Book 1 of the Love at Stake Series (Avon Romance)

I read this book through a BC bookring and really loved it- and that's saying a LOT from someone who usually hates reading romances! I ended up buying a copy for myself. This is one I found on a library sale shelf.

*SMALL SPOILERS FOLLOW- but mostly just drooling over nummy vampire boys*

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

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

I've read/seen a ton of vampire stories and I thought this one was actually pretty creative and refreshing. I absolutely loved their world/existence- the science/inventions, the sleeping/healing during the day, the traditions, the red eye indicators, the sex. Another reason I avoid romance novels is the overdone, repetitive sex scenes. But I loved that aspect in this book; the concept of vampire sex was fascinating and Roman's appreciation for mental/emotional vs. physical was lovely (just what I, as a woman, like to see). The vampire sex really made the intimacy of the physical connection much more interesting. I've always loved some vampires for their knowledge/experience and passion, so I was glad to see both in good amounts here.

Mmm... and sexy Scottish Highlander vamps, did I mention that was my favorite part? *G*

Sent for Never Judge a Book by its Cover Challange- week 31(any cover)

RAY IT FORWARD!
Please journal this book when you get it, and then read it in a timely manner (don''t put it all the way at the bottom of your TBR pile, but feel free to take your time with it). When you''re finished reading, please make another journal entry with your thoughts. Then find another BookCrosser who''d like to read this and Ray it Forward to him/her with the same guidelines.

Another romance detestor here... gosh I didn''t even know that this book is under the Avon Romance label or I never, never would have walked near it. : D
But I do like a good vampire tale, and signed up for a bookring for this. Unfortunately it was stalled so I was really glad to get this from KateKintail. So generous of her to offer a RABCK!

The vampire has set his eyes on Tenneh as the next victim.

I can't say I read a lot of paranormal romance, but of what I've read, this one is the best of the bunch. The plot is more complicated, the characters more three dimensional, and the romance is only part of the plot rather than the whole. While there are hilarious moments, some parts are pretty intense, such as the confession scene. I don't like fluffy chick lit stuff so this fits my palate better. The only thing I didn't like too much was Shanna's father at the end scene: was his stupid lines supposed to be comic relief?

But overall it's a thoroughly enjoyable book. I will send it on to tenneh is she's still waiting for it.

Received today. Thanks so much!

Really enjoyed this book. I love vampire stories (ok, not the scary ones) and this is the best I've read yet! I see it's #1 in a series so I will be looking for the rest!

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

going to elsi for VBB

Was in the yesterday's mail. Looking forward to finding time to read it. Thanks for sending so quickly

Received this book as part of the Paranormal Bookbox. Looking forward to reading and maybe getting into a new series.

This book was a nice easy enjoyable read. I am not 100% sold on the author/series (mainly due to the size of my TBR pile at the moment). If I happen upon the next one, I'll probably read it. I enjoyed the story line. It was nice to have more than just sex in the book.

You have been tagged! This is from the wishlist tag game! Enjoy!

Thanks for tagging me! I'm sure I will love this one. :)