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All I Want for Christmas Is a Vampire (Love at Stake #5)

by Kerrelyn Sparks (Goodreads Author)

4.21 of 5 stars 4.21 · rating details · 6,042 ratings · 298 reviews

Toni Davis's Christmas wish list

1. Springing my best friend from the psych ward.

2. Living somewhere that doesn't have coffins in the basement. Occupied coffins.

3. Finding Mr. Right. Please make him tall, dark, handsome, and alive.

This Christmas isn't so merry for Toni. Her best friend's been locked up in a mental hospital ever since she told the police she was attacked by...more

ebook, 384 pages

Published October 6th 2009 by HarperCollins e-books (first published October 28th 2008)

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Nov 27, 2008 Julie (jjmachshev) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2008-reads, queuemyreview

Reviewed for queuemyreview.com; book release Nov08

Humor and romance with just the right amount of heat, that would be my short description of “All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire” by Kerrelyn Sparks. This book is part of her ‘Love at Stake’ series about vampires in the modern world and I think the series has improved with each book she’s written. They’re certainly not ‘serious reads’, but if you’re looking for a book that will leave you with a grin, this is a good series to try.

Toni is a woman...more Reviewed for queuemyreview.com; book release Nov08

Humor and romance with just the right amount of heat, that would be my short description of “All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire” by Kerrelyn Sparks. This book is part of her ‘Love at Stake’ series about vampires in the modern world and I think the series has improved with each book she’s written. They’re certainly not ‘serious reads’, but if you’re looking for a book that will leave you with a grin, this is a good series to try.

Toni is a woman on a mission. Her best friend and soul sister is currently incarcerated in a psych ward. She was attacked by vampires but nobody (including Toni at first) believed her. Well, being the great friend she is, Toni sets out to prove the existence of vampires. When she herself is attacked by ‘bad’ vampires and then saved by a ‘good’ vampire (although she really can’t believe there is such a thing as a good vampire), she becomes a believer. She even goes so far as to become a daytime bodyguard for the sleeping vamps! Now if she can just find some proof, she can spring her friend and go back to her normal life.

Ian is nearly 500 years old, but until recently he has resembled the 15-year-old lad he was when he became a vampire. When his boss invented a ‘stay-awake’ drug for vamps, an unintended side effect was aging one year for every day a vamp spent on the drug. While most vamps would shudder in horror, this was a dream come true for Ian who is truly tired of all the consequences of looking like a youngster. He’s ready to find his true love and settle down for an eternity of wedded bliss, with a vampire that is. Because there’s no way his true love could be a human…right?

What a pair! Toni is having a hard time getting over her vicious attack. How could she ever be attracted to a vampire? And poor Ian with his 15th century values can’t believe he’s having such a hard time finding THE vamp for him. He’s so drawn to Toni who has all the qualities he’s looking for in a woman…except she’s alive. ‘Watching’ these two come together is better than any soap opera. Ian’s efforts at wooing will have you in stitches. Especially once his friend helps him out by putting his information in an online dating service! Hilarity ensues. But these two are actually perfect for each other. They just need to get over their prejudices and realize that there are good and bad in every race and every situation…finding the good just takes more work. Too true.

There are really only two things that relate to the Christmas referenced in the title, other than the time of year the book is set. A party full of male vamps in Santa suits is one, and I don’t want to give away the other although it will have you saying, “Awww, that’s so sweet.” Probably one of the most creative uses of Santa and Christmas I’ve read in a humorous romance.

“All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire” is a book to read on a cold day, beside a warm fire, with a glass of your favorite beverage by your side. The heat generated by this pair of lovers will warm you up a bit, and the interplay between them will keep you laughing. Kerrelyn Sparks will give you a few hours of escape from your holiday chores with this sparkling tale.(less)

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Oct 17, 2010 Natasha rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Another winner from Sparks! All I want for Christmas is a Vampire is the fifth novel in the Love At Stake series, and honestly I am really enjoying the series. Sparks really knows how to write a paranormal romance story.

I must admit I was really looking forward to this book after reading The Undead Next Door(book 4). Ian was a reoccurring character throughout the series, and he's been one of my favorites, so I couldn't wait to see him "all grown up" and finding love.

Ian is nearly 5 centuries o...more

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May 10, 2010 TJ rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal

Before considering the rating of any book, one must consider the book itself and what it sets out to do. This book, and the series "Love At Stake" as a whole, isn't going for deep philosophical meanings in writing. It is just light, enjoyable fun! The plots are entertaining and the characters both humorous and endearing. Ian, the hero/vamp in this book is especially so. He is sweet and lovable, the kind you just want to hug, but also a perfectly capable, potentially lethal warrior. What's not to...more

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Dec 11, 2012 Barb rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book was very good. I was the first book I've read by Kerrelyn Sparks but it won't be the last. The characters of Toni and Ian seemed destined to be together from the start of the book. But it was not predictable by any means. The true natures of Carlos and Howard were totally unexpected to me as I read the book. I liked the fact that it wasn't just a love story. It also had humor adventure and action in the story. I would highly reccomend it.

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May 20, 2013 QiJia 치쟈 rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kerrelyn-sparks, favorites, favourites-2013, read-in-2013, owned

4.5 stars

Kerrelyn Sparks' Love at Stake series is definitely humorous! ^^

the Ian Fan Club and his legion of female Vamp chasing away the Malcontents LOLz!!

I like Toni and Ian:) so many laugh out loud moments.

Oh and little Tino!! I wonder why his name is Constantine... I don't have book 3&4 :(
need to get them. I missed his birthing, little Tino is such a sweet little boy ^^

I couldn't give this a 5 star because it's just funny and a bit emotional but ... nothing deep and philosophical that...more

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Dec 30, 2012 Ezinwanyi~For you, Agron (Mira, Crixus, Gannicus & Spartacus) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Ezinwanyi~For you, Agron by: Armi

Shelves: christmas, immortals, paranormal-romance, vampires

4.5 stars.

Ian McPhie wants to be lovedand cherished for who and what he is. He wants an honest and steadfast lady. But he hasn't had success so his friend Vanda sets up a profile on a vampire dating site and suddenly hes flooded with prospects. Too bad all he can think about is his daytime bodyguard Toni, who is missing an important criteria --she isnt a vampire and she loathes vampires.
Too bad because they both want love so desperately!

What a great read. I read book 1 a couple of years ago and...more

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Jan 11, 2011 Bronwyn Rykiert rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: series, vampires, paranormal-romance

This was another great story in the Kerrelyn Sparks Love at Stake Series.

Ian MacPhie has been a vampire for nearly 500 years but he was turned when he was only 15 and he is always treated as a teenager and is tired of it. In the last book “The Undead Next Door” he took a drug to stay awake during the day and he has aged 12 years and now he wants to find his Mrs Right. He goes to his friend Vanda at her vampire nightclub “Horny Devil’s” and she does a profile for him and puts it on an internet da...more

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Dec 18, 2012 Melissa rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal, romance

This was my second book by this author, even though this is clearly the fifth book in her series. I got it because it was on sale for Christmas; so unknowingly have skipped 4 other books in this series, I can admit to some gaps in plot and characters development. I recognized characters from the first book but none of the others or how they all came together, but either way. Toni is loyal to her friend first and foremost. The fact that she still has bite marks from a rogue vampire attack is neve...more

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Mar 30, 2012 Johanna rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire
(Love At Stake Series, Book #5)
by Kerrelyn Sparks

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Toni Davis’s Christmas Wish List

Springing my best friend from the psych ward. Living somewhere that doesn’t have coffins in the basement. Occupied coffins. Finding Mr. Right. Please make him tall, dark, handsome, and ALIVE.

This Christmas isn’t so merry for Toni. Her best friend’s been locked up in a mental hospital ever since she told the police she was attacked by vampires, and the onl...more All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire
(Love At Stake Series, Book #5)
by Kerrelyn Sparks

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Toni Davis’s Christmas Wish List

Springing my best friend from the psych ward. Living somewhere that doesn’t have coffins in the basement. Occupied coffins. Finding Mr. Right. Please make him tall, dark, handsome, and ALIVE.

This Christmas isn’t so merry for Toni. Her best friend’s been locked up in a mental hospital ever since she told the police she was attacked by vampires, and the only way for Toni to get her out is to prove that bloodsuckers really do exist. So she’s taken a job as a bodyguard for the Undead, but she gets more than she's bargained for, especially when she meets Ian MacPhie, a Scottish rascal looking for Ms. Right.

Although Ian’s nearly five centuries old, he looks and acts like a twenty-seven-year-old hunk. How can a dead man be so damn sexy? Could Mr. Wrong be Mr. Right? One forbidden kiss could lead to an eternity of passion—and all it takes is one moment under the mistletoe . . .
Toni had a very rewarding goal in life (to open up an orphanage for abandoned children) that she and her two closest friends were working years towards before vampires attacked and ruined everything. Now, Toni's best friend (and financial support) is in a mental ward and Toni finds herself in a reckless vampire job that could one day set everything right again ... or at least she hopes! If she can prevent herself from being tempted by the newly returned Scottish warrior, Ian, or accidentally revealing her plan of action in proving that vampires truly exist, she could set everything back to their original course. Yet, as things begin to heat up with Ian and the vampire society line between good & bad becomes more visible, Toni finds her future plans have changed whether she likes it or not.

For me, this was an okay book from the Love to Stake series - not one of my favorites and definitely not one of the worst. Thus, it was an overall so-so read. I wasn't that much of a fan of Toni, becasue she was either too tough or lacking from too little confidence for me to truly enjoy as a character. And, I couldn't escape the memory of Ian as a young boy as well - so sadly I was kind of ruined from the beginning with really losing myself in their budding relationship. It's always a joy though to catch up with other favorite characters from past books in the series and becasue of that I continue to follow the story and enjoy the ups and downs of each tale. Plus, the Christmas feel to this book really made for a festive read!

Likes: I'm also not that much of a fan of small talkative children in romance stories, but Constantine was quite adorable.

Dislikes: Ian's dating insecurities were somewhat boorish and vexing at times.(less)

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Nov 14, 2011 Debbie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Toni Davis trying to prove the existence of Vampires was given that proof almost too good when she herself was attacked. If not for the “good” Vampire that saved her she would have been literally dead meat. Now that she knows they exist how does she go about proving it to save her best friend who as the result of her own attack confessed it to be Vampires and was put in the mental ward of a hospital quicker than you can say AB positive. Toni is offered a job as a daytime guard (babysitter) by he...more Toni Davis trying to prove the existence of Vampires was given that proof almost too good when she herself was attacked. If not for the “good” Vampire that saved her she would have been literally dead meat. Now that she knows they exist how does she go about proving it to save her best friend who as the result of her own attack confessed it to be Vampires and was put in the mental ward of a hospital quicker than you can say AB positive. Toni is offered a job as a daytime guard (babysitter) by her savior the “good” Vampire and thinking it can only help her prove their existence she jumps at the chance.
Ian MacPhie was tired of looking 15 and that really sucks when you were born in the 16th Century, as a result of a new breakthrough drug he was able to age more than a decade in less than two weeks. Now he’s on a mission to find his true love, the only problem is that he has no idea how to go about it, what is a Vampire to do, seek the advice of friends. Well that was his first mistake, his second was getting up close and personal with Toni Davis his new daytime guard because when they make contact there are sparks flying all over the place. The problem Ian thinks he’ll only be happy with another Vampire and Toni is convinced that she doesn’t deserve to be loved. Karma or fate or kismet has something else in store for these two, is it love, lust or a virus.
Kerrelyn Sparks gets really creative with her Vampire romance and I guess that’s understandable when they are the new black, they’re coming out of closets and getting degrees, are civil servants or kings of the realm and with so many out there this one stands out because these characters are well, more human than most, there’s more emotion in them and I also like how they interact more with the general population of living beings as well. I also like her dialogue with it’s mix of Olde Scottish to American punk and rap and the characters fit the dialogue to a tee. The romance is unbelievable yet the authoress makes it so, the love scenes will sizzle on the page and yet there’s just a hint on the innocence you feel in the hero and heroine.
I’ll have to admit that this is my first by Ms. Sparks but I know it won’t be my last.
This is what every romance lover wants in her stocking and you know we’ve all been good and all we want for Christmas is our Vampire romance.
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Jun 06, 2009 Katie(babs) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks may have a very unappealing title along with a cover that looks like the Batman signal in the sky, but this was an enjoyable read. Her vampire men are beyond sexy and the majority of her heroes are highlanders in kilts! This latest tale is about Ian MacPhie. Ian was changed into a vampire when he was barely a teenager, and because of it, he always looks like a young boy. Dating for him was impossible and since he has taken a drug called St...more

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Jun 12, 2012 Heather Wiese rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

3.5 stars

I haven't read this series in a while, so I forgot how silly it can be. The characters are all, well, characters! And the world building does have some funny parts, like "Bleer" and Vampire Television.

Toni (a human) sets out to prove that her best friend Bri was attacked by vampires after she is kept in the hospital for observation. Toni is then attacked by (bad) vampires and saved by (good) vampires. Since she doesn't want her memory erased, she agrees to go work for the good guys. It'...more

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Feb 17, 2010 Lesley rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Hee! What can I say? This does not even attempt to be real literature and that's what makes it great. No Fangst, so emo vampires - well, they sort of are but it's so mild you don't notice. This series is so self-aware of the silliness of the genre and has absolutely no pretension of greatness and is simply mind candy - but the kind you love gobbling up, while feel guilty about it, since you should be eating something healthy instead. And yet - you reach for that next mouthful of candy and by god...more Hee! What can I say? This does not even attempt to be real literature and that's what makes it great. No Fangst, so emo vampires - well, they sort of are but it's so mild you don't notice. This series is so self-aware of the silliness of the genre and has absolutely no pretension of greatness and is simply mind candy - but the kind you love gobbling up, while feel guilty about it, since you should be eating something healthy instead. And yet - you reach for that next mouthful of candy and by god, it tastes good, and you stubbornly rebel that you should be eating salad with roasted chicken... let's go straight for the death by chocolate cake, and damn anyone who naysays you!

All of the books in this series are the same - mortal meets vampire, no, no, we can't be together, it would never work, but I love you, I love you too, oh, my, you're so big *torrid sex scenes* eek, bad guys, noooo, don't hurt my sweetie, whew, saved *torrid sex* let's get married, ok! And yes, every book is the same - but it doesn't matter, because it's so fun to read it again. Sure, each couple has a slightly different background/story/personality/courtship/romance, but really the author does a great job with it all. The dialogue is silly, people would never act the way they do, we've read it before in the last 4 books - and yet, it's totally fun and I want to read the rest of the series. In fact, I found myself reading the next one last night once I finished this one, staying up until 1:30 again... It's about the illegitimate son of Cassanova and a lady cop who is resistant to mind control. Heee! Good times, good times. Oh, one other thing I should note - all of the female leads are strong, gutsy ladies, whether they be vampire or mortal. Lots of girl power in this series - and she gets the hunky guy, too!

Lucky for me these turn up periodically at Don's, where I can buy them for $.25 each. Whee! I have 2 more, and the 3rd is coming out in another month. Hope it doesn't take too long to show up used at Don's...(less)

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Jan 21, 2013 Ashlie Sydel rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Everytime I finish a book in this series I think to myself this is my new favorite. Ian's story made me think of the movie Ed TV.(If you haven't watched it please do it's a funny romatnic comedy with Matthew McConaughey. And that's who I picture as Ian.) Ian returns to NY 12 years older looking for true love. Ex Harem member and uber protective goth vamp Vanda helps by putting him on a dating website. Within 24 hours Ian is the man of the hour and women/men all over the tri-state area vamp and m...more

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Nov 30, 2012 Felicia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-read, audible-purchase-2012, audiobook, 4-50-wine-glasses

Listened for Fun (Audible)
Overall Rating: 4.50
Story Rating: 4.50
Character Rating: 4.50

Audio Rating: 3.50 (not part of the overall rating)

Part of my 25 Books for the Holidays for 2012

How All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire put me in the Holiday spirit: I absolutely loved this book! It made me laugh, cry, and cheer for love. Sort of makes you want your very own Scottish Vampire for Christmas :)

What I thought of the story/characters: All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire is filled with wonderfu...more

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Jan 02, 2009 liz rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: vampires, girl-books

I laughed so hard when I opened this book on Christmas Eve. I said "Oh my gosh, you got me a smut novel" and my sister-in-law said "no I didn't" but upon closer inspection, yes, in fact she did buy me a smut novel.
This is the first I have read in many years and lets just say it reminded me of why I really don't read them. First of all it's about this Scotish vampire who is seeking true love, then you throw in a girl who is trying to prove that vampires exists in order to bust her best friend ou...more

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Aug 27, 2010 Monica rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed

This book didn't hold the same wit Ms. Sparks' other books held. I had to push myself a bit further in the book before I was dragged under and usually it's instantaneous with her books. I do like that Ms. Sparks is starting to feel around in the were-animal realm of things, makes it interesting to see if she will write an HEA for a were instead of a vamp one of these books. I had a feeling Ian's book would be coming once he "grew up" in the last book, and I am super glad he got the opportunity f...more

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Apr 20, 2009 Morgan rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, paranormal, vampires, romance

This was the first book I picked up by this author. Even though it is the 5th in a series, I had no trouble figuring out what was what. There were a couple things that made me not give it 4 stars, but it is a solid 3.5 stars. The pacing was good and once I was a couple chapters in I had figured out who was who and what was going on (things I would have known from the other books). You just have to be prepared to be a fish out of water for a little bit when you start in the middle of a series.

I d...more

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Apr 22, 2012 A-Hersia A rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: loved-it-done-it, friggin-hawt

O.M.G!! This book was Ian's!.. Incredible opening!!. I knew he'll turn a handsome rocking hunk! Whew Am so happy for him that he found his true love, which was unexpected. I am glad finally Angus hired a woman guard a mortal one. I didnt know Tony was a female.. Haha. First I thought she was a burglar, But I was surprised.. But I was really glad all these years and times Ian had someone to talk to and that someone was Vanda. He needed one. And so is Vanda. I hope she will find her true love. And...more

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Mar 08, 2009 K rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

One of my colleagues at work recommended this book to me. Looking at the title and cover, I was uncertain about it; but thought what the hell I've probably read worse. I'm glad I took the risk, though. Much to my suprise, I found the story, and its characters, entertaining. I especially liked how the lead characters. When I started this book, I did not realize it was part 5 of a series. I thought the author created a story that stood on its own; and apprecieted the fact that you did not have to...more

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Mar 16, 2012 Corinne rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is the story of Toni Davis and the rascal Scottish vampire Ian MacPhie, who in previous stories, even though he is a four hundred year old vampire, he only has the features of a teenage boy. Using Roman’s magical potion, which allows a vampire to stay awake while the sun is up and shining, but as a down side to the potion is that the vampire’s appearance ages for a year within one day. So as you can imagine, Ian has taken the potion and has now developed into a handsome, sexy, kilt wearing...more This is the story of Toni Davis and the rascal Scottish vampire Ian MacPhie, who in previous stories, even though he is a four hundred year old vampire, he only has the features of a teenage boy. Using Roman’s magical potion, which allows a vampire to stay awake while the sun is up and shining, but as a down side to the potion is that the vampire’s appearance ages for a year within one day. So as you can imagine, Ian has taken the potion and has now developed into a handsome, sexy, kilt wearing vampire with size 13 feet.
After a savage attack, Toni finds herself becoming a body guard for a house of vampires while they fall into dead sleep during the day. Throughout the book you are wondering if she’ll snap and stake all the vampires in their sleep, but she’s actually there for her own personal reasons. I refuse to give a spoiler to this particular story line, it’s just that it’s a race against time for Toni to find what she is looking for in order to help a friend who is more like a sister to her.
The character Carlos, Toni’s next door neighbour and friend, he has his own little secret, which I will not ruin by telling anyone. But his entire character throughout the story is brilliant, he is a really good laugh and the sort of friend that you definitely want in life.
When Ian says: “I want to be loved, honestly and truly loved, for who I am. And I want to love a woman with all my heart for all my life. I want to ache for her mind, for her body, for her companionship,” I thought I was going to melt inside. I immediately feel over the edge of love with the character of Ian MacPhie.
I refuse to give any spoilers, because this is a brilliant book and everyone should read it at least once or maybe 13 times in their life. The final battle between the bad guys and the good guys had some great female humour to it, what is it they say, never pick a fight with the man that a million women fancy and love. It was such a romantic, and chilly ending and the whole secret Santa business just makes your heart for the vampires melt that little bit more. Brilliant book, I might have read it out of season, but believe me when I say it was totally worth the time to read it.

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Oct 30, 2012 Shauna rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

So I did like this book, well so far this is my fav book
out of this amazing series. Kerrelyn Sparks is a great
writer but she really picks the wrong titles for her books.
Some of the titles, no all of the titles of the Love at
stake series just doesn’t fit the books. But the books
are really good, so if you haven’t read this book, and you
like hot sexy vampires, with a sweet heart, I have to say
that you will love this book.

I liked Ian MacPhie since I first read of him in the first
series. He’s s...more

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Dec 17, 2010 Muse Here rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: vampire-romance

This is the one I read first. After zipping through this one (I couldn't put it down!) I quickly found the rest in the series. You don't have to read them in order. She is very good at recapping major events without spoilers. She doesn't summarize past books, like so many other authors and honestly, having read several of the other books now, I don't feel like I was missing anything by reading this one first. The other main characters were briefly introduced, their stories mentioned and that's i...more

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Jan 16, 2011 ♥♥Mari♥♥ rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-reviewed, paranormal-romance, urban-fantasy

Dracula would be shocked to see how the vampire has evolved in modern fiction. Originally a terrifying, remorseless killer, the vampire, whether male or female, can now be found in lighthearted, funny romances such as this one.

Kerrelyn Sparks, like Lynsay Sands, writes funny vampire romances full of sparkling, witty dialogues and characters as unforgettable as those in the more traditionally angst-filled novels of authors like Christine Feehan, Amanda Ashley, Stephenie Meyer, and Kresley Cole. L...more Dracula would be shocked to see how the vampire has evolved in modern fiction. Originally a terrifying, remorseless killer, the vampire, whether male or female, can now be found in lighthearted, funny romances such as this one.

Kerrelyn Sparks, like Lynsay Sands, writes funny vampire romances full of sparkling, witty dialogues and characters as unforgettable as those in the more traditionally angst-filled novels of authors like Christine Feehan, Amanda Ashley, Stephenie Meyer, and Kresley Cole. Like the vampires created by Sands, as well as Meyer, the ones in the Love At Stake series refuse to drink from humans. Sparks's vampires drink bottles of synthetic blood, though.

The main character, a vampire named Ian MacPhie, is 500 years old, having been created in the Scottish Highlands when he was dying from a battle wound. He was rather young at the time -- only 15, as a matter of fact. Therein lies his very comical dilemma; while he grows and matures -- intellectually as well as emotionally -- his body remains that of a 15-year-old boy, because vampires stop aging, of course, from the moment they are transformed into denizens of the undead world. Poor Ian wants to be taken seriously, but he looks like a teenager, which puts a real cramp in his style, especially where the ladies are concerned... So he decides to try the new "Stay Awake" drug, which allows vampires to remain conscious during daylight hours. The drug makes him age 12 years, and the effect on the ladies is remarkable, to say the least.

Now Ian is intent on finding his soul mate, because he wants to get married. Och, bless his old-fashioned Scottish heart! Unfortunately, he goes to the wrong place -- a nightclub named, of all things, "The Horny Devils", which is strictly for vampires. Since the club features male strippers (I must say that's a bit sleazy for a Christmas-themed romance), he knows it will be teeming with vampire women.

This is where the comedy of errors begins, for Ian runs into Vanda, a friend who barely recognizes him, since she only remembers the teen-faced Ian. Once he presents her with his dilemma, she insists on posting his profile, which she herself writes, on a dating site -- "Single In The City". The results are hilarious, and very surprising to Ian, as literally hordes of women begin to pursue him.

Enter one Toni Davis, a human woman, expert in martial arts, and recently hired by McKay Security to guard the vampires while they sleep in a townhouse owned by one of their leaders, Roman Draganeski, inventor of the "Stay Awake" drug as well as synthetic blood. While Ian tries to deal with his new-found fame among vampire women, he struggles with his growing feelings for Toni, whom he initially believes is all wrong for him. Toni, too, attempts to fight her increasing attraction to Ian, with no success.

The romance is complicated by skirmishes with rogue vampires who do kill for blood. They are known as "Malcontents", and are as much a threat to the good vampires as they are to humans. Thrown into the mix is the greedy uncle of Toni's friend, Sabrina, who has his niece committed to a mental asylum in order to use her money to pay off his gambling debts. Toni and a good neighbor and friend, Carlos, plan to rescue her. Ian offers his help, and they accept it. And meanwhile, the Malcontents must be dealt with...

The book is full of equally memorable minor characters, such as Phineas, a wise-cracking, African-American vampire and ladies' man, Roman and his son, Constantine, who is half-vampire, and Carlos himself, whose true nature surprises even Toni, who had thought she knew him so well...

This is my first Kerrelyn Sparks novel, and it surely won't be my last! Now I will have to go back to the beginning of the series, in order to meet all the other characters in her vampire world.

I decided to give this book 4 instead of 5 stars because I thought the sex was a little too graphic. The novel is supposed to be a Christmas romance, after all. This aspect of the novel could have been handled with a bit more finesse, I think.

All in all, though, All I Want for Christmas Is a Vampire is a fun read, full of comical as well as serious moments, and the romance is "verra" sweet, indeed!
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Sep 09, 2010 Soraia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: love-at-stake, reviews

This book is simply sweet. Love at Stake is one of those entertaining easy to read series that before you notice, you're addicted. I've been randomly reading the books and every time I finish one I got a smile on my face. This time Kerrelyn Sparks told Ian MacPhie's story.

Anyone following the series felt a little bad for Ian throughout the other novels because of his situation: he was an almost five-hundred-year-old vampire in the body of a fifteen-year-old boy. Thanks to one of Roman's drugs w...more This book is simply sweet. Love at Stake is one of those entertaining easy to read series that before you notice, you're addicted. I've been randomly reading the books and every time I finish one I got a smile on my face. This time Kerrelyn Sparks told Ian MacPhie's story.

Anyone following the series felt a little bad for Ian throughout the other novels because of his situation: he was an almost five-hundred-year-old vampire in the body of a fifteen-year-old boy. Thanks to one of Roman's drugs weird side-effect, he got the chance to grow older and now all he wants is to find his true love.

Toni Davis was viciously attacked by a group of Malcontents vampires and saved by Connor. As he saw her fighting them off, he though she would make a great day guard for the good vamps and hired her. She's been in the job for two days when she's attacked again by a new comer, only this time he was just trying to defend the house. Ian confused her with a thief and their first meeting starts with both sprawled on the floor.

From there, their relationship is downhill, they antagonize each other all the time but as expected slowing grow on one another. Ian is the sweetest hero so far and I just couldn't help but falling in love with him right away. Toni is a little on the dummy side, slow to catch up and terrible at planning things, but she's loyal and ends up convincing us she's a good match for Ian.

The plot is silly and quite predictable, but that's not a problem with this kind of book since it's mostly funny and charming. I love how Sparks is slowly complicating their universe and how she always manages to bring back previous characters. Constantine is an attraction apart, I'm always hoping for a little more of him and always have some good laughs with that cute little boy.

I'm hoping Sparks tells Connor's story soon, I'm curious about him but apparently it will still take a while. The next one is about Giacomo, Jack, the Casanova warrior. I pray he's not really as corny as he sounded when he eventually showed in the series, but even if he is it should be fun.
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Jul 27, 2011 Amanda rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: vampires, series, pnr

I offer up the caveat that this was a gift from a friend, and I was unaware it's the 5th book in a series until partway in. However, I am not a fan of the vampire world Sparks has created. The strict black and white of good vs. evil vampires reads as a childish way to perceive the world, and makes me trust the supposed "good" vampires much less. Additionally, I'm sorry but vampires just shouldn't be running around having Catholic mass. And splicing vampire genetics with mortal genetics so vamp/m...more

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Dec 19, 2009 Jimmy Hanson rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2009, m-f

I just love Ian [who can not??:], and the fact that he and Toni know exactly about each other - vampire vs. human daytime guard - is refreshing in light of the other books in the series. Toni's great 'secret' is personal but a little hard to believe, since her relationship with her best friend isn't explored very deeply. Her persistence and the lengths she goes to [becoming a guard for the Vamps, being so adept at personal defense, etc:] seems over-the-top. And poor Ian ... his situation, while...more

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Sep 10, 2008 Tarah Theoret rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

that's right, vampires and romance. Definitely the kind of book you get funny looks for when reading on the subway... sorry, can't give away any details 'till it's released!

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Oct 30, 2012 Donna rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: uf-pnr, 2012, humour

Another really enjoyable book in this series. Along with smooth writing, great pacing, and loveable heroes, I like the way Sparks addresses the issue of how the heroine will integrate her world with the hero's world. Some heroines remain human, some remain vampire, and some make a transition. In this book, Sparks introduces a new and interesting variation on this theme.

Ian and Toni's relationship is less angsty than in some previous books, but they face their fair share of problems and misunders...more

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Dec 28, 2012 Lisa Burns rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

All I Want for Christmas is a good, fun story. I have read the first four books of this series by Kerrelyn Sparks so I was familiar with the characters. However, this would be an "OK" book to begin the series with. You may find some things confusing but overall you will still understand the story line and character motivations.

Toni wants to find proof that Vampires exist after her friend is attacked by a group of Malcontents. She goes to work for the Vamps as a daytime guard and soon befriends t...more

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About Kerrelyn Sparks

Kerrelyn Sparks is the New York Times bestselling author of a series that mimics its sexy heroes by refusing to die. Now up to book twelve, the Love at Stake series spreads laughter worldwide in thirteen different languages. In spite of a tendency to nibble on necks or howl at the moon, Kerrelyn’s vampire and shapeshifter heroes are still wonderfully romantic.

Please visit www.kerrelynsparks.com w...more

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Books by Kerrelyn Sparks

How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire (Love at Stake, #1)

The Undead Next Door (Love at Stake, #4)

Forbidden Nights with a Vampire (Love at Stake, #7)

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“We have some nachos left.” Carlos motioned to a plate on the table. “But I don’t suppose you’re interested.”
“I already ate.” Ian sat at the end of the table.
“Anyone we know?” Carlos’s amber eyes twinkled. “Ouch.” He glared at Toni.” — 31 people liked it

“That’s Carlos?” Phineas lowered his sword and whistled under his breath. “Hello, kitty.” — 30 people liked it

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All I Want for Christmas Is a Vampire (Love at Stake #5)

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