Roman decides to help and he realizes she has a connection to a vampire he's been in a feud with for centuries. So naturally, he takes Shanna to his place for protection while hoping he can hide the fact that he's a vampire. This is a logical decision because there's nothing like taking a human to a giant mansion filled with literally dozens of other vampires to make sure she'll never figure out that you're a vampire.
So then there's a bunch of She must never know I'm a vampire! and then I must show her that it can work between a vampire and a human! with a little good vamp vs bad vamp action thrown in. A few bad humans join in the mix with major prejudice against the living-challenged. There was some really strange cultural vampire stuff thrown in that really could have been cool but just fell flat. I'm still baffled by the fact that for the most part, Roman was almost as vulnerable as Shanna. Sure, he might heal, but only if A, B, and C happened and if E, F, and G, weren't happening at the same time. For me personally, half the point of PNR is the sexy super powerful vamp/shifter/immortal/whathaveyou. Roman was so killable he was in essence, just a guy with weird teeth and a strange feeding habit who was decent at hand to hand combat.
This book was just basically one swing and miss after another. Roman was strong, but not really. Because he didn't drink from humans, he and all other "good" vampires were weak. Half of every day he was literally dead and useless. Hell, a large portion of garlic-y bruschetta would hurt these vampires. And don't even get me started on the whole harem thing. Yuck.
I'm sitting here trying to balance all of my complaints with something nice to say and I'm not going to lie, I can't think of a single thing I liked about this book. It wasn't an atrocious dear god, how did this book get made kind of book, I can see how this book could be entertaining, I just didn't like it. I didn't even enjoy the romance. Shanna was genuinely repulsed by the fact that Roman was a vampire and had to work really hard to convince herself that he was an okay guy. The fact that he was a brilliant scientist was the main selling point. What if he had just been a run of the mill super old vampire? What if night gardening was his thing? Would she have walked away? Probably. His vampirism was just something she had to learn to live with. He had to train himself not to want her blood, and she had to learn to accept that his instinct was to eat people. Which, in my opinion, is really not romantic. Which is kind of the point of a romance novel.
So much wasted potential. I love funny rom-com style PNR but I can't really recommend this.
July 4, 2017
Okay boys and mostly girls - let's play a new drinking game, shall we? Every time Roman, the hero of the story says, 'God's blood,' take a shot! Note to self: Make out last will and testament before I die of alcohol poisoning!
Really, how can this be so popular? I listened to this on audio, big mistake I think, because it just draws attention to the dialog so much more. Usually, that's a good thing, but in this case, not so much! At one time near the beginning, I counted 6-7 times Roman says God's blood in like a 5 minute period. Simply ridiculous! This book had me rolling my eyes so much, I just kept thinking, 'it can't get any worse.' Wrong!
First off, Roman is a 500+ year old vampire, (and a physical virgin, if not a mental virgin - please don't ask, it's too weird for words) who is a former monk, and feels he's a 'demon from hell.' (Note, this phrase can be substituted for the drinking game, however I would not add it, otherwise, you might as well drink the Mississippi!) He's created artificial blood so vamps can stop killing the mortals and save their lives. But he's the worst person/vampire in the world because he has done bad things. After 500 years, you'd figure this guy would have let it go, just a little. But not Roman. Multi-billionaire, creator of thousands of jobs, saver of lives, he's not worthy. Whatever!! It got real old, real fast, and he was not enjoyable to read about. It was a chore, in fact.
Then we have the dentist (really sexy there, lol) Shanna, who is afraid of blood because she saw her best friend get murdered, and is currently in the witness protection program and the Russians who have been wanting to kill her have found her, conviently on the same night (in an all night dental clinic - do those even exist?) that Roman has had a fang pop out after biting a blow-up sex doll. No freakin' joke folks! I am not making this up. Of course Roman saves her, and even though she's supposively wary of strangers, she goes with him willingly. People are out to kill her and she jumps in a car with two men she's never seen, one who wants her to put a 'wolf's tooth,' (another acceptable subsitution for the drinking game) in his mouth. Riiiigghhhtt. Makes perfect sense. Obviously she doesn't realize right away he's some sort of freak, and instantly starts to fall in love with him and cry over all the injustices the world has brought against him. Cue the violins. Then she finds out what he is, and still, she's drawn to him. Woe is her because nothing in her life can be normal, she can't have the normal husband, with the normal career, with the normal 2.4 kids, with the normal house, with the normal white picket fence, with the normal big dog because Russians are out to kill her and she's in love with a vampire who wants to drink her blood, but he's such a good man. Or demon from hell. She can't decide which. I really can't believe this is so popular!
Don't forget her father, who shipped her off to boarding school because she has a pyschic gift to block vampire thoughts like daddy, and is also CIA, in a group designed to kill all vampires (a group of 5 to kill thousands, maybe millions - totally possible) called, get this - Stake Out. Could this get any cornier? Daddy doesn't want her to be with vampires obviously, don't know why he hates them so, other than that they are, say it all with me, 'demons from hell.' But Shanna is convinced Daddy Dearest will come around soon. And she loves him, but doesn't want to become a vampire. Since this is where it stops and it's a series, it will be interesting to see where this will go. Yes, I will probably read the next one, whenever I need something utterly ridiculous to make me question my sanity, so probably in a few weeks.
So why 2 stars and not 1? Well, the premise of the book is really quite funny, and it did make me laugh. In fact, this whole book made me laugh! And groan, and smack my forehead, and question my sanity. But whatever, it was so corny, I couldn't not read, like a bad train wreck, you just can't look away. The dialogue is silly, and often repeats what the character has just thought, so the repitition gets old. After 3 days, they decide to get married. I hate this when the hero/heroine have no prior connections. I did like the highlanders, and I'm hoping one of them gets the next book, because who doesn't love a sexy authentic highlander in a kilt, who's also a vampire! I also like Gregorio, Lazlo and their mother, Redinko. Hopefully they will be featured more in the next one. If you want to drive yourself nuts, go for it!! This will be lots of fun!
Really, how can this be so popular? I listened to this on audio, big mistake I think, because it just draws attention to the dialog so much more. Usually, that's a good thing, but in this case, not so much! At one time near the beginning, I counted 6-7 times Roman says God's blood in like a 5 minute period. Simply ridiculous! This book had me rolling my eyes so much, I just kept thinking, 'it can't get any worse.' Wrong!
First off, Roman is a 500+ year old vampire, (and a physical virgin, if not a mental virgin - please don't ask, it's too weird for words) who is a former monk, and feels he's a 'demon from hell.' (Note, this phrase can be substituted for the drinking game, however I would not add it, otherwise, you might as well drink the Mississippi!) He's created artificial blood so vamps can stop killing the mortals and save their lives. But he's the worst person/vampire in the world because he has done bad things. After 500 years, you'd figure this guy would have let it go, just a little. But not Roman. Multi-billionaire, creator of thousands of jobs, saver of lives, he's not worthy. Whatever!! It got real old, real fast, and he was not enjoyable to read about. It was a chore, in fact.
Then we have the dentist (really sexy there, lol) Shanna, who is afraid of blood because she saw her best friend get murdered, and is currently in the witness protection program and the Russians who have been wanting to kill her have found her, conviently on the same night (in an all night dental clinic - do those even exist?) that Roman has had a fang pop out after biting a blow-up sex doll. No freakin' joke folks! I am not making this up. Of course Roman saves her, and even though she's supposively wary of strangers, she goes with him willingly. People are out to kill her and she jumps in a car with two men she's never seen, one who wants her to put a 'wolf's tooth,' (another acceptable subsitution for the drinking game) in his mouth. Riiiigghhhtt. Makes perfect sense. Obviously she doesn't realize right away he's some sort of freak, and instantly starts to fall in love with him and cry over all the injustices the world has brought against him. Cue the violins. Then she finds out what he is, and still, she's drawn to him. Woe is her because nothing in her life can be normal, she can't have the normal husband, with the normal career, with the normal 2.4 kids, with the normal house, with the normal white picket fence, with the normal big dog because Russians are out to kill her and she's in love with a vampire who wants to drink her blood, but he's such a good man. Or demon from hell. She can't decide which. I really can't believe this is so popular!
Don't forget her father, who shipped her off to boarding school because she has a pyschic gift to block vampire thoughts like daddy, and is also CIA, in a group designed to kill all vampires (a group of 5 to kill thousands, maybe millions - totally possible) called, get this - Stake Out. Could this get any cornier? Daddy doesn't want her to be with vampires obviously, don't know why he hates them so, other than that they are, say it all with me, 'demons from hell.' But Shanna is convinced Daddy Dearest will come around soon. And she loves him, but doesn't want to become a vampire. Since this is where it stops and it's a series, it will be interesting to see where this will go. Yes, I will probably read the next one, whenever I need something utterly ridiculous to make me question my sanity, so probably in a few weeks.
So why 2 stars and not 1? Well, the premise of the book is really quite funny, and it did make me laugh. In fact, this whole book made me laugh! And groan, and smack my forehead, and question my sanity. But whatever, it was so corny, I couldn't not read, like a bad train wreck, you just can't look away. The dialogue is silly, and often repeats what the character has just thought, so the repitition gets old. After 3 days, they decide to get married. I hate this when the hero/heroine have no prior connections. I did like the highlanders, and I'm hoping one of them gets the next book, because who doesn't love a sexy authentic highlander in a kilt, who's also a vampire! I also like Gregorio, Lazlo and their mother, Redinko. Hopefully they will be featured more in the next one. If you want to drive yourself nuts, go for it!! This will be lots of fun!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2018
WARNING: REVIEW MAY CONTAIN BAD VAMPIRE PUNS AND SEXUAL REFERENCES. [4.7/5 stars]
WARNING: REVIEW MAY CONTAIN BAD VAMPIRE PUNS AND SEXUAL REFERENCES. REVIEW IS NOT SUITABLE FOR YOUNG READERS
Wow, did things get hot in this book!
If you're looking for a quirky, laugh-out-loud vampire read, then sink your fangs (I mean fang) into this book!! I would definitely recommend this book to paranormal and vampire lovers. Although the book is NOT suitable for young readers.
From the very first chapter, I could not stop laughing. The incredulity and humor made this book seem fresh and lighthearted. I never thought you could pair the gloominess of vampirism with cheesy humor but Sparks achieved a paranormal action/adventure with a modern twist.
Roman Draganesti is an arrogant, rich and charming vampire. Yet he's in a predicament and enlists the help of Shanna Whelan to help his condition. She's in abit of trouble herself; after witnessing a gruesome murder, she finds herself a target on the mob's hit list. After deadly shootouts, assassination attempts and attraction to vampire Roman, Shanna finds herself propelled into the unknown world of vampires.
My first (and only) whinge about this book was the repetitive statement of "God's blood". This was an expression often used to depict a characters surprise, shock or lust. It got really old (ancient vampire old) after the tenth time in which it is used and is probably mentioned about 101 times. By the end, I had almost staked myself in frustration. A suggestion would be to find several substitute expressions and use them interchangeably. It would mix it up a little.
Now let's get back to the story. The predicament Roman got himself into?
His fang got stuck in a sex toy.
This is one of the books where you have to read it to believe it.
Shanna was a tough character with, ironically, a weakness for blood. What I liked was her ability to stand up for herself- an ideal trait in any paranormal heroine.
Roman - The Millionaire Vampire
Roman was instantly likeable. He's witty, clever, caring, arrogant and full of sexual comments and innuendos.
.....Now cue the unresolved sexual tension! ;)
Despite his arrogance, he was selfless, vulnerable and easy to fall in love with.
Funny scene/quote
I'd have to put the whole book here but this part made me laugh.
What even is this book? Haha
This book is filled with adventure, vampires, action and humor wrapped into one big package. [That innuendo ;)]
Definitely a must-read for all paranormal lovers!
WARNING: REVIEW MAY CONTAIN BAD VAMPIRE PUNS AND SEXUAL REFERENCES. REVIEW IS NOT SUITABLE FOR YOUNG READERS
Wow, did things get hot in this book!
If you're looking for a quirky, laugh-out-loud vampire read, then sink your fangs (I mean fang) into this book!! I would definitely recommend this book to paranormal and vampire lovers. Although the book is NOT suitable for young readers.
From the very first chapter, I could not stop laughing. The incredulity and humor made this book seem fresh and lighthearted. I never thought you could pair the gloominess of vampirism with cheesy humor but Sparks achieved a paranormal action/adventure with a modern twist.
Roman Draganesti is an arrogant, rich and charming vampire. Yet he's in a predicament and enlists the help of Shanna Whelan to help his condition. She's in abit of trouble herself; after witnessing a gruesome murder, she finds herself a target on the mob's hit list. After deadly shootouts, assassination attempts and attraction to vampire Roman, Shanna finds herself propelled into the unknown world of vampires.
My first (and only) whinge about this book was the repetitive statement of "God's blood". This was an expression often used to depict a characters surprise, shock or lust. It got really old (ancient vampire old) after the tenth time in which it is used and is probably mentioned about 101 times. By the end, I had almost staked myself in frustration. A suggestion would be to find several substitute expressions and use them interchangeably. It would mix it up a little.
Now let's get back to the story. The predicament Roman got himself into?
His fang got stuck in a sex toy.
This is one of the books where you have to read it to believe it.
She wiggled until her nose and mouth found a pocket of air. After a few deep breaths, she realized her precious pocket of air was the crevice between his legs. Wonderful. She was doing heavy breathing on his crotch.
Shanna was a tough character with, ironically, a weakness for blood. What I liked was her ability to stand up for herself- an ideal trait in any paranormal heroine.
She gathered all her strength, every fiber of resistance, and rammed her knee into his groin.
Roman - The Millionaire Vampire
Roman was instantly likeable. He's witty, clever, caring, arrogant and full of sexual comments and innuendos.
She gave him a suspicious look. "You wouldn't do any of those weird post-hypnotic suggestions, would you? Like making me strip naked and crow like a rooster whenever someone yells taxi."
"I have no desire to see you crow. And as for the other-" He leaned closer and whispered, "It sounds most intriguing, but I would prefer any stripping to be totally voluntary."
.....Now cue the unresolved sexual tension! ;)
Despite his arrogance, he was selfless, vulnerable and easy to fall in love with.
Funny scene/quote
I'd have to put the whole book here but this part made me laugh.
"Sir!" Laszlo's voice rose an octave. He twirled a button with his fingers. "There isn't enough time for-for two treatments. You must decide between your-your tooth or your...." With a grimace, he glanced at Roman's swollen jeans.
My fang or my yang?
What even is this book? Haha
This book is filled with adventure, vampires, action and humor wrapped into one big package. [That innuendo ;)]
Definitely a must-read for all paranormal lovers!
March 13, 2011
Although I'm only halfway through, I feel compelled to post a review. To compare, I like this a lot more than the annoying "Sookie Stackhouse" novel though it sort of reminds me of it. There are two extremely annoying things about this book:
1. "God's Blood!" This is the phrase that the main character utters every other paragraph. It was mildly cute the first time, annoying the second time, and by the 2,456th time I gladly would have dug out my eyeballs with a rusty spoon to avoid seeing it typed out again. It made me lose an enormous amount of respect for this seemingly sexy and amazing lead vampire character.
2. I know it might seem necessary, but the heroine's utter bewilderment in discovering -and denying- the vampire world seems incredibly painful and drawn out. I wish she would stop being so dense about every little thing and just realize and accept it already so we (the readers) don't have to be water-tortured by her inability to cope. I feel this character flaw directly conflicts with her other supposed "worldly and street-smart" survival abilities, for example blocking vampire mind control and general survival and defense against the Russian mafia. I am beginning to dislike her as much as Sookie Stackhouse. Can we for once have a heroine that is smart, tough and capable?
To reiterate, I LIKE this book. I am already planning to read the other 150 pages but if these two pet peeves continue to haunt the pages I am not sure I will pick up book #2.
One last thing: Give me more Highlanders! I loved them and I want to hear more about them.
1. "God's Blood!" This is the phrase that the main character utters every other paragraph. It was mildly cute the first time, annoying the second time, and by the 2,456th time I gladly would have dug out my eyeballs with a rusty spoon to avoid seeing it typed out again. It made me lose an enormous amount of respect for this seemingly sexy and amazing lead vampire character.
2. I know it might seem necessary, but the heroine's utter bewilderment in discovering -and denying- the vampire world seems incredibly painful and drawn out. I wish she would stop being so dense about every little thing and just realize and accept it already so we (the readers) don't have to be water-tortured by her inability to cope. I feel this character flaw directly conflicts with her other supposed "worldly and street-smart" survival abilities, for example blocking vampire mind control and general survival and defense against the Russian mafia. I am beginning to dislike her as much as Sookie Stackhouse. Can we for once have a heroine that is smart, tough and capable?
To reiterate, I LIKE this book. I am already planning to read the other 150 pages but if these two pet peeves continue to haunt the pages I am not sure I will pick up book #2.
One last thing: Give me more Highlanders! I loved them and I want to hear more about them.
March 12, 2015
Funny, I snickered through out the book. Light and funny, not anything too deep. Great romance and characters some in Kilts.
August 10, 2017
Me encanta! No lo he dejado ni un minuto! Necesitaba un cambio de lecturas y personajes y nada mejor que un vampiro.
Roman y Shanna son adorables pero lo que más me gustaron si es posible fueron los highlanders (como no!!!! Jajajaja)
El padre de Shanna dios que pesadito de verdad espero que no vuelva a por ellos otra vez. Joder no puede entender y dejar en paz a su hija? No 🙄🙄🙄🙄
Me he reído mucho con Shanna, sobre todo la primera vez cuando pensó que estaba dormido y le hizo pedorretas en la barriga 😂😂😂😂😂 JAJAJAJAJAJAJAJ casi muero de risa allí mismo. Me han dado momentos estupendos, me han hecho sufrir y tener el corazón en un puño! Es un libro estupendo y ligero la verdad. Muy recomendado 😃
Roman y Shanna son adorables pero lo que más me gustaron si es posible fueron los highlanders (como no!!!! Jajajaja)
El padre de Shanna dios que pesadito de verdad espero que no vuelva a por ellos otra vez. Joder no puede entender y dejar en paz a su hija? No 🙄🙄🙄🙄
Me he reído mucho con Shanna, sobre todo la primera vez cuando pensó que estaba dormido y le hizo pedorretas en la barriga 😂😂😂😂😂 JAJAJAJAJAJAJAJ casi muero de risa allí mismo. Me han dado momentos estupendos, me han hecho sufrir y tener el corazón en un puño! Es un libro estupendo y ligero la verdad. Muy recomendado 😃
January 4, 2016
1 star
Okeey, so this was a disappointment...
I really hoped this would be interesting, but it ended up being completely flat.
The poor centuries old vampire who was a monk and still believes in god, ya da ya da... Got real tired, real fast.
The whole thing about vampires being "creatures from hell" too. One thing is them being Buffy-like, but now this? come ON. have mercy on ME.
The only cool thing in this book was how the main character is a vampire scientist! Now that I enjoyed, but the rest, the characters didn't inspire anything in me but rage and eye rolling... Couldn't even finish this book even though there was so little left, I just didn't have it in me to care.
Okeey, so this was a disappointment...
I really hoped this would be interesting, but it ended up being completely flat.
The poor centuries old vampire who was a monk and still believes in god, ya da ya da... Got real tired, real fast.
The whole thing about vampires being "creatures from hell" too. One thing is them being Buffy-like, but now this? come ON. have mercy on ME.
The only cool thing in this book was how the main character is a vampire scientist! Now that I enjoyed, but the rest, the characters didn't inspire anything in me but rage and eye rolling... Couldn't even finish this book even though there was so little left, I just didn't have it in me to care.
October 24, 2015
*** 2.65. ***
I was not planning on writing a review on this one, since there were quite a few things I found lacking, but I do have to say something that truly bothers me... Why do all the stupid, lowlife, and imbecile bad guys have to be Russian??? And what makes the whole Western culture so very blaze and comfortable with those cultural stereotypes? I just don't get it, since as a culture, Russia has always valued education, literature, art and intellectual curiosity very highly! The literacy levels there are higher than the US and UK, and families still encourage children to pursue higher education... The worst part of the education there is propaganda, but it is neither better nor worse than the propaganda in the West, so I say it is pretty even... Just saying...
I was not planning on writing a review on this one, since there were quite a few things I found lacking, but I do have to say something that truly bothers me... Why do all the stupid, lowlife, and imbecile bad guys have to be Russian??? And what makes the whole Western culture so very blaze and comfortable with those cultural stereotypes? I just don't get it, since as a culture, Russia has always valued education, literature, art and intellectual curiosity very highly! The literacy levels there are higher than the US and UK, and families still encourage children to pursue higher education... The worst part of the education there is propaganda, but it is neither better nor worse than the propaganda in the West, so I say it is pretty even... Just saying...
October 1, 2013
I was really liking this book straight from page one.I found myself laughing out loud at a few things, but as the story carried on laughter turned into frustration and annoyance. Shanna basically cried through the entire book. It was nerve wrecking, every little thing brought tears to her eyes. I did like Roman he was definitely an interesting character as well as a few others. The Highlanders really peeked my interest. I hope they get books of their own. This series will probably be one I read as an in between.
July 7, 2025
4.75 stars
FUNNY! It started funny and the humor is throughout the book. It moves quickly and is a really fun read. You can't help but to really like both Shanna & Roman. They make you smile.
Don't look for erotic scenes. What little there is became victim to humor.
Most of this book is naïve & unsophisticated. More of a Young Adult/New Adult type romance. This book shows potential for a great series. It was published in 2009 & has me curious as to how the series has developed.
Hopefully, the few problems I had with this book has been taken care of in the next book. We will see, since I plan on reading book 2 in the near future.
FUNNY! It started funny and the humor is throughout the book. It moves quickly and is a really fun read. You can't help but to really like both Shanna & Roman. They make you smile.
Don't look for erotic scenes. What little there is became victim to humor.
Most of this book is naïve & unsophisticated. More of a Young Adult/New Adult type romance. This book shows potential for a great series. It was published in 2009 & has me curious as to how the series has developed.
Hopefully, the few problems I had with this book has been taken care of in the next book. We will see, since I plan on reading book 2 in the near future.
May 19, 2019
So Roman isn't your typical suave and sophisticated vampire, in fact he's more of a geeky scientist, but since that's enabled him to create a synthetic blood that vampires can live off instead of munching on humans it's not really a bad thing. His life starts to get complicated when he bites into something he shouldn't have and accidentally pulls out one of his fangs. If he doesn't get it re-implanted before his vampire healing kicks in then he'll forever be known as a one-fanged-wonder and turned into a vampire laughing stock. It's time to find a dentist stat!
Shanna isn't your typical dentist considering she's now terrified at the sight of blood. She's currently living under witness protection after witnessing a brutal murder and agreeing to testify against the mafia but it looks like her new identity has been compromised and her life is now in danger. Luckily Roman turns up just in time to save her life but if she can't get over her fear of blood she's not going to be able to return the favour and rescue his fang.
How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire is the first book in Kerrelyn Sparks' Love at Stake series and what a great introduction to the world she's created. The story was full of humour and the incident where Roman lost his fang had me laughing out loud. It looks like this is going to be a very fun and light hearted paranormal romance series and I'm definitely looking forward to getting to know the other characters better, especially since a lot of them are highland warrior vampires.
I did have a couple of issues with the vampire harem and the way they were portrayed though, it's one of those series where women seem to see each other as competition and therefore the enemy and that's not something I'm a fan of. I'm hoping that is something that will change as the series continues though and I enjoyed the rest of the book enough that I'm willing to look past that and continue reading. I think things are about to get exciting now that the cat is out of the bag and the government are aware of the existence of vampires and it'll be interesting to see how both sides react to that news.
Shanna isn't your typical dentist considering she's now terrified at the sight of blood. She's currently living under witness protection after witnessing a brutal murder and agreeing to testify against the mafia but it looks like her new identity has been compromised and her life is now in danger. Luckily Roman turns up just in time to save her life but if she can't get over her fear of blood she's not going to be able to return the favour and rescue his fang.
How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire is the first book in Kerrelyn Sparks' Love at Stake series and what a great introduction to the world she's created. The story was full of humour and the incident where Roman lost his fang had me laughing out loud. It looks like this is going to be a very fun and light hearted paranormal romance series and I'm definitely looking forward to getting to know the other characters better, especially since a lot of them are highland warrior vampires.
I did have a couple of issues with the vampire harem and the way they were portrayed though, it's one of those series where women seem to see each other as competition and therefore the enemy and that's not something I'm a fan of. I'm hoping that is something that will change as the series continues though and I enjoyed the rest of the book enough that I'm willing to look past that and continue reading. I think things are about to get exciting now that the cat is out of the bag and the government are aware of the existence of vampires and it'll be interesting to see how both sides react to that news.
December 14, 2019
Romanceopoly reading challenge: Creature Crescent
Landed on: 03 January (3rd Pick)
Read on: 25 January
3.5 Stars
I have had this book on my kindle since February 2011...it's only taken my 8 years to finally pick it up! Which, is one of the reasons I really love our Romanceopoly challenge, it's got me checking through all my books and giving me an excuse to finally pick up some of the older titles. Of course, when you're picking up older releases it does mean you run the risk of them feeling a little dated. How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire was originally published in 2005, 14 years on it definitely feels *ponders for a second* like a classic old skool paranormal romance.
It felt nostalgic reading this book, it took me back to when I first started reading paranormal romances and the likes of Christine Warren, Lynsay Sands and Shelley Laurenston were bringing out the first installments of their paranormal series. They all excelled at bringing our paranormal romance that was sexy, fun and didn't take itself too seriously. Which perfectly describes How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire. It was a little tongue in cheek and was a lot of fun.
The romance aspect between Roman our broody former monk turned vampire and Shanna a human dentist was very entertaining. They didn't have a massive amount of sexual chemistry, in fact if you're after a really sexy paranormal romance than this isn't the book to choose, but I did enjoy seeing their developing relationship. However, for me it was some of the side characters that I enjoyed the most, they added a lot of the levity in this book. I plan on continuing to read this series, so I can't wait for them all to eventually have their own books.
An enjoyable book, great if you want a light hearted paranormal romance and don't mind a few dated references.
Landed on: 03 January (3rd Pick)
Read on: 25 January
3.5 Stars
I have had this book on my kindle since February 2011...it's only taken my 8 years to finally pick it up! Which, is one of the reasons I really love our Romanceopoly challenge, it's got me checking through all my books and giving me an excuse to finally pick up some of the older titles. Of course, when you're picking up older releases it does mean you run the risk of them feeling a little dated. How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire was originally published in 2005, 14 years on it definitely feels *ponders for a second* like a classic old skool paranormal romance.
It felt nostalgic reading this book, it took me back to when I first started reading paranormal romances and the likes of Christine Warren, Lynsay Sands and Shelley Laurenston were bringing out the first installments of their paranormal series. They all excelled at bringing our paranormal romance that was sexy, fun and didn't take itself too seriously. Which perfectly describes How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire. It was a little tongue in cheek and was a lot of fun.
The romance aspect between Roman our broody former monk turned vampire and Shanna a human dentist was very entertaining. They didn't have a massive amount of sexual chemistry, in fact if you're after a really sexy paranormal romance than this isn't the book to choose, but I did enjoy seeing their developing relationship. However, for me it was some of the side characters that I enjoyed the most, they added a lot of the levity in this book. I plan on continuing to read this series, so I can't wait for them all to eventually have their own books.
An enjoyable book, great if you want a light hearted paranormal romance and don't mind a few dated references.
March 25, 2011
Maybe it's a personal pet peeve, but when authors have their lead characters jump to wild conclusions, fail to discuss said conclusions with anyone, and then act on said conclusions (which are unfailingly incorrect), in order to create or fill out the plot, it feels like a cop-out. Too many romance authors feel the need to fill up pages by making the female lead uber-judgmental and apparently incapable of perception checking (i.e. having a conversation) -- something I find personally offensive. This book fell neatly into that group.
Some of the world concepts (An underground vampire television network, complete with paps!) were really interesting but under-developed. A better book would have either given the characters real personal issues to work through in order to create romantic tension, or spent less time on the romance and more time exploring the more creative elements of Sparks's paranormal landscape. Rather, the story was stuffed with scenes of characters acting on assumptions at every turn (and thus having to backtrack when said facts were eventually uncovered -- waste of time!), and the leads' gratuitous self-flagellation, which combined to make the heroine an idiot, the hero annoying, and the book about 200 pages longer than it needed to be. However interesting some of the ideas were, this book definitely failed to deliver.
But hey, it gets a star for being free!
Some of the world concepts (An underground vampire television network, complete with paps!) were really interesting but under-developed. A better book would have either given the characters real personal issues to work through in order to create romantic tension, or spent less time on the romance and more time exploring the more creative elements of Sparks's paranormal landscape. Rather, the story was stuffed with scenes of characters acting on assumptions at every turn (and thus having to backtrack when said facts were eventually uncovered -- waste of time!), and the leads' gratuitous self-flagellation, which combined to make the heroine an idiot, the hero annoying, and the book about 200 pages longer than it needed to be. However interesting some of the ideas were, this book definitely failed to deliver.
But hey, it gets a star for being free!
December 16, 2017
The rating for this book is less about how good the book was and more my preferences for PNR books. I like the edgy and dark aspect of PNR. I also enjoy reading about vampire romance because of the blood connection and a relationship that requires the partners to accept each other and provide for each other above all else. Therefore, I didn't like the whole modern vampire concept. I found the fusion vampire cuisine really silly but not in a humorous way. I also didn't like that Roman and Shanna will never have that raw deeper connection of love and romance by sharing the blood connection. I did enjoy the whole telepathic connection and the matrix style phone tracing but overall this was definitely not my preferred style of PNR. Despite all this a nod to Ms. Sparks' imaginative and novel approach to writing this vampire romance.
April 26, 2010
OMG! This book was great, totally hilarious and sweet. I was laughing really hard the whole time while reading it. There were so many funny situations... I must say that Kerrelyn Spark has an amazing imagination and a great writing style. I loved this book. It has interesting characters and situations, good plot lines. I couldn't put it down.
Roman was the sweetest hero, and I just needed to see his HEA, he totally deserved to have a happy ending. He was so tormented. I can't wait to read the next.
3.5 stars read.
Roman was the sweetest hero, and I just needed to see his HEA, he totally deserved to have a happy ending. He was so tormented. I can't wait to read the next.
3.5 stars read.
February 20, 2012
Reviewed for THC Reviews
"4.5 stars" I've been following a few tried and true paranormal vampire romance series, but haven't read any new ones in a while. I was hoping to liven things up with a whole new group of vamps, and that's exactly what happened with How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire. The Love at Stake series has a slightly different mythology than the other series I've been reading, plus an added dose of humor that isn't often found in the paranormal sub-genre. Kerrelyn Sparks uses a good bit of traditional vampire lore while adding a few little twists that are all her own. The funny parts had me chuckling many times, while also keeping things from getting too heavy, but there's still a fairly good dose of seriousness, angst and emotion. All these elements came together to create a very enjoyable start to this new-to-me series, and a pretty impressive debut novel from this author.
Roman was a really yummy hero. He's a genius scientist, technically a virgin, and hot to boot. Romance heroes just don't get much more scrumptious than that to me. The author created a very interesting twist to Roman's character by having him be a monk in his mortal life. As a result he is a pretty tortured hero who believes that God has abandoned him and that his soul is damned to hell. Even though he thinks of himself as an evil creature, Roman is an innately good man who has never forgotten his calling as a healer. He has saved countless vampire and human lives with his invention of synthetic blood, and is working on a formula to keep vampires awake during the day which could also have implications for mortals. Roman is a man who truly cares about people and doesn't want to endanger mortals by feeding from them, nor does he want to turn any more humans for fear of damning their souls as well. Roman is also the American coven leader and as such, he has gained more than a few enemies from both the vampire and human world. I do wish that the author had brought out his genius (read geeky) nature a little more, because we don't get to see much of him at work. Overall though, Roman was a great hero. He adores Shanna and would do anything to give her a “normal” life.
Shanna is a dentist who is afraid of blood. Yup, you read that right.;-) This made for some pretty funny moments when Roman came to her to get his broken fang fixed, but it was also very emotionally touching because of the reasons for her fear. Shanna witnessed a hit by the Russian mob in which her best friend was killed, and now she is hiding out in the witness protection program. She works the overnight shift at a 24-hour dental clinic where she thankfully doesn't see much action, until Roman shows up, and then her whole world is turned upside down. Shanna discovers that things she didn't believe in, namely vampires, actually do exist, but she has an uncanny ability to resist their mind control. I loved the psychic connection she shared with Roman, and the vampire mind sex was pretty hot too. What I liked most about Shanna was her kindhearted, caring nature. Of course, she's shocked and even frightened when she finds out what Roman is, but she comes around pretty quickly, always seeing the good man and not the monster he thinks he is. She actually treats Roman with a compassion that is quite foreign to him.
How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire has lots of great supporting characters, many of whom get their own books in the series. I think my favorites were the kilted Highlander guards. They are led by Angus (Be Still My Vampire Heart), another coven master and one of Roman's closest allies. Among their ranks are also the charming Connor (Vampire Mine) and the cute, boyish-looking Ian (All I Want for Christmas Is a Vampire). There is also the handsome Frenchman Jean-Luc (The Undead Next Door), a third coven master who is allied with Roman. He's a clothing designer, but make no mistake, he's no sissy. We also have playboy, Gregori (Sexiest Vampire Alive) who is Roman's right hand man, and Phil (Forbidden Nights with a Vampire), one of his daytime guards. Next up in the series though is Austin (Vamps and the City), a vampire slayer and member of the Stake-Out team. I also noticed that Caitlyn Whelan who I assume to be Shanna's sister is the heroine of Eat, Prey, Love. Of course there are lots of baddies from the Russian coven including Ivan, their coven master and long-time enemy of Roman. All these characters came together seamlessly to make a very colorful cast.
Overall, How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire was a very fun read and a great start to the Love at Stake series. The humor made the story very cute, but it still managed to maintain a certain degree of the edgy emotion I've come to expect from paranormal romance. My only two small complaints would be that the dialog could occasionally get a little long-winded which as an introvert can be a bit tiring to read. The other thing is that the narrative takes place over probably less than a week's time which is a little too quickly for me to 100% buy into the notion of a lifetime commitment by the end, but unfortunately, that seems to be par for the course with many current romances especially in the paranormal genre. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the story and am looking forward to continuing with the series. How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire has definitely breathed some new life into my paranormal romance reading.
"4.5 stars" I've been following a few tried and true paranormal vampire romance series, but haven't read any new ones in a while. I was hoping to liven things up with a whole new group of vamps, and that's exactly what happened with How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire. The Love at Stake series has a slightly different mythology than the other series I've been reading, plus an added dose of humor that isn't often found in the paranormal sub-genre. Kerrelyn Sparks uses a good bit of traditional vampire lore while adding a few little twists that are all her own. The funny parts had me chuckling many times, while also keeping things from getting too heavy, but there's still a fairly good dose of seriousness, angst and emotion. All these elements came together to create a very enjoyable start to this new-to-me series, and a pretty impressive debut novel from this author.
Roman was a really yummy hero. He's a genius scientist, technically a virgin, and hot to boot. Romance heroes just don't get much more scrumptious than that to me. The author created a very interesting twist to Roman's character by having him be a monk in his mortal life. As a result he is a pretty tortured hero who believes that God has abandoned him and that his soul is damned to hell. Even though he thinks of himself as an evil creature, Roman is an innately good man who has never forgotten his calling as a healer. He has saved countless vampire and human lives with his invention of synthetic blood, and is working on a formula to keep vampires awake during the day which could also have implications for mortals. Roman is a man who truly cares about people and doesn't want to endanger mortals by feeding from them, nor does he want to turn any more humans for fear of damning their souls as well. Roman is also the American coven leader and as such, he has gained more than a few enemies from both the vampire and human world. I do wish that the author had brought out his genius (read geeky) nature a little more, because we don't get to see much of him at work. Overall though, Roman was a great hero. He adores Shanna and would do anything to give her a “normal” life.
Shanna is a dentist who is afraid of blood. Yup, you read that right.;-) This made for some pretty funny moments when Roman came to her to get his broken fang fixed, but it was also very emotionally touching because of the reasons for her fear. Shanna witnessed a hit by the Russian mob in which her best friend was killed, and now she is hiding out in the witness protection program. She works the overnight shift at a 24-hour dental clinic where she thankfully doesn't see much action, until Roman shows up, and then her whole world is turned upside down. Shanna discovers that things she didn't believe in, namely vampires, actually do exist, but she has an uncanny ability to resist their mind control. I loved the psychic connection she shared with Roman, and the vampire mind sex was pretty hot too. What I liked most about Shanna was her kindhearted, caring nature. Of course, she's shocked and even frightened when she finds out what Roman is, but she comes around pretty quickly, always seeing the good man and not the monster he thinks he is. She actually treats Roman with a compassion that is quite foreign to him.
How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire has lots of great supporting characters, many of whom get their own books in the series. I think my favorites were the kilted Highlander guards. They are led by Angus (Be Still My Vampire Heart), another coven master and one of Roman's closest allies. Among their ranks are also the charming Connor (Vampire Mine) and the cute, boyish-looking Ian (All I Want for Christmas Is a Vampire). There is also the handsome Frenchman Jean-Luc (The Undead Next Door), a third coven master who is allied with Roman. He's a clothing designer, but make no mistake, he's no sissy. We also have playboy, Gregori (Sexiest Vampire Alive) who is Roman's right hand man, and Phil (Forbidden Nights with a Vampire), one of his daytime guards. Next up in the series though is Austin (Vamps and the City), a vampire slayer and member of the Stake-Out team. I also noticed that Caitlyn Whelan who I assume to be Shanna's sister is the heroine of Eat, Prey, Love. Of course there are lots of baddies from the Russian coven including Ivan, their coven master and long-time enemy of Roman. All these characters came together seamlessly to make a very colorful cast.
Overall, How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire was a very fun read and a great start to the Love at Stake series. The humor made the story very cute, but it still managed to maintain a certain degree of the edgy emotion I've come to expect from paranormal romance. My only two small complaints would be that the dialog could occasionally get a little long-winded which as an introvert can be a bit tiring to read. The other thing is that the narrative takes place over probably less than a week's time which is a little too quickly for me to 100% buy into the notion of a lifetime commitment by the end, but unfortunately, that seems to be par for the course with many current romances especially in the paranormal genre. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the story and am looking forward to continuing with the series. How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire has definitely breathed some new life into my paranormal romance reading.
October 14, 2021
I don't know if it is because I read it back to back that I found this book very similar with "a quick bite" by Lynsay Sands. It is cute, funny and lighthearted with a little mystery and danger in the mix (which makes it different from the other book) but I laughed a lot with some situations and was intrigued enough to see what would be the heroine's decision.
It was a great audiobook and I already wanted to listen to the second of the series but then realized its about a reality show and I hate those in reality let alone in a book hehehe.
3.5 stars for the entertainment.
It was a great audiobook and I already wanted to listen to the second of the series but then realized its about a reality show and I hate those in reality let alone in a book hehehe.
3.5 stars for the entertainment.
February 20, 2019
I have had this book on my kindle since February 2011...it's only taken my 8 years to finally pick it up! Which, is one of the reasons I really love our Romanceopoly challenge, it's got me checking through all my books and giving me an excuse to finally pick up some of the older titles. Of course, when you're picking up older releases it does mean you run the risk of them feeling a little dated. How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire was originally published in 2005, 14 years on it definitely feels *ponders for a second* like a classic old skool paranormal romance.It felt nostalgic reading this book, it took me back to when I first started reading paranormal romances and the likes of Christine Warren, Lynsay Sands and Shelley Laurenston were bringing out the first installments of their paranormal series. They all excelled at bringing our paranormal romance that was sexy, fun and didn't take itself too seriously. Which perfectly describes How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire. It was a little tongue in cheek and was a lot of fun.
The romance aspect between Roman our broody former monk turned vampire and Shanna a human dentist was very entertaining. They didn't have a massive amount of sexual chemistry, in fact if you're after a really sexy paranormal romance than this isn't the book to choose, but I did enjoy seeing their developing relationship. However, for me it was some of the side characters that I enjoyed the most, they added a lot of the levity in this book. I plan on continuing to read this series, so I can't wait for them all to eventually have their own books.
An enjoyable book, great if you want a light hearted paranormal romance and don't mind a few dated references.
*Reviewed by Suzanne❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
June 7, 2011
That was fun! A nice, light, vampire romance comedy.
This was my first experience reading Kerrilyn Sparks’ books and it will not be my last. Ms. Sparks takes the vampire mythology and adds her own hilarious twists.
Our hero Roman Draganesti is a 500-ish year old vampire who has dedicated his life to the development of synthetic blood for use by both humans and vampires. While testing a novel blood delivery system (you really need to read that part) Roman loses a fang. He needs to find a dentist that works at night to fix his tooth. His search leads him to Shanna Whelan. Unfortunately, the Russian mob is after her. Shanna is rescued by Roman and some really funny situations ensue.
There were some clever ideas in this book. The vampire guards were all Highlanders – muscular, beefy, vampires in kilts. The synthetic blood came in many flavors, however, the Chocolood flavor caused the female vamps to gain weight so BloodLite was introduced. I found the DVN – Digital Vampire Network to be hilarious.
I enjoyed all the characters, especially when they were trying to hide their nature from Shanna. I loved how Shanna jumped to conclusions, often the wrong ones, whenever she tried to figure out what exactly was going on.
Looking forward to reading the next book – Vamps and the City.
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