BOOK REVIEW ~ THE VAMPIRE WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO BY KERRELYN SPARKS

Title: The Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo (Love At Stake, Book Fourteen)

Author: Kerrelyn Sparks

Release Date: August 27, 2013

Reviewer purchased own copy of paperback for review

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?

Book Review

I love this series and whenever I need a sweet, humorous read with a bit of spice, I can count of Kerrelyn Sparks and her vampires to give me just what I need.

Dougal, that sexy Scot, has had a miserable past. The woman he loved died long ago and he had been unable to save her. But he promised that no matter how long it took, he would always find her. No matter what. 

Leah Chin, Doctor extraordinaire, has been hired to help the vamps solve a genetic problem that will help turn the men under a demon's control back to their human self. But there's one little problem. 

She is a human who has had no contact with the paranormal world. Her scientific mind has difficulty coming to grasps with the fact that vampires exist. 

And when she spots Dougal in his sexy kilt with his intense looks? How can she fall for a vampire?  

Dougal is a very sympathetic kind of character. He feels alone--lonely--and isolated from his other friends who are married and have children. Your heart can't help but go out to this sexy, brooding, male. But don't let his vulnerability let you mistake that he's some kind of wimp. 

During one of the battles with the malcontents, Dougal loses his arm. But he doesn't let that stop him from still being a fierce warrior. One with strength, loyalty, and a fierce desire to protect those around him. 

And Leah as a heroine is one to admire and root for as well. She fights the good fight, trying not to fall for Dougal's charms. But she soon finds herself unable to resist the sexy Scot, his brogue, and what's beneath his kilt. 

But when Leah finds out that Dougal suspects she is the reincarnation of his first love, will she question his true feelings for her? 

Wow--there is just so much going on in this book and things I didn't see coming. I was presently surprised that after fourteen books, Kerrelyn can still spin an intriguing tale.  Sometimes, after many books a reader will burn out on a series--but not me. 

Keep 'em comin', Kerrelyn. And I'll read them. 

BOOK REVIEW ~ WANTED: UNDEAD OR ALIVE BY KERRELYN SPARKS

Title: Wanted: Undead Or Alive (Love At Stake, Book 12)

Author: Kerrelyn Sparks

Publisher: Avon

Mass Market Paperback: 374 pages

Release Date: March 27, 2012

ISBN 0061958069

ISBN13: 9780061958069

 

**Reviewer purchased own copy of book.

 

Links to purchase book:

Amazon / B&N / BAM

 

Links for author:

Website / Goodreads / Twitter

He's a vampire from the big city . . .

Phineas McKinney thought New York City was tough, until he was attacked by Malcontents—evil vampires who consider mortals to be snacks. Saved by the good vampires, Phin swore to devote his now undead life to stopping the Malcontents. He's got his job cut out for him when word comes that their enemy may be hiding in Wyoming. What does a city boy like him know about horses and campfires? Good thing he's got Brynley Jones with him . . . if only she didn't hate every vampire on earth.

 

She's a werewolf princess . . .

 

Bryn believes vampires are seductive and charming, and that makes them dangerous. So she's more than a little annoyed about teaming up with Phin, even if he is the only bloodsucker able to make her inner wolf purr. But as they hunt down the new leader of the Malcontents, danger threatens . . . and Phineas and Brynley discover a passion that will rock the foundation of their supernatural world.

Book Review

4 Stars

For those of us who have faithfully read Spark's Love At Stakes series, we are all familiar with the fun-loving, sexy, vampire known as Dr. Phang, AKA the Love Doctor (Phineas McKinney). He has been amusing us throughout the books, since book 3 in the series, Be Still My Vampire Heart.

I have always had a soft spot for Phineas and was excited to find out that he would get his own HEA. Despite his hilarious lines in the books, he always seemed so one-dimensional, lacking any real depth. And I was very curious on how Kerrelyn would write a more compelling character.

Phineas was transformed to a vampire against his will by a Malcontent (think evil vamp). Prior to his transformation, he sold drugs to help support his family and ailing mother.  It was during one of these drug sales that he was attacked and his life forever changed.

Now, Phineas works for MacKay S & I  in NYC and finds himself the spokes vamp for Blardonny--a wine mixed with blood for the vampire community. The ads themselves are hilarious--similar to the Old Spice commercials featuring Isaiah Mustafa.

"Hello ladies. Look at your man. Now back to me." 

But Phineas has grown tired of being seen as a sex object, and wants to find the one special woman who will love him for himself.

He sees all of his friends happily married and longs for things that he can never have-particularly one woman with pale blue eyes that remind him of the summer sun he will never see again.

He longs to be one of the good guys, and overcome his horrible past.

Brynley Jones is a Were and twin sister of Phil (his book is Forbidden Nights of a Vampire). She loathes Vampires-they are dangerous and cannot be trusted. Despite her aversion to vampires, she finds herself sexually aware and attracted to the devestatingly handsome Phineas McKinney.  However, she refuses to succumb to the wickedly  delicious male.   

Phineas goes undercover to capture Corky Courrant, but she slips from his grasp and escapes to parts unknown. With the other vamps out searching for Corky, Phin stays behind at Romatech in charge of security. A hot lead comes in, and Phineas suspects that Corky may be hiding out in Wyoming. Problem is, everyone is tied up and unavailable to check it out.

Needing someone to protect him during his death sleep, Phin is left with the one person who he has tried to avoid -Brynley Jones--to guard his back.

Bryn has  avoided going back home after she left to escape the arranged marriage by her father, but her inner wolf longs to run the woods where she grew up. Now she finds herself back in Wyoming with the possibility of having to face her father and a life she does not want.

How can two people who seem totally wrong for each other make a life together? Is love truly enough?

Kerrelyn Sparks neatly ties things up and gives the reader its well-deserved HEA.

Although WUOA is not my favorite of this series, it is charming, funny, and has its sexy moments that made me swoon. New characters are introduced and instead of fighting Malcontents, the vampires face off with Werewolves.

Overall, Wanted: Dead or Alive is a light and entertaining read that tickles my funny bone in the appropriate places.



3.5 Horny Devils