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Love at Stake #10
Vampire Mine
Nothing on earth can make this vampire fall in love . . .
After 499 years of existence, Connor Buchanan has arrived at an inescapable conclusion: he is a cold-hearted SOB. He's been watching his friends—those poor romantic fools—plummet off the cliff into love like a dazed herd of sheep. But not Connor. He knows that love leads to nothing but heartache.
Until Marielle . . .
She is an angel cast down from heaven for disobedience. Trapped in mortal form, she finds a protector in Connor, a Scottish vampire haunted by a dark past. Marielle hopes to heal his broken heart and earn her way back home, but suddenly she has these . . . feelings. This strange yet pleasant physical yearning—for a vampire! Is this the work of a demon luring her into hell, or has this angel found heavenly bliss?
After 499 years of existence, Connor Buchanan has arrived at an inescapable conclusion: he is a cold-hearted SOB. He's been watching his friends—those poor romantic fools—plummet off the cliff into love like a dazed herd of sheep. But not Connor. He knows that love leads to nothing but heartache.
Until Marielle . . .
She is an angel cast down from heaven for disobedience. Trapped in mortal form, she finds a protector in Connor, a Scottish vampire haunted by a dark past. Marielle hopes to heal his broken heart and earn her way back home, but suddenly she has these . . . feelings. This strange yet pleasant physical yearning—for a vampire! Is this the work of a demon luring her into hell, or has this angel found heavenly bliss?
369 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 1, 2011
116 people are currently reading
4313 people want to read
About the author
Kerrelyn Sparks
37 books5,783 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 568 reviews
May 25, 2022
Vampire Mine by Kerrelyn Sparks
Love at Stake series book 9. Paranormal vampire romance. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series. Religion keynotes as a warning.
Connor can’t believe all his friends have fallen in love. It’s definitely not something he’s interested in. Until Marielle. An Angel without her wings. Literally. Connor finds himself fighting both his attraction to the beautiful woman and his tragic and violent past.
A literal Angel. This was amusing with Marielle learning all about bodily functions she’s never noticed or had to deal with as an Angel. Of course, there are serious issues like the Malcontents and the whole faith topic too but romance is the central theme.
Overall enjoyable and romantic.
Love at Stake series book 9. Paranormal vampire romance. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series. Religion keynotes as a warning.
Connor can’t believe all his friends have fallen in love. It’s definitely not something he’s interested in. Until Marielle. An Angel without her wings. Literally. Connor finds himself fighting both his attraction to the beautiful woman and his tragic and violent past.
A literal Angel. This was amusing with Marielle learning all about bodily functions she’s never noticed or had to deal with as an Angel. Of course, there are serious issues like the Malcontents and the whole faith topic too but romance is the central theme.
Overall enjoyable and romantic.
May 19, 2011
Funny, humorous, some hahaha moment that crack me up and make my stomach hurt (because I laugh so hard) and make me throw noodles at my bed when read this (true!) => note to my self : don't eat anything on your bed, it will be disaster :P
The story is good,not my favorite, not the best at this series, but I'm enjoy it.
Because I'm so lazy to write review about the story, characterization, etc, so just enjoy my character image for both hero and heroine.
My pick for Marielle , a cast out angel
Yep, the model at the cover like Taylor Swift, lol. And Marielle can sing ;)
My pick for Connor, the brooding vampire highlander.
I don't know what his name, LOL. But, this hottie suit Connor appearance :) (and add kilt too, voila! :P)
My favorite quote :
"How does that work?" Gregori lifted his camera, focusing on her. "I mean do you just go down a line, saying 'Eenie meenie mynie moe, sorry, dude, you gotta go?"
LMAO
Need a fun, light paranormal read, just make sure to put this one on your wishlist :)
The story is good,not my favorite, not the best at this series, but I'm enjoy it.
Because I'm so lazy to write review about the story, characterization, etc, so just enjoy my character image for both hero and heroine.
My pick for Marielle , a cast out angel
Yep, the model at the cover like Taylor Swift, lol. And Marielle can sing ;)
My pick for Connor, the brooding vampire highlander.
I don't know what his name, LOL. But, this hottie suit Connor appearance :) (and add kilt too, voila! :P)
My favorite quote :
"How does that work?" Gregori lifted his camera, focusing on her. "I mean do you just go down a line, saying 'Eenie meenie mynie moe, sorry, dude, you gotta go?"
LMAO
Need a fun, light paranormal read, just make sure to put this one on your wishlist :)
April 7, 2011
I debated what to rate this. The fact is, I didn’t like this book at all. Not even a little bit. I’ve read the whole series and while, in general, they work for me. This one did not on any level. But I still gave it a three because the book was average. It wasn’t a horrendous mess. It was simply that I didn’t connect with it.
I actually thought, with about 100 pages to go, that I wouldn’t be able to finish it.
There were two major problems in this book, (1) characterization and (2) things happening to further the story that made no sense.
The main character, Marielle, was a big whiner. She cried through the whole damn book. It was really, really irritating.
On page 303 (of 319) she says:
“I’m so sick of crying.” She wiped her face.
Yeah, me too. But did it stop? No. She cried the whole rest of the book. Let me repeat that:
THE. WHOLE. REST. OF. THE. BOOK.
Marielle wasn't to be outdone by Connor, though. He was a depressed mess. Dude. I wanted to say, shut it, already. Your wife and kid have been dead for FIVE HUNDRED YEARS, get some counseling.
The other characters that we've come to know during the series were off too. For instance, Roman was horribly mean. It didn’t make any sense that he blames Marielle for what happens to his wife. Was it Marielle's fault? No. She was unconscious and she'd TOLD them not to touch her! Then when finds out that she'd saved him as a baby, he forgives her instantly. Um, what?
All the characters seemed to get mad and then be forgiving at the drop of a hat with very little sense.
I didn't like the construction of the book either. Things happen that are like... what? Why even bother?
For instance, there is a speeding truck coming at them and Connor pushes her out of the way jeopardizing his own life. Which, of course, leads to a string of events where everyone's life is at stake and he needs healing, and the angles come... blah, blah, blah.
Did we forget that he could have just flashed with her somewhere else? BECAUSE THAT'S THE LOGICAL THING TO DO. But we can't be logical or there wouldn't be a plot.
And so the whole book went.
Usually the dialog works for me. This didn’t. It read really flat. And the whole angel thing "Praise God," blah, blah, blah. It's a paranormal romance. Let's be totally honest, I read them for the romance and sex. I don't want a sermon.
www.theanonymousmouse.com
I actually thought, with about 100 pages to go, that I wouldn’t be able to finish it.
There were two major problems in this book, (1) characterization and (2) things happening to further the story that made no sense.
The main character, Marielle, was a big whiner. She cried through the whole damn book. It was really, really irritating.
On page 303 (of 319) she says:
“I’m so sick of crying.” She wiped her face.
Yeah, me too. But did it stop? No. She cried the whole rest of the book. Let me repeat that:
THE. WHOLE. REST. OF. THE. BOOK.
Marielle wasn't to be outdone by Connor, though. He was a depressed mess. Dude. I wanted to say, shut it, already. Your wife and kid have been dead for FIVE HUNDRED YEARS, get some counseling.
The other characters that we've come to know during the series were off too. For instance, Roman was horribly mean. It didn’t make any sense that he blames Marielle for what happens to his wife. Was it Marielle's fault? No. She was unconscious and she'd TOLD them not to touch her! Then when finds out that she'd saved him as a baby, he forgives her instantly. Um, what?
All the characters seemed to get mad and then be forgiving at the drop of a hat with very little sense.
I didn't like the construction of the book either. Things happen that are like... what? Why even bother?
For instance, there is a speeding truck coming at them and Connor pushes her out of the way jeopardizing his own life. Which, of course, leads to a string of events where everyone's life is at stake and he needs healing, and the angles come... blah, blah, blah.
Did we forget that he could have just flashed with her somewhere else? BECAUSE THAT'S THE LOGICAL THING TO DO. But we can't be logical or there wouldn't be a plot.
And so the whole book went.
Usually the dialog works for me. This didn’t. It read really flat. And the whole angel thing "Praise God," blah, blah, blah. It's a paranormal romance. Let's be totally honest, I read them for the romance and sex. I don't want a sermon.
www.theanonymousmouse.com
May 7, 2015
Connor's story. The Highlander with the massive guilt complex finally finds relief from his 500 years of pain. An angel lands in the lap on vampires and there is a long history behind her.
Short sweet and filled with angelic moments of flirtations and fondling. HEA, ending and a final death for one of the vampires.
Short sweet and filled with angelic moments of flirtations and fondling. HEA, ending and a final death for one of the vampires.
April 14, 2011
Another fav from Kerrelyn. Not surprised! <3
March 24, 2011
Angels and Vampires and Demons ... oh my!
I often wondered just what kind of woman would be Connor Buchanan’s downfall. I never could have guessed who author Kerrelyn Sparks would have chosen! Truthfully, though it took some time for me to wrap my brain around the idea of an angel and a vampire, once I’d finished this book I knew that there was no more perfect mate for Connor.
Connor tore my heart out in this book. He’s so sad, and carries a black cloud with him everywhere he goes. His heart is full of shame and sorrow, and he feels unworthy of everything, including love. All around him, his fellow vamps are getting married and having children, and he knows with certainty that he’ll never be in that situation.
Of course, something happens to change his mind – the fallen angel, Marielle. What an amazing mix of innocence and sensuality she was. Her despair at being cast out of heaven warred with her delight in the new body she inhabited. It could taste, touch, feel ... and she reveled in each new sensation. This included the unexpected (and somewhat unwanted) desire she feels for Connor. Ms. Sparks made each new experience of Marielle’s so clear, I felt like I was feeling those things right along with her. Her sorrow at no longer being able to commune with fellow angels, her first taste of ice cream, her first kiss. Oh, so well done. Marielle truly tugged at my heartstrings and I loved her from the start.
Of course, the path to “happy ever after” is never easy, and Connor and Marielle had their hands full. Between the evil vampire, Casmir (who’s been a recurring villain throughout the series), a demon who wants Marielle’s soul, and Marielle’s own need to return to heaven (something Connor promises to help her with), not one step is simple.
But don’t think it’s all dark. With nail polish “mishaps” and plenty of fun with “education” Marielle, there’s lightness as well.
This book was a fabulous addition to the series and really touched me on so many levels. Connor was the best tortured hero I’ve read in quite some time, and Marielle was the only woman who could be his match. I smiled, laughed, cried, ached and needed right along with them.
For one of the most emotionally satisfying books in the Love at Stake series, I highly recommend Vampire Mine. Though it won’t stand alone well, that’s okay! If you’re new to this paranormal series, just start at the beginning. Each book is a gem.
Originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
I often wondered just what kind of woman would be Connor Buchanan’s downfall. I never could have guessed who author Kerrelyn Sparks would have chosen! Truthfully, though it took some time for me to wrap my brain around the idea of an angel and a vampire, once I’d finished this book I knew that there was no more perfect mate for Connor.
Connor tore my heart out in this book. He’s so sad, and carries a black cloud with him everywhere he goes. His heart is full of shame and sorrow, and he feels unworthy of everything, including love. All around him, his fellow vamps are getting married and having children, and he knows with certainty that he’ll never be in that situation.
Of course, something happens to change his mind – the fallen angel, Marielle. What an amazing mix of innocence and sensuality she was. Her despair at being cast out of heaven warred with her delight in the new body she inhabited. It could taste, touch, feel ... and she reveled in each new sensation. This included the unexpected (and somewhat unwanted) desire she feels for Connor. Ms. Sparks made each new experience of Marielle’s so clear, I felt like I was feeling those things right along with her. Her sorrow at no longer being able to commune with fellow angels, her first taste of ice cream, her first kiss. Oh, so well done. Marielle truly tugged at my heartstrings and I loved her from the start.
Of course, the path to “happy ever after” is never easy, and Connor and Marielle had their hands full. Between the evil vampire, Casmir (who’s been a recurring villain throughout the series), a demon who wants Marielle’s soul, and Marielle’s own need to return to heaven (something Connor promises to help her with), not one step is simple.
But don’t think it’s all dark. With nail polish “mishaps” and plenty of fun with “education” Marielle, there’s lightness as well.
This book was a fabulous addition to the series and really touched me on so many levels. Connor was the best tortured hero I’ve read in quite some time, and Marielle was the only woman who could be his match. I smiled, laughed, cried, ached and needed right along with them.
For one of the most emotionally satisfying books in the Love at Stake series, I highly recommend Vampire Mine. Though it won’t stand alone well, that’s okay! If you’re new to this paranormal series, just start at the beginning. Each book is a gem.
Originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
March 15, 2011
--- ARC edition read ---
I read How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire, the first book in this series, and absolutely loved it! The underground Vamp culture, abilities, and characters that were created in that first book were hilariously endearing.
Now I enter into the 10th installment of the Love at Stake series and am reintroduced to Connor Buchanan. Connor is a vampire on the cusp of his 500th birthday and is going through what his friends are calling a mid-life crisis. Is he buying fancy cars and being a sugar daddy to countless 200 year old whipper snapper vampire women? No... Instead, he's wallowing in the sorrows and deeds of his long existence. He feels he is unworthy of anything good; he's convinced that he is bound to a shame/guilt filled un-life until he can finally die and take his earned place in Hell. Connor has no problems risking his neck in the name of duty and often disregards orders in order to place himself in dangerous situations.
It is during one of his defiant bouts that his path crosses with a severely wounded (but of course very beautiful) woman he believes to be a vampire severely wounded because she wanted to spare lives during an attack on humans just moments before. He decides that he must have her wounds tended so that he can question her on the events of the evening, so he gathers her in his arms - against her semi-conscious protests - and transports her to his home base. It is soon accidentally discovered that she is an angel of death, not a vampire, and Connor must transport and guard her until the Vamp organization can determine what should be done with her.
When the woman regains consciousness, we learn that her name is Marielle and that she is a rebellious deliverer of souls (aka angel) who has been swayed by her compassion one too many times. She was banished by the Heavenly Host for wanting to spare the lives of three children that were killed during the vampire attack that evening. De-winged and bleeding from the wounds inflicted during her conflict/banishment, all Marielle wants is to return to Heaven and to do so, she believes it is her duty to help Connor and his Vamp society protectors take down their #1 enemy.
And so begins their tale...
My overall impression is that it is a cute book, but probably not one that I would actively recommend...
I liked Connor and Marielle separately as well as together. Marielle's naivety surrounding the mortal world and the inner workings (including going to the bathroom) were cute and that made her endearing to me. Connor is a man's man who is sexy, brave, and flawed in a sexy "I-want-to-save-him" kind of way. My biggest complaint regarding Connor was his always present self doubt berating; I simply tired of hearing him say again and again that he's a "cold hearted bastard" and unworthy of peace, happiness, and love...
There were a lot of 'in between' moments in the story, where it felt like I was just waiting for something to happen, but nothing really did. The action that did take place, no matter the placement in the book/story, was quick to happen & move on, leaving me thinking, "that's it?" The true action of the story took place within the last 60'ish pages. All the build up between Connor and Marielle ended on an anti-climatic note that felt rushed and/or forced and eluded to an outcome that is so similar, if not identical, to the other couples employed by Romatech.
After finishing the book, I questioned if it was really a worthy read: 360'ish pages of 'eh' story with cute characters; the main/built up action taking place primarily within the last 60'ish pages; an ending with a so-so-quick-fix resolution. The answer was not really - it was just OK - 2 out of 5 stars.
A note on the cover of the book: Though the man on the cover is absolutely to die for (no pun intended) gorgeous and drool worthy, he does not tie in to the description of Connor. Connor bright red hair, not dark brown. He wears traditional Scot apparel, not button down black shirt/black pants. Marielle has golden wavy hair down to the small of her back vs. what appears to be dyed blonde hair that hits just past her shoulders.
I read How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire, the first book in this series, and absolutely loved it! The underground Vamp culture, abilities, and characters that were created in that first book were hilariously endearing.
Now I enter into the 10th installment of the Love at Stake series and am reintroduced to Connor Buchanan. Connor is a vampire on the cusp of his 500th birthday and is going through what his friends are calling a mid-life crisis. Is he buying fancy cars and being a sugar daddy to countless 200 year old whipper snapper vampire women? No... Instead, he's wallowing in the sorrows and deeds of his long existence. He feels he is unworthy of anything good; he's convinced that he is bound to a shame/guilt filled un-life until he can finally die and take his earned place in Hell. Connor has no problems risking his neck in the name of duty and often disregards orders in order to place himself in dangerous situations.
It is during one of his defiant bouts that his path crosses with a severely wounded (but of course very beautiful) woman he believes to be a vampire severely wounded because she wanted to spare lives during an attack on humans just moments before. He decides that he must have her wounds tended so that he can question her on the events of the evening, so he gathers her in his arms - against her semi-conscious protests - and transports her to his home base. It is soon accidentally discovered that she is an angel of death, not a vampire, and Connor must transport and guard her until the Vamp organization can determine what should be done with her.
When the woman regains consciousness, we learn that her name is Marielle and that she is a rebellious deliverer of souls (aka angel) who has been swayed by her compassion one too many times. She was banished by the Heavenly Host for wanting to spare the lives of three children that were killed during the vampire attack that evening. De-winged and bleeding from the wounds inflicted during her conflict/banishment, all Marielle wants is to return to Heaven and to do so, she believes it is her duty to help Connor and his Vamp society protectors take down their #1 enemy.
And so begins their tale...
My overall impression is that it is a cute book, but probably not one that I would actively recommend...
I liked Connor and Marielle separately as well as together. Marielle's naivety surrounding the mortal world and the inner workings (including going to the bathroom) were cute and that made her endearing to me. Connor is a man's man who is sexy, brave, and flawed in a sexy "I-want-to-save-him" kind of way. My biggest complaint regarding Connor was his always present self doubt berating; I simply tired of hearing him say again and again that he's a "cold hearted bastard" and unworthy of peace, happiness, and love...
There were a lot of 'in between' moments in the story, where it felt like I was just waiting for something to happen, but nothing really did. The action that did take place, no matter the placement in the book/story, was quick to happen & move on, leaving me thinking, "that's it?" The true action of the story took place within the last 60'ish pages. All the build up between Connor and Marielle ended on an anti-climatic note that felt rushed and/or forced and eluded to an outcome that is so similar, if not identical, to the other couples employed by Romatech.
After finishing the book, I questioned if it was really a worthy read: 360'ish pages of 'eh' story with cute characters; the main/built up action taking place primarily within the last 60'ish pages; an ending with a so-so-quick-fix resolution. The answer was not really - it was just OK - 2 out of 5 stars.
A note on the cover of the book: Though the man on the cover is absolutely to die for (no pun intended) gorgeous and drool worthy, he does not tie in to the description of Connor. Connor bright red hair, not dark brown. He wears traditional Scot apparel, not button down black shirt/black pants. Marielle has golden wavy hair down to the small of her back vs. what appears to be dyed blonde hair that hits just past her shoulders.
March 31, 2011
while I really do like this series, I'm not totally obsessed about it. There were 2 or 3 books I really loved in it and the rest were entertaining. I know I will always keep reading the books in it that get release because I do enjoy this series big time. This book was actually better than I thought it would be. Before the previous books I had been having a bad time with this series, but last book was amazing and this one was as well, I read it in less than a day. Sparks is an great author that always makes me laugh, but this just wasn't my fav book in the series.
I loved the Angels & Demons theme more than anything, I think this book was the one with the best plot in the series no doubts what so ever; still I wasn't that sucked up into the relationship between Connor and Marielle. I mean both characters were ok but they never blew me away, I kept expecting more about them. Marielle was even a bit too predictable. I liked them, don't get me wrong, I just think I was expecting more of this books as I love the angels theme so much. Everything was pretty obvious.
I don't wanna spoil it for anybody, just know that more than one mayor event developed in this instalmment and IMHO all really good which makes me dye now to read more. Can't wait to next book.
I loved the Angels & Demons theme more than anything, I think this book was the one with the best plot in the series no doubts what so ever; still I wasn't that sucked up into the relationship between Connor and Marielle. I mean both characters were ok but they never blew me away, I kept expecting more about them. Marielle was even a bit too predictable. I liked them, don't get me wrong, I just think I was expecting more of this books as I love the angels theme so much. Everything was pretty obvious.
I don't wanna spoil it for anybody, just know that more than one mayor event developed in this instalmment and IMHO all really good which makes me dye now to read more. Can't wait to next book.
June 18, 2012
Vampire Mine: Four stars of Fun
Lately, I have really missed reading paranormal romances. So randomly, last night I decided to take a stab at finding one to read. I stumbled across this book and thought it would be wonderful because its got good ratings and a fallen angel plot. I have never read a story with an angel in it so I was intrigued. However, this is book 10 and I have never even read the descriptions of books 1-9. I knew it was a risk, but I decided to take it. It actually turned out realllllly well!
This book is so sweet and fun. It was funny reading about the heroine ,Marielle, who in some ways was so clueless as she adjusted to having a human body and in others ways was wise beyond her years. And by years i mean, she was created on the Fourth day! O_O. Connor tugged at my heart strings because I do so love a gentle giant tortured hero, and he was definitely that. I loved how their relationship progressed and how they continually fought for each other. I also really loved reading about Marielle's unfailing faith in her destiny and in her religion. It was interesting the added bit of religion because usually I don't see it in PNR and it made it original.
I really liked this book and believe I will read the rest of the books or at least some of them in the series. Because I have not read the series, I found this book cute and not amazing. I believe, had I read the books in order, I would be more invested for sure in the hero and his vampire people. Things like pregnancies were announced and people getting turned into vampire and I didn't give a fig about any of em. Which i'm sure is because like a stubborn ass I don't read in order.
Lately, I have really missed reading paranormal romances. So randomly, last night I decided to take a stab at finding one to read. I stumbled across this book and thought it would be wonderful because its got good ratings and a fallen angel plot. I have never read a story with an angel in it so I was intrigued. However, this is book 10 and I have never even read the descriptions of books 1-9. I knew it was a risk, but I decided to take it. It actually turned out realllllly well!
This book is so sweet and fun. It was funny reading about the heroine ,Marielle, who in some ways was so clueless as she adjusted to having a human body and in others ways was wise beyond her years. And by years i mean, she was created on the Fourth day! O_O. Connor tugged at my heart strings because I do so love a gentle giant tortured hero, and he was definitely that. I loved how their relationship progressed and how they continually fought for each other. I also really loved reading about Marielle's unfailing faith in her destiny and in her religion. It was interesting the added bit of religion because usually I don't see it in PNR and it made it original.
I really liked this book and believe I will read the rest of the books or at least some of them in the series. Because I have not read the series, I found this book cute and not amazing. I believe, had I read the books in order, I would be more invested for sure in the hero and his vampire people. Things like pregnancies were announced and people getting turned into vampire and I didn't give a fig about any of em. Which i'm sure is because like a stubborn ass I don't read in order.
May 28, 2019
She is a freaking angel
This is just it
This is just it
November 15, 2018
I am always in desperate need for sexy good, entertaining vampire romances, so I picked this book up from the library. I don't mean to say it is a bad book (I skimmed some parts so I really am not in the position to pass judgement on the writing quality), but I really am in no mood for the romances of Good Male Vampire falling for some Angel Girl. I'm just not in the mood.
What I want is crazy dangerous, bloodthirsty vampires (be them male or female, straight or LGTBQ), please gimme some!
What I want is crazy dangerous, bloodthirsty vampires (be them male or female, straight or LGTBQ), please gimme some!
April 9, 2011
By far the best in the series!! I always new that Corky was 5 cans short of a six pack...but damn...she really flipped huh?! Can't wait for Gregori's story and imaptiently waiting for Phineas to get his HEA...perhaps with Brynley!!
July 19, 2015
Please just don't listen to the audio of this one. She's soft spoken and a question talker. Ugh!
April 1, 2011
Connor. In previous books he was so grumpy and withdrawn, I expected it to be the same in this book. I was pleasantly surprised by his gentleness with Marielle. Of course you would have to be really bad to be mean to an angel, but still. We do get an explanation for his behaviour and the events that made him the man (vampire) he is today. He is so sad and sees himself as unworthy, especially of an angel. Even though he tries no to care for Marielle, and hurts her with his actions, in the end he totally makes up for it.
Marielle - a fallen angel. She is so lost and confused in the begining by everything, from dressing and eating to well, sex. That parts had me chuckling while I was reading. Of course she is heartbroken, after all she isn't an angel anymore, her entire life changed dramatically after eons. Luckily, she has Connor to help her adjust.
Connor is definitely one of my favourite heroes from the series.
I've only recently read the series, and it seems to me that the newer books are a bit more serious (at least no vampire loses a fang and has to go to the dentinst :) ), but still as funny as ever. We finnaly get to see some more developments in the world of Vamps, and that makes me even more eager to see what happens next. I also like the way that the world contains not only vampires, but weres and now angels & demons. I would like to see more from Zach (an angel) and Dare (a demon).
We also see a lot of characters from the previous book. I usually like this, but it took me a while to remember everyone (after I checked summaries of the previous books). That's coming from someone who read books 5-9 in January.
Rating:
4.5 stars
BTW, the next book Sexiest Vampire Alive is about Gregori, and the release date is September 27th 2011.
Marielle - a fallen angel. She is so lost and confused in the begining by everything, from dressing and eating to well, sex. That parts had me chuckling while I was reading. Of course she is heartbroken, after all she isn't an angel anymore, her entire life changed dramatically after eons. Luckily, she has Connor to help her adjust.
Connor is definitely one of my favourite heroes from the series.
I've only recently read the series, and it seems to me that the newer books are a bit more serious (at least no vampire loses a fang and has to go to the dentinst :) ), but still as funny as ever. We finnaly get to see some more developments in the world of Vamps, and that makes me even more eager to see what happens next. I also like the way that the world contains not only vampires, but weres and now angels & demons. I would like to see more from Zach (an angel) and Dare (a demon).
We also see a lot of characters from the previous book. I usually like this, but it took me a while to remember everyone (after I checked summaries of the previous books). That's coming from someone who read books 5-9 in January.
Rating:
4.5 stars
BTW, the next book Sexiest Vampire Alive is about Gregori, and the release date is September 27th 2011.
December 16, 2011
While these books will never be mistaken for Great Literature I've enjoyed others in the series for what they were, a fun PNR series with some likable characters and some funny dialog. They're nice escape reading. But this one just did me in. It's was mostly with the inconsistency within the book. I read a lot of fantasy/UF/PNR; I'm good with things not working like our world but you need to be consistent within your own world.
So Marielle is an angel who's been cast out for not obeying orders (not like Lucifer mind you - oh, wait, that is what he was cast out for - but no, she's nice). Anyway Marielle is an angel of death, but somehow her touch, which kills humans (that part makes sense) also makes water flow and car engines start. Not sure that's a necessary thing for an angel of death but, OK. When our story starts she's getting used to her new human body. That's pretty standard PNR stuff, not as strong, not as resilient or fast. But no, wait, she's getting used to having any body at all to the point where someone has to tell her when and how she needs to pee. Um, OK. But then she keeps whining about missing her wings and flying and the wind on her face. I'm sorry, you had no body! What were your wings attached to! What face are you missing the wind against! And if you had a body, for F's sake, why wouldn't you know how to pee or brush your teeth! Sorry, I couldn't get past it. Add in my hatred for the "innocent child woman" type and all the wanna be serious religious undertones it was all I could do to finish. But I did finish because I've liked the series in the past and wanted to know if there were any overall developments (there were) and I'm hoping that this was just an aberration and we'll get back to some light-hearted shifter/vampire romance in the future.
So Marielle is an angel who's been cast out for not obeying orders (not like Lucifer mind you - oh, wait, that is what he was cast out for - but no, she's nice). Anyway Marielle is an angel of death, but somehow her touch, which kills humans (that part makes sense) also makes water flow and car engines start. Not sure that's a necessary thing for an angel of death but, OK. When our story starts she's getting used to her new human body. That's pretty standard PNR stuff, not as strong, not as resilient or fast. But no, wait, she's getting used to having any body at all to the point where someone has to tell her when and how she needs to pee. Um, OK. But then she keeps whining about missing her wings and flying and the wind on her face. I'm sorry, you had no body! What were your wings attached to! What face are you missing the wind against! And if you had a body, for F's sake, why wouldn't you know how to pee or brush your teeth! Sorry, I couldn't get past it. Add in my hatred for the "innocent child woman" type and all the wanna be serious religious undertones it was all I could do to finish. But I did finish because I've liked the series in the past and wanted to know if there were any overall developments (there were) and I'm hoping that this was just an aberration and we'll get back to some light-hearted shifter/vampire romance in the future.
September 5, 2015
Vampire Mine es la decima entrega de la serie Love At Stake y narra la historia de Connor ( guardaespaldas de Roman ) y Marielle, un nuevo personaje.
Al principio la trama de los angeles no me convencia del todo pero segun fueron pasando los capitulos fue enganchandome cada vez mas y al final disfrute mucho la lectura, aunque admito que no es el mejor libro de la serie.
3 Estrellas!
June 19, 2017
My second favourite so far!
February 15, 2012
Possibly the best of the series, but it’s definitely one of my favorites of the series. When I read the back of the book I had a feeling I would like this book, but I had no idea how quick I would fall in love with this book. Within the first 50 pages I was hooked and devoured this book.
On the hunt for Casimir, Connor comes upon an argument between ‘Zack’ and Marielle. A blast of wind and a fire attack later he finds Marielle wounded. Gather her up against her murmurs to not touch her he takes her to Romatech for help.
Upon looking at her back, Roman begins to get an idea that she’s an angel. When Shanna enters, she immediately tries to comforts Marielle and upon touching her falls out and is quickly dying. With no alternative, Roman turns her and banishes Marielle from his sight and Romatech.
Feeling deep down she’s not a danger, he takes her to the shifters cabin and stays with her. Approaching his 500th birthday, Connor has accepted his loneliness and claims he’s a cold hearted bastard. His past hunts him and has his feelings grow for Marielle, he feels undeserving of her pure, innocent soul.
Whenever they touch, Marielle gets a glimpse of Connor’s past and knows he’s dealing with a lot of guilt. At first Marielle was a Healer angel, but after twice healing those not meant to be healed she’s demoted to being a Deliverer who takes the souls of those dead to be judged. When she disobeys for the third time she’s banished from heaven. Marielle is hoping that by helping the good Vampires defeat Casimir and earn her wings back.
Yet as she learns the way of the human world with the help of vampires, shifters, and Connor himself she begins having trouble drawing a line between where she feels she should be and where she wants to be.
Connor and Marielle struggle with their feelings. Connor feels he’s at a lost because despite falling in love again she’s not staying. Marielle battles with what she knows her life is like in heaven and what it could be here on earth.
The battle with Casimir finally comes to an end, but at the cost of Sean and Father Andrews. But don’t fear Sean fans! Shanna yells enough and makes Roman transform his father-in-law who threatens him constantly. Father Andrews is surrounded by Roman and friends as Marielle gives him his last prayer before Zack arrives for his soul.
However, the win comes at a potentially dangerous price when Corky promises to release the video taken of the fight, proving vampire existence, to avenge Casmir’s death. Sure enough, the YouTube is up and quickly getting views. It will take serious damage control to keep things from getting ugly.
Guilt over killing Casimir and causing the video to be released pushes Connor over the edge. The fact he’s failed his promise to Marielle to get her back to heaven is heavy on his mind. He seeks out the demon Darafer who has come after Marielle to make a deal with him.
Turns out Darafer cannot take a willing soul to hell if they are sacrificing themselves for someone. Both safe, Gabriel arrives to tell Marielle she was never banished from heaven. All her mistakes were needed to be made and she always made the right choice. Her sentence to earth was for the redemption of Connor. His guilt over killing his village after they killed his wife and newborn daughter needed to be eased and she was the one to do it.
Now, she given a choice and choose to stay. Gabriel marries them and makes her as immortal as he is. Her friend, Buniel gifts them with the power to reproduce for the night. Needless to say they obey that order and hightail it back home.
This book had so many connections to previous books. Marielle’s two previous mistakes had touched all of them.
So many things happened in this book! Shanna, her father, Father Andrew, Casimir just to name a few. This is a must read!!
On the hunt for Casimir, Connor comes upon an argument between ‘Zack’ and Marielle. A blast of wind and a fire attack later he finds Marielle wounded. Gather her up against her murmurs to not touch her he takes her to Romatech for help.
Upon looking at her back, Roman begins to get an idea that she’s an angel. When Shanna enters, she immediately tries to comforts Marielle and upon touching her falls out and is quickly dying. With no alternative, Roman turns her and banishes Marielle from his sight and Romatech.
Feeling deep down she’s not a danger, he takes her to the shifters cabin and stays with her. Approaching his 500th birthday, Connor has accepted his loneliness and claims he’s a cold hearted bastard. His past hunts him and has his feelings grow for Marielle, he feels undeserving of her pure, innocent soul.
Whenever they touch, Marielle gets a glimpse of Connor’s past and knows he’s dealing with a lot of guilt. At first Marielle was a Healer angel, but after twice healing those not meant to be healed she’s demoted to being a Deliverer who takes the souls of those dead to be judged. When she disobeys for the third time she’s banished from heaven. Marielle is hoping that by helping the good Vampires defeat Casimir and earn her wings back.
Yet as she learns the way of the human world with the help of vampires, shifters, and Connor himself she begins having trouble drawing a line between where she feels she should be and where she wants to be.
Connor and Marielle struggle with their feelings. Connor feels he’s at a lost because despite falling in love again she’s not staying. Marielle battles with what she knows her life is like in heaven and what it could be here on earth.
The battle with Casimir finally comes to an end, but at the cost of Sean and Father Andrews. But don’t fear Sean fans! Shanna yells enough and makes Roman transform his father-in-law who threatens him constantly. Father Andrews is surrounded by Roman and friends as Marielle gives him his last prayer before Zack arrives for his soul.
However, the win comes at a potentially dangerous price when Corky promises to release the video taken of the fight, proving vampire existence, to avenge Casmir’s death. Sure enough, the YouTube is up and quickly getting views. It will take serious damage control to keep things from getting ugly.
Guilt over killing Casimir and causing the video to be released pushes Connor over the edge. The fact he’s failed his promise to Marielle to get her back to heaven is heavy on his mind. He seeks out the demon Darafer who has come after Marielle to make a deal with him.
Turns out Darafer cannot take a willing soul to hell if they are sacrificing themselves for someone. Both safe, Gabriel arrives to tell Marielle she was never banished from heaven. All her mistakes were needed to be made and she always made the right choice. Her sentence to earth was for the redemption of Connor. His guilt over killing his village after they killed his wife and newborn daughter needed to be eased and she was the one to do it.
Now, she given a choice and choose to stay. Gabriel marries them and makes her as immortal as he is. Her friend, Buniel gifts them with the power to reproduce for the night. Needless to say they obey that order and hightail it back home.
This book had so many connections to previous books. Marielle’s two previous mistakes had touched all of them.
So many things happened in this book! Shanna, her father, Father Andrew, Casimir just to name a few. This is a must read!!
April 15, 2011
What a wonderful book! I have been waiting for Connor’s story and it didn’t disappoint! This book was so well written, I truly believe Ms. Sparks gets better with each book! I already can’t wait for the next one! This book made me both laugh and cry. There were some major surprises that I wasn’t expecting at all. So, if you have not yet read this book be warned there are major spoilers ahead and I don’t recommend reading further until you’ve read the book!
Connor Buchanan is a vampire, and he’s about to turn 500 years old. He thinks (and so does everyone else) that he’s a cold-hearted SOB. Well, maybe he is- sometimes. That is until he stumbles across Marielle, an angel who just had her wings taken from her for her third act of disobedience. Unfortunately, Marielle was an angel of death- a Deliverer. So, when Connor brings her back to Romatech for care and Shanna happens to touch her- Shanna starts dying. Roman quickly initiates what he must to make his wife a vampire. Needless to say Roman is not very fond of Marielle. Connor is given the task to guard Marielle from a demon who tries to take her and from other humans and shifters who could die because of her touch. Marielle believes that in order to get back into heaven she must help Connor and the others to defeat Casimir. As Connor helps Marielle to use and control her heavenly powers they start to fall in love.
At the end of the book there are two battles that take place between the Vamps and the Malcontents, lead of course by Casimir (and Corky- the busty vampire news reporter turned Malcontent). Shanna’s father, Sean, also insists on fighting, which is his fatal mistake. Shanna makes her husband, Roman, turn her father, who actually takes it rather well. In the final battle Casimir is slain, but unfortunately, so is Father Andrew. Marielle sees the angels take his soul to heaven. At the very end Connor makes a bargain with the demon to get Marielle back into heaven. But, the demon is actually thwarted, because since he is willing to sacrifice himself in the place of another he cannot be taken to hell. The angel Gabriel offers Marielle her wings back; she refuses, wanting to stay with Connor. Gabriel marries Connor and Marielle and makes Marielle immortal (living as long as Connor lives in the form she looks now- meaning she won’t age). Another angel, Buniel, a healer, “heals” Connor’s sperm (just the for night).
Connor Buchanan is a vampire, and he’s about to turn 500 years old. He thinks (and so does everyone else) that he’s a cold-hearted SOB. Well, maybe he is- sometimes. That is until he stumbles across Marielle, an angel who just had her wings taken from her for her third act of disobedience. Unfortunately, Marielle was an angel of death- a Deliverer. So, when Connor brings her back to Romatech for care and Shanna happens to touch her- Shanna starts dying. Roman quickly initiates what he must to make his wife a vampire. Needless to say Roman is not very fond of Marielle. Connor is given the task to guard Marielle from a demon who tries to take her and from other humans and shifters who could die because of her touch. Marielle believes that in order to get back into heaven she must help Connor and the others to defeat Casimir. As Connor helps Marielle to use and control her heavenly powers they start to fall in love.
At the end of the book there are two battles that take place between the Vamps and the Malcontents, lead of course by Casimir (and Corky- the busty vampire news reporter turned Malcontent). Shanna’s father, Sean, also insists on fighting, which is his fatal mistake. Shanna makes her husband, Roman, turn her father, who actually takes it rather well. In the final battle Casimir is slain, but unfortunately, so is Father Andrew. Marielle sees the angels take his soul to heaven. At the very end Connor makes a bargain with the demon to get Marielle back into heaven. But, the demon is actually thwarted, because since he is willing to sacrifice himself in the place of another he cannot be taken to hell. The angel Gabriel offers Marielle her wings back; she refuses, wanting to stay with Connor. Gabriel marries Connor and Marielle and makes Marielle immortal (living as long as Connor lives in the form she looks now- meaning she won’t age). Another angel, Buniel, a healer, “heals” Connor’s sperm (just the for night).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2012
Connor has been a great character in this series and we have seen glimpses of him in every single book. His disbelief at all of his friends falling in love, to him it was rediculous. So I couldn't wait to see which lovely lady would bring him to his knees.
Connor is really down in the dumps after 500 years and he has completely lost his purpose. Feeling more and more lonely and isolated.
In comes Marielle. An angel sent down to earth, her wings ripped from her body for disobeying her oreders on more than one occasion.
Connor and Marielle were a great couple but I was a little dissapointed with their romance, I just wanted to see a bit more of it. I was constantly waiting for that incredibly hot scene that takes your breath away, it just never came. But I still liked them. I found Marielles naivety hilarious if some what annoying. There were many laugh out loud scenes that had me in tears and I loved the way Connor reacted to her. How many times he was having a drink and she would say something really embarrassing or sexual and he would spit blood everywhere LOL. It was great.
There was so much going on in this book I don't really know where to start. The war with Casamir turned a massive corner.
Saun Whelan got his comeuppance, although I really wish they would just have let him die. I really hate that guy! I loved how he was laying there dying and all the guys were arguing because none of them wanted to be the one to turn him.
As usual I loved all the characters surrounding the main couple. Phineus was hialrious as usual... Is he getting the hots for Phil's sister and had finally forgetting about Latoya? I hope so.
Grigori had me nearly wetting myself, I love his sense of humour and can't wait to see him hang up his bachelor boots and find a girlfriend.
So excited to see where this series goes next.
Connor is really down in the dumps after 500 years and he has completely lost his purpose. Feeling more and more lonely and isolated.
In comes Marielle. An angel sent down to earth, her wings ripped from her body for disobeying her oreders on more than one occasion.
Connor and Marielle were a great couple but I was a little dissapointed with their romance, I just wanted to see a bit more of it. I was constantly waiting for that incredibly hot scene that takes your breath away, it just never came. But I still liked them. I found Marielles naivety hilarious if some what annoying. There were many laugh out loud scenes that had me in tears and I loved the way Connor reacted to her. How many times he was having a drink and she would say something really embarrassing or sexual and he would spit blood everywhere LOL. It was great.
There was so much going on in this book I don't really know where to start. The war with Casamir turned a massive corner.
Saun Whelan got his comeuppance, although I really wish they would just have let him die. I really hate that guy! I loved how he was laying there dying and all the guys were arguing because none of them wanted to be the one to turn him.
As usual I loved all the characters surrounding the main couple. Phineus was hialrious as usual... Is he getting the hots for Phil's sister and had finally forgetting about Latoya? I hope so.
Grigori had me nearly wetting myself, I love his sense of humour and can't wait to see him hang up his bachelor boots and find a girlfriend.
So excited to see where this series goes next.
April 1, 2011
Good Gawd, I love a hot vamp in a kilt!! Grrr..
And Good Gawd, I LOVED this book! Read it in one go, and I was smiling the entire time, I think...
This book, the 10th in this amazing series, is about Connor, the Scottish vamp. He is Romans personal boduguard, and when out on a mission to kill some evil bastards, he comes across an Angel, getting her wings clipped, and banished to Earth.. Of couse he doesnt know this at the time, and he certaintly doesnt know that this beautiful girl used to be the Angel of death either..
This is about their love story, and Holy Hell, I loved their love story! The Angel, Marielle could be the sweetest main character ever written.. She's not used to having a human body, so everything is new to her. Food, feelings, tastes and of course sex..
This could be one of the funniest LAS books for sure.. Marielle was effing funny.. I mean, how she kept using the word blowjob (not knowing what exactly it is, of course) just killed me.. lol So funny!
Its such a sweet story, and it was excatly what I needed.. Yeah, ok, the ending was a bit rushed, and a bit too perfect, but whatever.. We all need a sweet HEA once in a while..
Phineas & Brynley?? Oh hell yeah.. Thats going to be one kick-ass book! Please Dear God, let them be a future couple! Love them together!
All in all, this was just a great read, and such a sweet and very funny love story!
October 18, 2011
The one thing I am sooo happy about is that she did not use the word "RASCAL" to describe any vamps in this book! Amazing. She uses it atleast 3 times per book so far, and it's a Texan description, not greek, not parisian, not brazilian. SO! I do have to add my praise!
One thing that still sucked as usual was the cover. NONE of these books have had a cover with the hair color or length of any character in any of these books. OH! And the angel in this one... Her wings were burned off. BUT they are on the cover. Well, so much for that rant. Since I know she can't pick her covers, I did not doct stars.
This was a good story of Conner's redemption & an angel stripped of her wings who choses if she will go back to heaven or not. A few people become vamps who you don't expect & there is a sad death of an on going character. I was so sad! BUT, the next book may fix it a little, who knows. I will start that later today.
There are a lot of pieces to this story that are climactic ends, addition to the vamp coven, & shifting sides, If I am specific, it is a spoiler, so this is all. The romance was smooth and fit perfect. It was pretty funny at times too.
One thing that still sucked as usual was the cover. NONE of these books have had a cover with the hair color or length of any character in any of these books. OH! And the angel in this one... Her wings were burned off. BUT they are on the cover. Well, so much for that rant. Since I know she can't pick her covers, I did not doct stars.
This was a good story of Conner's redemption & an angel stripped of her wings who choses if she will go back to heaven or not. A few people become vamps who you don't expect & there is a sad death of an on going character. I was so sad! BUT, the next book may fix it a little, who knows. I will start that later today.
There are a lot of pieces to this story that are climactic ends, addition to the vamp coven, & shifting sides, If I am specific, it is a spoiler, so this is all. The romance was smooth and fit perfect. It was pretty funny at times too.
April 23, 2011
Vampire Mine is like a decadent calorie-free dark chocolate morsel; sinful and satisfying and so good for you that you instantly feel better even as your body cries out for more. Ms. Sparks has a way of writing that sucks you right into the storyline, the lives of the characters, and the very heart of their battles. Not only were the emotional aspects of this novel brimming over, but the new experiences Marielle had with items such as tying shoes, eating ice cream, and feeling human desire made this book seem so realistic. While this is part of the Love at Stake Series, it can be read as a standalone. I hope we will get to see more outstanding work from Kerrelyn Sparks, not only with the vampires and shifters, but with some of the other angels mentioned throughout this book.
Danielle
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Full Review: http://coffeetimeromance.com/BookRevi...
Danielle
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Full Review: http://coffeetimeromance.com/BookRevi...
May 21, 2011
I was really looking forward to reading this book and it didn't disappoint! I've read every book in the Love at Stake Series and this is a great addition. Vampire Mine continued the underlying battle with the malcontents and opened new possibilities for future books.
As always, Sparks made me laugh-out-loud. The romance between Connor and Marielle was sweet and burning at the same time. The book had several twists that surprised me.
I had wondered how the entire angel/religious theme would work. It worked! I don't want to give too much away, but I'll say it was a perfect balancing act.
I recommend reading the first nine books before Vampire Mine because it will enhance your enjoyment, not because it's necessary. Yes, if you've never read anything by Kerrelyn Sparks the crew of secondary characters might be a bit confusing, but the book does stand on its own.
Vampire Mine was a very enjoyable read!
As always, Sparks made me laugh-out-loud. The romance between Connor and Marielle was sweet and burning at the same time. The book had several twists that surprised me.
I had wondered how the entire angel/religious theme would work. It worked! I don't want to give too much away, but I'll say it was a perfect balancing act.
I recommend reading the first nine books before Vampire Mine because it will enhance your enjoyment, not because it's necessary. Yes, if you've never read anything by Kerrelyn Sparks the crew of secondary characters might be a bit confusing, but the book does stand on its own.
Vampire Mine was a very enjoyable read!
August 22, 2017
This book seemed to be written a little differently then the other books. I highly enjoyed it. The incorporation of angels and demons was very nice. I loved how Kerrelyn finally let us see into Connors past and see him happy. I was getting so sad for him. I thought the end of the book wrapped things up very nicely. I honestly can't think of what the next book will entail but I'm looking forward to it very much! I don't want to give specifics so as to spoil any ones experience if they read this book. But it is worth it especially if you've read the other books in the series!
re read
re read
March 30, 2011
I LOVED it!!! Grouchy Conner finally gets his mate! I loved Connor and Marille together.
As normal Kerrelyn made me laugh throughout the book. But she also made me cry not far into the book, if you have been following the series you will know why I cried when you get to it in the book.
I love the sarcastic humor in all of Kerrelyn's books =)
I can't wait for Gregori's story to be told!
As normal Kerrelyn made me laugh throughout the book. But she also made me cry not far into the book, if you have been following the series you will know why I cried when you get to it in the book.
I love the sarcastic humor in all of Kerrelyn's books =)
I can't wait for Gregori's story to be told!
January 4, 2016
i really enjoyed reading this book it was so beautiful one of my favourite reads in this series. i am so happy conor found happiness. ⚠ warning tissues needed
September 4, 2021
I knew Connor and Mariel's story was going to be special, but it literally blew me away. It turn's out so complicated that at any moment I did not know what would happen. You just think you've figured out what's going on and the next moment everything rotates 360 degrees. The story was so fascinating that I couldn't leave the book until I read it. Kerrelyn Sparks has chosen Mariel's character to be Connor's love with such precision so her story became connected not only with Connor, but also with the other characters in the series and especially with Roman.
September 21, 2020
Angel of Mercy, Vamps and vengeance
Connor has hated himself for nearly 500 years, but the night he saves a fallen angel, he finds himself falling in love.
Marielle, semi-human for the first time ever, and discovers earthly pleasures - like chocolate and handsome Scott's .
This one is great fun and results in the final battle to defeat Casimir, and the redemption arc for Connor is wonderfully done.
Connor has hated himself for nearly 500 years, but the night he saves a fallen angel, he finds himself falling in love.
Marielle, semi-human for the first time ever, and discovers earthly pleasures - like chocolate and handsome Scott's .
This one is great fun and results in the final battle to defeat Casimir, and the redemption arc for Connor is wonderfully done.
March 4, 2024
Reviewed for THC Reviews
Vampire Mine is the tenth book in Kerrelyn Sparks’s Love at Stake series. About to turn 500 years old, Connor is having a “mid-life crisis.” He’s having trouble following orders, which is causing friction with his boss, Angus. On one such night, he ignores a direct order from Angus to follow a lead on their arch enemy, Casimir, and ends up at a camp near Mount Rushmore, where he finds several dead humans. While still at the scene, he sees some mysterious flashes of light, and upon investigation, he discovers a barely conscious, naked woman with burn marks and wounds on her back. Thinking she’s a Malcontent who might be able to give them information about Casimir, he teleports her to Romatech for medical attention. However, it quickly becomes clear that she’s neither Vamp nor human when a human touches her and almost instantly dies. Knowing she poses a risk to the mortals at Romatech, Connor takes her to a remote cabin to look after her, where he eventually discovers that she’s an angel of death. Marielle was banished to Earth for disobedience, where she’s stuck in her human form, but retains some of her angel powers. Never having been human before, she finds everything about it a new and interesting experience, particularly her attraction to Connor. However, missing the Heavenly Host terribly, she’s determined to earn her way back to heaven. After spending some time with Connor and his friends, Marielle finds purpose in helping them defeat Casimir and believes that it may be the whole reason she was abandoned on Earth. By the time she’s ready to assist in taking down their nemesis, though, she’s fallen in love with Connor and isn’t sure if she truly wants to return to heaven after all. But if she stays, Connor doesn’t feel worthy of a sweet angel like Marielle, instead believing that actions in his past have made him irredeemable.
Connor watched many of his fellow Vamps fall in love, and while that’s well and good for them, he scoffs at the idea for himself. He believes he’s a cold-hearted bastard and has no intention of following in their footsteps. He loved someone once, and it ended in tragedy, so he’s avoided any romantic entanglements ever since. As he approaches his 500th birthday, he’s also starting to have something of an existential crisis as well. When he finds Marielle, it gives him something to focus on, but when someone he cares about is harmed after touching her, he blames himself for bringing her into the midst of the people he thinks of as family. However, when he finds out she’s an angel, he vows to protect her while she’s on Earth and do everything he can to help her get back to heaven. After discovering that she can sense impending death anywhere in the world with her angel powers, he thinks they might have found the perfect secret weapon to taking out Casimir, so he begins to train her in focusing her powers to help them do just that. Along the way, he starts to develop feelings for her that he thought were long dead, but his love may not be enough to keep her on Earth. And even if she did stay, Connor believes himself marked for hell because of things he did in the past and doesn’t believe himself worthy of his beautiful angel. Connor is one of the sexy, Scottish Highlander Vamps in this series that I’m a total sucker for. He’s not the kind of guy who sleeps around and I think it was briefly mentioned that he’s been celibate for a long period of time, which is always appealing to me. He’s experienced tragedy in his life that gives him some of the hallmarks of a classic tortured hero, although I have to admit that I found myself wishing that his feelings surrounding everything that happened had been deepened a little more and that it hadn’t taken until nearly the end to find out what was bugging him so much. But overall I really liked Connor and thought he was a good hero.
Like Connor, Marielle sometimes has trouble following orders. Years ago, she was a healer angel who really enjoyed her work, but after disobeying, she was reassigned to be an angel of death as punishment. Now she’s once again defied orders, which has resulted in her banishment from Heaven and losing her wings, though not all of her angel powers. Trapped in her human form on Earth, she awakens to find herself in Connor’s care. She’s horrified to learn that she harmed someone while unconscious and can’t understand why Connor seems to be okay after touching her. She soon learns that he’s a Vamp, creatures many of her fellow angels disdain and call Cheaters for having cheated death. But Marielle is open-minded enough to realize there are both good Vamps and bad ones who are called Malcontents. When she discovers that her powers might be able to help the good Vamps defeat their enemy, someone who has destroyed many human lives, she’s eager to help. Connor spends every night training her to focus her powers so that she’ll know how to protect herself and they can use them to find Casimir. In the process, she begins to fall for her handsome protector, and finds herself in a quandary about whether she wants to stay with him or return to Heaven as she originally planned. But if she decides to stay, she may have trouble convincing Connor he’s a worthy mate for an angel. Marielle is totally adorable. She’s sweet and innocent, completely unfamiliar with her new human body and all the feelings that come with it, both physical and emotional. I love her for being so kind, compassionate, and accepting of Connor and all his flaws. At the same time, she’s brave enough to go into battle with them against Casimir, so I thought she was a pretty well-rounded heroine.
As is usual for this series, there are appearances in supporting roles by many of the other characters who have their own books. Of course, Roman and Shanna (How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire) are the leaders of this merry band of Vamps. They experience some pretty significant changes in this story, as does Shanna’s father, Sean. As the heads of Mackay Security and Investigations, Angus and Emma (Be Still My Vampire Heart) are also front and center, leading the charge against Casimir. Jean-Luc (The Undead Next Door), Ian (All I Want for Christmas Is a Vampire), Jack (Secret Life of a Vampire), Robby (The Vampire and the Virgin) and Phil (Forbidden Nights With a Vampire) all take part in the pivotal battles. Phil’s mate, Vanda, along with her sister, and Phil’s sister, Brynley, show Marielle the ropes of being human and teach her a few questionable (LOL) things. Brynley will be paired with Phineas, who is seen several times in his new capacity as head of security at Romatech, in the twelfth book, Wanted: Undead or Alive. Playboy Gregori, who’ll become the hero of the next book, Sexiest Vampire Alive, can’t resist coming to visit and flirt with the lovely Marielle. Some other series characters are mentioned but don’t have actual lines, and we also get updates on several of them, many of whom are now expecting.
I have to admit that I finished Vampire Mine feeling that it definitely had some weaknesses and wasn’t the strongest, nor one of my favorite books of the series. One of my biggest issues was that there were two main plot points needing resolution, the first being the big battle with Casimir, and the second being Connor’s feelings of unworthiness. Unfortunately I came away from reading the book, feeling rather let down on both counts. The points were resolved individually, but in both cases, they felt rushed and rather anticlimactic. There just wasn’t quite enough tension or buildup to either one and then they were both over in fairly short order. The other thing that kind of bugged me is that there’s quite a bit of repetition. Connor keeps saying how he’s on hell’s short list, not worthy, etc., while Marielle keeps saying that she has to find a way back to heaven, both of which got a little tiresome after a while. I think a little deeper introspection and character development might have helped with this. I was ever so slightly disappointed with the steam factor as well. I seem to recall most of the previous books of the series being pretty sexy, but this one only had two love scenes that I thought were only perhaps a half-step above moderately descriptive. Up to that point, I kind of felt like I was being hit over the head with what was supposed to be sexual tension, but it was more told than shown. That’s not to say that the story was bad, though. I did still enjoy it for what it was. I know this series is on the lighter side of the paranormal spectrum, so I don’t exactly hold it up to quite as high of a standard as I would a more serious one. In some ways that helped to save it for me. I also really liked Connor and Marielle, both as individual characters and as a couple, which is always a big plus in any romance’s favor. And there are lots of other fun supporting characters to catch up with as well. There were several amusing moments as Marielle learns about being human, and also a LOL funny scene where the Vamps have to figure out what to do about Sean Whelan, a guy none of them likes very much, when things don’t go as planned. So overall, despite my issues, Vampire Mine was still a pretty good read.
Vampire Mine is the tenth book in Kerrelyn Sparks’s Love at Stake series. About to turn 500 years old, Connor is having a “mid-life crisis.” He’s having trouble following orders, which is causing friction with his boss, Angus. On one such night, he ignores a direct order from Angus to follow a lead on their arch enemy, Casimir, and ends up at a camp near Mount Rushmore, where he finds several dead humans. While still at the scene, he sees some mysterious flashes of light, and upon investigation, he discovers a barely conscious, naked woman with burn marks and wounds on her back. Thinking she’s a Malcontent who might be able to give them information about Casimir, he teleports her to Romatech for medical attention. However, it quickly becomes clear that she’s neither Vamp nor human when a human touches her and almost instantly dies. Knowing she poses a risk to the mortals at Romatech, Connor takes her to a remote cabin to look after her, where he eventually discovers that she’s an angel of death. Marielle was banished to Earth for disobedience, where she’s stuck in her human form, but retains some of her angel powers. Never having been human before, she finds everything about it a new and interesting experience, particularly her attraction to Connor. However, missing the Heavenly Host terribly, she’s determined to earn her way back to heaven. After spending some time with Connor and his friends, Marielle finds purpose in helping them defeat Casimir and believes that it may be the whole reason she was abandoned on Earth. By the time she’s ready to assist in taking down their nemesis, though, she’s fallen in love with Connor and isn’t sure if she truly wants to return to heaven after all. But if she stays, Connor doesn’t feel worthy of a sweet angel like Marielle, instead believing that actions in his past have made him irredeemable.
Connor watched many of his fellow Vamps fall in love, and while that’s well and good for them, he scoffs at the idea for himself. He believes he’s a cold-hearted bastard and has no intention of following in their footsteps. He loved someone once, and it ended in tragedy, so he’s avoided any romantic entanglements ever since. As he approaches his 500th birthday, he’s also starting to have something of an existential crisis as well. When he finds Marielle, it gives him something to focus on, but when someone he cares about is harmed after touching her, he blames himself for bringing her into the midst of the people he thinks of as family. However, when he finds out she’s an angel, he vows to protect her while she’s on Earth and do everything he can to help her get back to heaven. After discovering that she can sense impending death anywhere in the world with her angel powers, he thinks they might have found the perfect secret weapon to taking out Casimir, so he begins to train her in focusing her powers to help them do just that. Along the way, he starts to develop feelings for her that he thought were long dead, but his love may not be enough to keep her on Earth. And even if she did stay, Connor believes himself marked for hell because of things he did in the past and doesn’t believe himself worthy of his beautiful angel. Connor is one of the sexy, Scottish Highlander Vamps in this series that I’m a total sucker for. He’s not the kind of guy who sleeps around and I think it was briefly mentioned that he’s been celibate for a long period of time, which is always appealing to me. He’s experienced tragedy in his life that gives him some of the hallmarks of a classic tortured hero, although I have to admit that I found myself wishing that his feelings surrounding everything that happened had been deepened a little more and that it hadn’t taken until nearly the end to find out what was bugging him so much. But overall I really liked Connor and thought he was a good hero.
Like Connor, Marielle sometimes has trouble following orders. Years ago, she was a healer angel who really enjoyed her work, but after disobeying, she was reassigned to be an angel of death as punishment. Now she’s once again defied orders, which has resulted in her banishment from Heaven and losing her wings, though not all of her angel powers. Trapped in her human form on Earth, she awakens to find herself in Connor’s care. She’s horrified to learn that she harmed someone while unconscious and can’t understand why Connor seems to be okay after touching her. She soon learns that he’s a Vamp, creatures many of her fellow angels disdain and call Cheaters for having cheated death. But Marielle is open-minded enough to realize there are both good Vamps and bad ones who are called Malcontents. When she discovers that her powers might be able to help the good Vamps defeat their enemy, someone who has destroyed many human lives, she’s eager to help. Connor spends every night training her to focus her powers so that she’ll know how to protect herself and they can use them to find Casimir. In the process, she begins to fall for her handsome protector, and finds herself in a quandary about whether she wants to stay with him or return to Heaven as she originally planned. But if she decides to stay, she may have trouble convincing Connor he’s a worthy mate for an angel. Marielle is totally adorable. She’s sweet and innocent, completely unfamiliar with her new human body and all the feelings that come with it, both physical and emotional. I love her for being so kind, compassionate, and accepting of Connor and all his flaws. At the same time, she’s brave enough to go into battle with them against Casimir, so I thought she was a pretty well-rounded heroine.
As is usual for this series, there are appearances in supporting roles by many of the other characters who have their own books. Of course, Roman and Shanna (How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire) are the leaders of this merry band of Vamps. They experience some pretty significant changes in this story, as does Shanna’s father, Sean. As the heads of Mackay Security and Investigations, Angus and Emma (Be Still My Vampire Heart) are also front and center, leading the charge against Casimir. Jean-Luc (The Undead Next Door), Ian (All I Want for Christmas Is a Vampire), Jack (Secret Life of a Vampire), Robby (The Vampire and the Virgin) and Phil (Forbidden Nights With a Vampire) all take part in the pivotal battles. Phil’s mate, Vanda, along with her sister, and Phil’s sister, Brynley, show Marielle the ropes of being human and teach her a few questionable (LOL) things. Brynley will be paired with Phineas, who is seen several times in his new capacity as head of security at Romatech, in the twelfth book, Wanted: Undead or Alive. Playboy Gregori, who’ll become the hero of the next book, Sexiest Vampire Alive, can’t resist coming to visit and flirt with the lovely Marielle. Some other series characters are mentioned but don’t have actual lines, and we also get updates on several of them, many of whom are now expecting.
I have to admit that I finished Vampire Mine feeling that it definitely had some weaknesses and wasn’t the strongest, nor one of my favorite books of the series. One of my biggest issues was that there were two main plot points needing resolution, the first being the big battle with Casimir, and the second being Connor’s feelings of unworthiness. Unfortunately I came away from reading the book, feeling rather let down on both counts. The points were resolved individually, but in both cases, they felt rushed and rather anticlimactic. There just wasn’t quite enough tension or buildup to either one and then they were both over in fairly short order. The other thing that kind of bugged me is that there’s quite a bit of repetition. Connor keeps saying how he’s on hell’s short list, not worthy, etc., while Marielle keeps saying that she has to find a way back to heaven, both of which got a little tiresome after a while. I think a little deeper introspection and character development might have helped with this. I was ever so slightly disappointed with the steam factor as well. I seem to recall most of the previous books of the series being pretty sexy, but this one only had two love scenes that I thought were only perhaps a half-step above moderately descriptive. Up to that point, I kind of felt like I was being hit over the head with what was supposed to be sexual tension, but it was more told than shown. That’s not to say that the story was bad, though. I did still enjoy it for what it was. I know this series is on the lighter side of the paranormal spectrum, so I don’t exactly hold it up to quite as high of a standard as I would a more serious one. In some ways that helped to save it for me. I also really liked Connor and Marielle, both as individual characters and as a couple, which is always a big plus in any romance’s favor. And there are lots of other fun supporting characters to catch up with as well. There were several amusing moments as Marielle learns about being human, and also a LOL funny scene where the Vamps have to figure out what to do about Sean Whelan, a guy none of them likes very much, when things don’t go as planned. So overall, despite my issues, Vampire Mine was still a pretty good read.
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